The equestrian route along the beach has once again left spectacular images of the coast of La Cala de Mijas. Hundreds of horses came to the beach last Saturday for a ride and even a dip. There were also plenty of carriages, which tourists and bathers did not hesitate to take pictures of. Their riders were taking part in the ninth edition of this horse route, which has far exceeded the number of participants from last year and previous years, with some 325 riders taking part. "I think we are getting better year after year. It is a very well received event in the municipality, not only by people from the municipality itself, but also by people who come from outside", explained the councillor for Livestock of the Mijas Town Hall, Eloy Belmonte (Vox), who told how some people from Cordoba who came to the route without knowing exactly what they were going to find ended up on the beach “amazed” and “enjoying". The route "continues to grow year after year and has already become an essential event for the world of horses in the province", said the councillor, adding that "Mijas has once again demonstrated its commitment to tradition and its ability to organise great events that unite the whole municipality".

The riders came from different parts of the province, some even from foreign cities such as Cordoba or Madrid, and in total there were participants of up to ten different nationalities. But this route is not only a meeting point for the riders, it is also full of benefits for the horse. "Any horse gathering where they can socialise is very good for them. They are social and all these things are good for them psychologically. Apart from physically, as the frog, which is the horse's toe, benefits a lot from the salt water and walking in the sand is just as good for them as it is for us", explained the president of the Peña Caballista Mijeña, Juan López Ayala, who announced that the route to the El Camorro hill will take place on the 26th of April. "My horse liked it because he was very nervous, but he got to the beach and calmed down", said the young Isa Calzado.   

 

The route organised by the Town Hall in collaboration with the Peña Caballista de Mijas had the participation of various municipal departments. In this regard, the councillor for Livestock explained that the route involved the departments of Festivities and Traditions, Parks and Gardens, Operational Services and Beaches, as well as the municipal company Mijas Complementary Services with staff from the Renta Básica programme. Local Police and Civil Protection personnel from Mijas also took part, as there was a security and medical team. A farrier and a veterinarian were also on hand in case of any problems. The coordination work "has been perfect and essential for the success of the day", said Belmonte, adding that Mijas is "demonstrating the importance of the horses for the municipality, how deeply rooted they are and the respect that all the riders have for them", added the councillor. 

The aim of this deployment is that everything went well and the riders enjoyed the route that started from the park of El Esparragal and ended in the park of Los Olivos, where rice and tripe were made and there were flamenco performances. "The experience is extraordinary. I participate every year", said Francisco López Vega, who took part with a horse-drawn carriage. Flores Medina also liked the initiative: "You go along the sand, we get together, a lot of horses, a lot of friends, we go to the beach, then we eat in Los Olivos, where we make rice.... It's great that this route is organised because we always get together and have a good time". For her part, the rider Claudia Moreno highlighted "the experience of being on the beach with the horse". "I think it's very nice", added the young rider, who is taking part for the first time this year. It is also the first year for Mariam Martín, who, in addition to taming horses, offers horse therapy: "For me, a horse is life-giving. This one got me out of a big depression and since then I haven't stopped riding". For these riders, their horses are a very important part of their lives.

 

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