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Well, here in the Algarve the summer was extremely hot but this did not seem to deter many of you from coming to ride both in the arena and through the surrounding countryside. Our horses did a sterling job – including the new members of the team – and, even though our big weight carrier, Rebecca, was not in work, we think we managed to accommodate most of you on the the horses that you most wanted to ride.
We are sure you would all like to say a big ´thank you´ to both the human and equine members of the Pinetrees team for all their hard work throughout a very busy summer.
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Celebrating the end of the summer
And we too would like to return the thanks for all your support throughout the summer and, indeed, the year as a whole. Your enthusiasm and support helps us keep going in difficult economic times.
Now the autumn is almost upon us residents can take advantage of a less busy time to resume group lessons ... particularly good for lapsed riders... and for the more advanced we now have three schoolmasters for you to ride and enjoy.
HALF DAY SUCCESS
As you are by now aware, we introduced two new Half Day Ride Outs this year and both have proved a great success. They are both an adventure and quite a testing ride for horse and rider because of their duration and how to cope with the heat.
Whether riding through the Ludo valley with its orange groves, watercress beds and old farmhouses, before stopping for lunch at the A Colina restaurant; or, across the Ria Formosa where the mud flats tracks give an excellent surface for cantering, especially when covered by a little salt water as the tide goes out, and there is also a wealth of plant life on the dunes including a rare plant only found in this unique
corner of Europe.
The Ria Formosa also provided the perfect backdrop for the Full Moon rides ... an experience not to be missed!
A few of the many Riders who enjoyed the exhilarating hack through the Ria Formosa and the Ludo Valley during a Half Day Ride Out this summer.
NEW MEMBERS OF THE EQUINE TEAM
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Following the arrival of ECLIPSE, two more horses have joined the Pinetrees team ...
Firstly, TEDDY. He is a 7 year old Haflinga type pony of Palomino colouring with dapple marks on his bottom. He is a real character and many of our riders have taken him to their hearts. He is proving to be a valued member of the team. Teddy is owned by Riding for the Disabled in the Algarve and will be used for hypotherapy as he has a very good, rhythmic stride.
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 And then, came SUAN.
Suan
is a 1m.60 / 16h.h. 10 year old gelding bred by Carlos Mira from Beja. He is a
kind, gentle natured fellow and with a lovely repertoire of classical lateral
movements, and he can do flying changes and a Spanish walk. His canter is just
amazingly comfortable.
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Meanwhile, ECLIPSE has settled in well and is greatly loved by all our younger riders and our staff!!!
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We also thought you might like to meet SEGREDO who has recently purchased by Alice Gonçalves and her mother, Sue (who teaches at Pinetrees) Segredo is here on livery. He is a 7 year old Lusitano with a lovely temperament. He is Dapple grey but will get lighter with age. |
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And, just a quick note to all Quinto fans to say that he is now back in work.
UPDATING WEBSITE
One of our clients, Vanessa Moore, who is a talented graphic artist and web designer, is up dating our web site. This is a very exciting challenge for us and will give you new information and new pics, with better optimisation. We will let you know when it is ready for you to peruse!
HEIDI CAUGHT IN RABBIT TRAP!
Long legged Heidi, who loves nothing better than running through the woods and chasing rabbits had a bad experience recently. On the half hour walks you may remember the log piles where the rabbits live. On a recent ride Heidi yelped and we found her legged caught in a forged iron animal trap.
Luckily Heidi´s leg was not broken but badly bruised and she was extremely lucky that her nose was not trapped too!
We have alerted the enviromental police as these traps are totally illegal and the Ria Formosa is a protected area. Besides which, these traps cause terribly suffering for any rabbits or other animals caught in them ... what´s more, it could have been a child!
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QUICK ACTION SAVED ACCESS THROUGH FOREST TRACK
Recently one of our clients alerted us to the fact that south of Vale de Garrão yet another route leading through the beautiful pinewoods to the beach was blocked by rocks. On investigation, in conjunction with the manager of the nearby Ria Park Hotel, Sr. Baltazar, we found that this track had been blocked in order to stop people ( builders and garden maintenance) dumping rubbish. Sr. Baltazar acted quickly and had the rocks separated by the following day to give enough space so that both people and horseriders could once again use this track down to the beach, saving yet another valuable route through the area.
Three cheers for Sr. Baltazar! This elegant hotel, by the way, has the most stunning views through the forest to the beach and sea. If you are looking for a hotel for your next visit look at their site:
www.riaparkhotels.com
YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED!
Beverley has recently had another meeting with one of the managers at “The Keys” -the new devolpment on the west side of Quinta do Lago. Sadly “someone” had never informed them of the importance of the Quinta boarder track as an access for horse riders. It has been used by horse riders, nature walkers, and doggy people certainly since 1972. It also serves as an important fire break in an area of high risk.
The already approved plans for this development block access to the south and therefore the Ancão beach area, also to the east for rides to Ludo. We are now having to ride through the road behind the shopping centres to gain access to the Quinta roundabout!
Sadly plans have been passed but they are looking in to the possibility of helping. Perhaps you could e-mail Richard West at The Keys to show your concern. E-mail:
rwest@e3property.com
HORSE AND HOUND
This event is now planned for October – either Sunday 18 or Sunday 25
– with Riding Classes in the morning then the fun and games of Horse and Hound in the afternoon.
If you are planning coming out during this period, do let us know and we will send you more details and the programme.
HORSE FOR SALE
Handsome 15.2 Dark Bay Gelding 9 yrs Old Irish all-rounder, Dressage, SJ, XC, will try anything Trailblazers Championships 06, 07, 09 Gentleman, good to do in every way, snaffle mouth Hacks alone and in company Fit, competing weekly and being placed Uni forces sad loan/sale
£4,500 Lapworth, Warwickshire
07824883860
01564775065
If you would like any further information on anything in this newsletter or want to make a booking, please do contact us on
Meanwhile, wishing you all a happy Autumn and hope to see you again soon
