A community equestrian event along the banks of Gomenaro River, Mijas, attracted over 60 horses.

Peña Caballista de Mijas organised an event on Saturday, February 28, to commemorate the Day of Andalucia with over 60 horses and their riders taking route through Mijas’ lush and verdant countryside revitalised by recent rainfall.

The Gomenaro River flowed abundantly for the first time after a long period of time. Riders traversed picturesque pathways, taking in the natural beauty which highlighted the local flora.

Celebrate the horse traditions of Andalucia

At the end of the excursion, there was a lively performance and a community gathering. Academia Expresión delivered traditional Andaluz dances, complemented by Fátima Burgos and her group Regalo, who provided melodic songs that brought together everyone with a sense of unity and pride to be from Andalucia. Peña Caballista seeks to safeguard horse customs by innovating with fresh routes and community-focused activities.

Ana María Guerrero, recently appointed president of Peña Caballista, expressed excitement over the successful event aimed at encouraging more locals and expats to join. In order to ensure the smooth running of the ride, collaboration was essential. The riders shared their stories and advice during the trip.

The adventure began at Parque El Esparragal. This is a traditional starting point for these adventures. The trail then led to the Rengo region, which offered tranquil views along riverbanks. The path then curved back through Cerro del Águila and the Gran Parque zones, showing off the diverse terrain from open fields to shaded groves. The midpoint stop at Rengo provided the opportunity for horses and riders to relax, hydrate and socialize.

Sebastián Moyano, a key organiser and experienced horseman, detailed the loop’s design. The emphasis was on accessibility, which is for riders of all levels. This promotes enjoyment over competition. The positive feedback received from participants was a result of such planning.

Rider experiences

This type of gathering cultivates expertise and community. Moyano emphasized the joy of exploring new methods in the company of encouraging peers. This event became a social highlight.

Peña Caballista gears up for an upcoming coastal equestrian path set for March 14. Participants are looking forward to the ocean breezes and sandy beaches that will make for unique riding challenges.

The projects like this open new doors for both veterans and newcomers. Ongoing initiatives are fueled by a dedication to cultural conservation, which promises vibrant scenes for the equestrian world in the future. Engagement in the community is key to sustaining growth and enthusiasm.