II Spirit of the Wind horse 'raid' starts this afternoon

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CASARES The second edition of the Raid Hípico Espíritu del Viento is scheduled for this weekend. This is a race that values the state of the horse at the finish line, than the time it takes to get there. Some 30 riders are expected to turn up on Saturday morning for the race. But the event also has a series of parallel activities, too. The weekend begins this evening at the Casa Natal Blas Infante with a chat from the organizers, plus another by a veterinary podologist (a 'hoof man') starting at 5pm - as well as a riding fashion show that begins at 7pm. You can get more info by calling the numbers on the poster.

Reader's info: horse riding in Jimena

Original painting by Deborah

(Via e-mail) Riding at Cortijo Román close to Jimena de la Frontera.  We have a small selection of horses for hacking out. Not suitable for beginners, but lessons can be arranged. Is  there a  competent rider close by who may like to share expenses and some horse care, in return for riding. A high level is  not necessary, but to be able to control a horse out of doors at canter. Car owner essential. Contact Deborah: Home 956 641 386,  mobile 678 833 020.

First 'Riding Raid' coming up tomorrow in Jimena

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JIMENA The first edition of what is called a Raid Hípico (a ride of a specific distance), under the title Espíritu de Arrieros ('Spirit of Muleteers'), is scheduled for tomorrow morning starting at the sports pavilion. More information can be had from www.espiritudelviento.com, info@espiritu-del-viento.com or on 610 739 365 or 610 717 165. (No, there is no information about what time things start, so get onto the phone and let us know, please! You could also expand our knowledge by giving us some more relevant information of what exactly this thing consists.)

Gourmet riding, or having a great time on horseback

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JIMENA / S.M. del Tesorillo We came across this from our Facebook friend Emma-Jane Lees. It is she who is in the photo that appeared in the Travel section of yesterday's Times (we tried to access it directly but had forgotten that Rupert Murdoch wants our money, and since we have none ...). The article is about a forthcoming ride that is rather tweely described in the organizer's website, Riding Andalucia, as Gallops for Gourmets (we prefer the Galloping Gourmets, except it's too close an old cokkery show) that sets out for a 7-day jaunt on October 15 from their base into the mountains that surround us, stopping at Cortijo El Nobo, just outside Gaucín, for meals prepared by none other than Chef Neil Armstrong. Sounds like enormously good fun, about which you can find out more from Ride Andalucia.

Forty riders take part in inaugural ride for new company

CASTELLAR Some forty riders from Málaga and Cádiz took part last Saturday in the inaugural ride set up by a new company in town: Gestión Patrimonial Castellar GP. The ride took some ten hours around La Almoraima. Participants had a great time, as they were able to see not only the spectacular surroundings and views, but also sighted numerous wild animals typical of the area. Included was the Guadarranque reservoir, where they stopped for a rest. The event was a grand success thanks also to the management at Finca La Almoraima and Almoraima Hotel.

Jimena's first Doma Vaquera competition is scheduled for Sunday

Doma Vaquera is loosely translated as Spanish Dressage, we're told. However, the word vaquera is related to vaca, or cow, so we must assume that the kind of thing they do is linked in some manner to the way a horse is trained to deal with cattle. This is just a supposition and we would really appreciate it if someone who knows, can tell us how it differs from Dressage as we know it from the Olympics, say (we're not talking about standards here, just how it works). In any case, this year's May Fair in Jimena, features a Doma Vaquera competition, which is new. This is scheduled for Sunday at 1pm at the fairgrounds. But there's a lot more, which you can see on the full programme (presently under construction by TranslationHELP).

Peña Caballista El Estribo de Jimena's first event this season

JIMENA The Peña Caballista El Estribo (riding association) is holding a romeríathis Saturday, April 9, at the Vereda Real, leaving from the fairground in Jimena at 12noon to 1pm. It sounds like a great ride, and is open to all, members or otherwise. This is the first of several such meetings and events the Peña are planning this season. A carriage will be available throughout the ride for a free little drink, and a flamenco show is scheduled as well. Drinks and tapas will be available at the bar, served by members. (Note: Wish I had a horse!)

Why horses at the Novena? See programme here

Anyone remotely interested in those (usually) tall four-legged things with long noses and fur they call horses, will know that the Novena celebrations in honour of Our Lady Queen of the Angels, patron saint of Jimena, includes a whole area, plus marquee, for them, as well as their mounts. It is run by the Peña Caballista El Estribo, a large group of local riding enthusiasts whose aim is to promote the world of horses and associated activities. Among other things, they take part in most if not all the parades around the village, have donkey and/or mule races, riding exhibitions and games and a lot more. See the El Estribo programme below, and check the Novena's FULL PROGRAMME HERE.>