Equus Alpujarra and Acompalia announce May, horseback-endurance event to raise funds for charity
Amanda Gibbs of Equus Alpujarra has announced plans for a 30-kilometre, Horseback-Endurance Raid/Ride to help raise funds for Granada-based palliative care/hospice charity Acompalia.
Horses and riders will arrive and check in with the organisers on Friday 16 May at Alqueria de Morayma Rural Hotel in Cadiar in the Alpujarra, (www.alqueriamorayma.com) Here, horses will be checked by a vet to ensure that they are in good health.
The event itself begins at 09.00h on Saturday 17th of May, when up to 40 horses and riders, (with a minimum of two in each group) will assemble at the start point. It is hoped that the alcalde of Cadiar will declare the event open.
Some points to note:
• Entries will be accepted until 3rd of May. Later entries up to the 16th of May will be at the discretion of the organisers and there will be an additional charge of €10 per horse and rider. No entries can be admitted on the day of the event.
• The cost of entry per horse/rider will be €30, payable by bank transfer or direct payment to Caja Rural Bank. Account details will be in the entry pack.
• Novice riders and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a experienced horse and rider. Children need written parental permission and be capable of completing the distance in under five hours.
• Riders enter the event under their own responsibility and must sign a disclaimer taking full responsibility for themselves, their horses and any damage caused to property or third parties.
Amanda Gibbs says that the Alqueria is a great starting point for the event: “It’s a lovely restaurant and bar venue with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada. There is limited stabling and corrals for up to 20 horses. Further land is available close by for tying up or creating your own corral,” she added. “We recommend groups book early for horse and rider accommodation, and there’s a discount for groups.”
The 30-kilometre route offers views of the traditional whitewashed villages from La Taha to Yegen, where Gerald Brenan, the author of South of Granada made his home. You’ll also glimpse Mulhacen, Spain’s highest mountain peak, and the stunning natural scenery of the Contraviesa mountains. A halfway stop is scheduled at Cuatro Vientos Bodega, Restaurant and Museum in Murtas. (bodegacuatrovientos.es).
“It’s going to be a very special journey, from the green valleys of the Sierra Nevada to the coast of the Mediterranean, and through thousands of years of history,” said Amanda.
An experienced rider herself, Amanda believes the course should take from three to four hours to complete, depending on the pace set by the rider, based on their horse’s fitness. The horses will climb from the Morayma starting point of 900 metres to Cuatro Vientos Bodega at 1,200 metres, the highest point of the route. The tracks are in good condition at this time, but riders should prepare their horses for rocky terrain in places.
A ‘Raid’ is a competitive, endurance event for horses and there will be time limits. Teams will incur penalties for going too slow or too fast, or if a horse fails the vet check. “The winning criteria will be the health, fitness and condition of the horse and the partnership of horse and rider,” said Amanda. She believes that the 30km distance is demanding but achievable for an experienced horse and rider.
The event will finish at the start point, the Hotel Alqueria de Morayma, where horses will once again be checked by a vet.
“We’re going to end the day with a fabulous party at the Morayma,” said Amanda, “with Chiara Calegari providing great food and with dance music by DJ Looneytoons. It’s free for the riders, but non-participating guests can join the fun too! Tickets will be on sale soon, and we hope lots of Acompalia’s friends will take this opportunity for a joyful celebration.”
Tina Emmott, president of Acompalia, said she is very grateful to Amanda for organising this unique event. “It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the beautiful area we live in and to fund raise for Acompalia at the same time,” she said. “We will use the funds to support the Acompalia Telephone Helpline.”
Acompalia’s future plans include home visits by trained carers and a Day Care Centre with trained staff offering wellbeing services such as massage and physiotherapy. Ultimately, Acompalia plans to build and staff a 15-bed hospice, providing full nursing care in a peaceful garden setting.
For further details about the event, please call:
Amanda Gibbs of Equus Alpujarra on: 662300293, email ajsombra3@gmail.com
Taffy on: 659 581 999, email: seantaffyos@yahoo.co.uk
(News: Cadiar, Alpujarra, Granada, Andalucia)