Where we ride

Santa Rita

The finca (farm) is situated near Mercadal on the hilly, wooded north part of the island. It has been used to run riding excursion since 2002, before that it was a working dairy farm making it’s own cheese. The old cow shed is now used as a daytime stable for the horses, with each horse having it’s own trough and drinking bowl. The horses all know their own place inside and come in each morning of their own accord, where they know breakfast will be waiting. At night the horses all go outside together to relax with their friends. Other buildings have been converted to use as accommodation and tack rooms, and there is a terrace where riders can relax with a cold drink after their excursion.

Farms around Santa Rita have few good fields, and are mostly either holm-oak and olive woodland or rough hills, many are no longer viable as dairy farms. This countryside is, however, perfect for horse riding excursions which is also a great way of allowing everyone access to enjoy the scenery and tranquil atmosphere.

Cami de Cavalls

The old ‘Horse Road’ around the island was built by the French who occupied Menorca between 1756 and 1763, for defence and to connect all the coastal farms and villages. Legislation has now been passed to enable the path to be reinstated for public use, although in does not always follow exactly the track of the original road. Many sections of the Cami de Cavalls can now be used again by horses, and you now have the chance to explore the old road with us

Cami d’en Kane

‘Kane’s Way’ was the first road across the island from Mahon to Cuitadella, built in the early 1700’s, by the British Governor Richard Kane. The section from Mercadal to Mahon still exists as a quieter alternative to the main road and is recommended as a scenic driving route. From Mercadal, the road has public access as for as the gate of Santa Rita, and it then passes through the farm and forms part of many of our excursion routes.

Wildlife

Holm-oak forest

Most of our excursions pass through part of the ancient woodland, the holm-oaks are evergreens which can grow to very large trees, you will see some big ones near the bridge at Santa Rita. In the past pigs were put into the forest to eat the acorns. Charcoal-burners worked in the forest and the paths which we ride along were made by them to bring out the charcoal by horse-drawn cart. The woods are full of funghi in autumn, and searching for edible ‘setas’ and ‘cama secas’ is a favourite pastime of the locals.

Fields and hills

Even in the driest part of summer there are always flowers and birds to be seen on our excursions. If you visit the island in August you will find the fields brown and parched, but by September after the first rain everything turns green again. Menorca is at it’s most beautiful in spring with carpets of flowers everywhere. We often see many species of butterflies during spring and summer including swallowtails, wall browns and red admirals. You will almost certainly see a kestral or eagle during your ride and in summer you might come across a tortoise wandering along.