Endurance riding trial

/in , /by

Team Los Rubios (our young riders team) we treated to a real life experience of Endurance Riding on Sunday when Caroline took them through the what, why and how of this sport.

Caroline is a champion rider, competing around Andalucia in 60 and 80km races. She had a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with these talented young riders.

From what racing is, to how to train for it, equipment used, the process, vet checking, time requirements etc – they went through everything including a demonstration and practice with the all important heart monitor.

Then they were split into pairs, given a course and a time reference (maximum and minimum) and off they went to try a competition for themselves!

There was a disqualification (for being too fast!) but everyone had a lot of fun, picked up some new skills, some new confidence riding out on their own and some big smiles!

Meet the new horses

/in /by

We’ve had some new arrivals at the Ranch. So we’d like to introduce you to our new horses.

QUASI is the oldest of our new horses, at around 16 years old. Typical Spanish (he has that high stepping leg action!) he is such a sweet boy and always so eager to please. When he arrived he had some issues with being tied up, tacked up and mounted and was a little too eager but he’s settled well. He now is quite happy standing around watching the world go by!

This is BEN, a second Palamino (blonde) at the Ranch. He is a chunky, tall boy, 10 years old and sadly has a cataract in one eye. He was a little spooky when he got here because of his sight but he’s learning so quickly not to be scared, is very friendly and much loved by the lady who now part loans him, Tessa.

Lastly, the lovely YODA. It seems Caroline has fallen in love with buckskin (this colour) horses and this horse has a personality to match her outer beauty. She is a youngster, only 4 years old, but with a very wise head on her shoulders. She’s taken absolutely everything in her stride, is very chilled, a lovely ride and has awesome manners. We all adore her (and we didn’t cut her tail, her last owner did! We are growing it.)

  • Meet your horse and team at the ranch
  • Groom and tack up
  • Fun lesson to learn skills & gain confidence
  • Hour ride out to a local viewpoint
  • Photos and cava overlooking the sea and Africa!40 euros per person. Minimum 2 people.

Green green grass!

/in , /by

Our horses have been out enjoying the green green grass of Spring!

And there’s more of it than usual.

You may have seen that this part of Spain has had a lot (and we mean A LOT) of torrential rain, continuously, throughout March and into April? The reservoirs which were in deficit for the last 3 years or more, causing drought warnings and water shortages, now have enough water for quite a few years. The annual rainfall and then some more on top fell in less than a few weeks.

The result though is that the wildflower meadows are incredible this year, and the grass is high, green and rich. The horses made a beeline to that green green grass on a recent ride to the river.