Boom!

Quick phone snap as the Minorcan's bring an outstanding 2017 festival to a close with a firework display two minutes walk from the hotel.

Great to hear...

It was lovely to get an email from Ross who came to visit Arrayan several years ago as part of his research into an art project he was developing called Criollo.  There has been a film made between Argentina and New York and also a long ride currently taking place between Athens and Kassel.

As a mark of his gratitude and out of respect to Mark, Ross proposed that the organisers of this years Tschiffely Memorial ride dedicated a ride to Mark and that was held yesterday, Saturday the 24th of June in the mountains of Dreisesselberg.

Olé, Olé, Olé

A few more snaps from this afternoon, Ciutadella was absolutely packed, the horses still look immaculate and the riders smiles never falter.

Saint John's Day

At eight o'clock in the morning the piper returns to the Lord Caixer's home to ask permission to begin the replec of the caixers and cavallers, from that moment on the horses take over the city's streets and then the des Pla games (jocs des Pla) commence.  This morning we saw the ring games (L'ensortilla) where the riders gallop and aim to lance an iron ring hanging from the centre of the arena from a cord.  And the embracing run (Correr abracats) where two horseman gallop alongside each other hugging, and trying to give each other a kiss as a symbol of fraternity.

Festes de Sant Joan 2017

Saturday is the first of the two great days of the festival, at two o'clock in the afternoon the piper goes to the Lord Caixer's house riding an ass (somereta) to ask permission to begin gathering (the 'replec') the caixers and cavallers.  Once granted permission, the piper begins to gather the cavalcade which proceeds on horseback behind the somereta.  The main act of the day is the 'Caragol des Born' which takes place in the square with the same name, it launches the festivities with the horses rearing to the beat of the jaleco.

Just a few (ha, ha) photos straight out of the camera for tonight, they pretty much say it all, Cuitadella your horses and riders are magnificent.

Malambo continued...

Ally is cracking on with Malambo's rehab, the physio report was pretty stark reading but not really a surprise as his normal pudgy Criollo withers seem to have morphed into a sharks fin that would put Jaws to shame.  Next visit is in four weeks time and lots of stretching work in the meanwhile should hopefully see him start to build up some top line.