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PINETREES CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN THE ALGARVE
To celebrate its 25 years of providing quality riding in the Algarve, Pinetrees Riding Centre in Almancil held a Summer Gymkhana party with various events and games for its younger riders from all over Europe ... Portugal, England, Germany, France and Holland.
Firstly came the Equitation Classes providing riders of all ages to show off
their skills to visiting judge Sheila Greenfield Lee. For many riders, who only
ride when out in Portugal, this was the highlight of their holiday. In the
Leading Rein class, Ela Rowland showed great control and a good active walk on
the pony, Alinta, and Harriet Batstone was very good doing the bending poles.
In Class 2, walk and trot without a leader, Erin Stevens position on Spike
shone out against the rest of the group and Olivia Graham sat well on the little
Welsh pony Eclipse.
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Alice Gonçalves once again presented a picture of elegance on her horse, Segredo and came top of Class 3, making great canter transitions and riding well defined circles.
For many years Pinetrees, under the leadership of owner Beverley Gibbons, has nurtured many young riders. One talented rider has gone on to became a member of the junior German National Dressage team! After the riding clases much fun was had with “Invisible Jumps” and Cross Bar jumping – a challenge for these young riders who took home a rosette for a clear round.
Then, for the more experienced young riders, came Clear Round Jumping over a course of eight jumps . New horse Falcão (Falcon) proved to be a reliable and popular jumper.
Between the classes, Musical cones and poles were very popular and always bring out a laugh even though the competition is stiff.
These events are also used to fund raise for local charities and the proceeds from the entries and catering went to help others less fortunate.
All in all, everybody had a good time and Riding for the Disabled in the Algarve was thankful for the monies received from the entries.
“I cannot beleive that we have been here for a quarter of a century,” says Bev Gibbons. “ I can remember when we first started and ....... and it just seems like yesterday.
“I would like to thank all of our clients for their support over the years and hope that they and their family and friends will continue riding at Pinetrees for many years to come.
“ We have received congratulations and thanks from many of you, including the following which seems to sum up your thoughts ......
Congratulations on celebrating 25 years of Pinetrees Riding Centre!
This is indeed an achievement of which you should be rightly proud. You have givenso much pleasure to countless children and adults alike adding to their holiday anexperience to remember in these beautiful Algarve surroundings.In addition you have spent so much time and endless patience helping the disabledenjoy the same satisfaction of riding. This has involved you in a lot of hard work andtravelling which all goes to show what a special lady you are!
Best wishes for the future of Pinetrees!
AND, WHAT´S MORE, WE HAD AN INSPECTION VISIT BY WENDY HAWKES OF THE ABRS AND WE PASSED... WHAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE OUR 25 YEARS!
A HOT & STEAMY SUMMER AT PINETREES
The summer this year in the Algarve has been the hottest since the 1930´s!!!!! Here, at Pinetrees, we have had to search for shade for both horses and riders ... not an easy task in temperatures of 35ᵒ plus and we have all had to keep drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
But, this has not deterred us ... or our clients. We have started early ... finished before midday .... and then ridden again late in the afternoon. Riding through the Ludo Valley and across the mud flats near the beach provided popular particularly with a good lunch at the end of the hot ride ... although there was often a welcoming breeze nearer the coast
RDA STARTS AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER
Riding for the Disabled in the Algarve needs active and fun people from all language groups to assist with its project. If you would like to help in a very worthwhile way and, at the same time, meet new people, we would like to hear from you.
At the end of September Riding for the Disabled in the Algarve will be resuming sessions for physically and mentally challenged children and young adults in a specially designed programme, using the horse´s movement to help with their problems.
Voluntary helpers are urgently needed to lead horses or walk alongside less able riders. Sessions are held during the school terms on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at Pinetrees Riding Centre, Almancil (between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo) and last for approximately one hour or, once you are really fit, you could even do two sessions in one morning!
We will be holding introductory welcome sessions on Monday 20th and Monday 27th (commencing at 10.00am) at Pinetrees for both newcomers and seasoned volunteers. Do not worry if you have not had any experience with either horses or disabled people as we will be holding on-going training sessions to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to be of most help. Please do come along, meet the team, have a cup of coffee and hear more about our work.
If you would like any further information please do telephone Sandie on 919060604 or Rosemary on 964027677.
Meanwhile, RDA was invited to give a demonstration at Fatacil.. .a large exhibition held in Lagoa every year. Alinta and Boneco were duly shipped off to the showground and behaved beautifully on both the journey and throughout the hour´s demonstration, during which riders Melanie, Ana Teresa and João with the help of physiotherapist, Isobel Ponte, and Rosemary and Bill Owen and and Bill Glindon from RDA, showed the crowds the benefits of hippotherapy and riding therapy.
EQUESTRIAN ART
Pinetrees took a group of sixteen horse enthusiasts to see a wonderful display by the world famous Luís Valença with his team of dancing Lusitanos at a new riding school between Péra and Algoz – Real Picadeiro (www.realpicadeiro.com)
The horses performed beautifully and in such superb surroundings. The costumes were marvellous and the lighting effects stunning!
A wonderful evening was had by all and we are promised that there will be more such displays in the future ... so we will keep you posted.
GRAND PARTY
Charlie Mackenzie is well known in the horse world, having been involved with horse racing all his life. His son spent many years competing in eventing. Charlie´s new development between Vale de Lobo and Quarteira, Cavalo Preto Beach Resort, (
www.cavalopreto.eu
) staged a spectacular opening night at the beginning of August with an a list party (that means it included Bev...) A display was put on by Lusitano horses and their riders who came down from Lisbon. On the second night the public were i nvited to enjoy for free the horse show which also incorporated displays of dancing, fado singing and traditional guitar. The horses were ridden in tradional style with tack and costumes and the display was fantastic. Many thanks go to Charlie and his team for such a wonderful treat.
Anyone looking for a nice appartment with sea views should have a chat to Charlie.
AND FINALLY ....
THERE ARE STILL A FEW PLACES AVAILABLE FOR THE TRIP TO TOMAR
The trip, from 13 – 16 September, includes visits to a stud farm, the town of Golegã, the Castle in Tomar, horse drawn carriage rides, and more ... see the Pinetrees website at www.pinetreesridingcentre.com for full information and a booking form.
The cost is 260 euros per person (sharing a room) for 3 nights B&B plus transfers and 3 dinners with drinks included. This does not include air fares.
IF WE DO NOT SEE YOU ON THE TRIP WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL AGAIN SOON IN THE ALGARVE REGARDS
Beverley and the team at Pinetrees
