Spanish life

31/01/2025

When yours horses match the landscape

22/12/2022

Perfect gift to banish all colds and sniffles. A fermented vinegary spicy potion of loveliness.

17/09/2022

17/09/2022

Well here's a (true) story...
Back in June we went to see a pony for Rubin to learn to ride.
After over an hours drive and we were excited to meet him. He was super cute but the size of a golden retriever!! And not the pony for riding that we had hoped for, BUT he was there with his mate in a yard at the property. There was nothing for them to eat and they were both starving.
The pony wasn't suitable.. his age and health status were questionable and his size made him inappropriate for a 7 year old gangly boy to ride. As for his massive mate, we didn't need another horse and we were not looking. Here the story should end with us getting back into the car and driving off into the sunset. Actually, this is where the story begins...
20 minutes after arriving i was negotiating a price to bring the pair home, no idea why or how, but knew i couldn't turn my back on these beauties.
It's not easy re-feeding starved horses. It's an investment of time, money and love. You have to go slow, little and often (feeds 5 times a day in the beginning) and watching for signs of overloading their system. You have to have the vet check them over, fix their teeth from years of neglect. However, when i saw them, none of that mattered.. The risk that you were buying a truly sick horse, the investment of both time, money and worry. I went with my heart and the feeling i had to do the right thing for both of them. That meant bringing them home.
Fast forward 12 weeks and they are both thriving.
Troy has gone from a nippy bitey pony to one who never nibbles your fingers. Even though Rubin can't ride him, they are bonding and he is learning how to care for his pony - Troy is a bit of an escape artist and lowering fencing been an arduous task for Mr.Spain but hey-ho!
Channie is the perfect gentleman. The gentlest of souls with people. He can be possessive over the food with the others, but hey, who wouldn't be if they had been starved?? Now he has gained weight we can work on building back his muscles and return him to his former glory.
Would i do this again if a starving horse crossed my path? Absolutely i would, in a heartbeat.

Welcome home Channie and Troy!

31/07/2022

Lovely house for rent right in the centre of valderrobres. Perfect for enjoying the village or exploring the beautiful region of matarraña. Message me to book.

19/02/2022

What kid doesn't like this???
Licking the cake spoon. Someone is 7 tomorrow.

29/08/2021

Summer is nearly over. We have been busy with guests. The huerto never happened this summer but the dehydrator did! Hand crafted by the marvellous Martin.
I am drying figs as they are ready fast all at once and if you don't pick them quick you lose them. My fridge is already 90% jam so these beauties will be enjoyed in the months to come.
It is a simple structure, figs under glass facing the sun.
The bottom is open for air to circulate but is tripple meshed to stop those tiny ants who also love figs. The legs are standing in an inch of oil to stop the ants climbing up.

21/07/2021

Summer is here and we are open!!
This year we are delighted to offer our guests locally sourced ecogical wine.
Masia Katmandu vino tinto is 100% ecological from the Garnacha grape.
From the Garnacha, very fruity wines are obtained, with hints of red and black fruits on the nose. In the mouth red fruit dominates, providing medium-high acidity and very silky and bulky wines.
Generally speaking, the grape provides wines with high alcohol content and a sensuous, smooth character.

04/03/2021

Rubin holding on tight to our posh new sign. Only had to wait 6 years for it!!

13/01/2021

Thank you for your prayers.
This is what getting rescued looks like.

13/01/2021

Still snowed in... Nearly a week now and no sign of leaving anytime soon.
The contents of the fridge are now 90% condiments and the snack situation critical...
Pray for me x people

28/11/2020

FUNemployed Spain and Portugal

Hi everyone. We are a small family living in the middle of nowhere in the matarraña region. In the summer we run a small bed and breakfast.
Right now we are closed and working on the land and with the horses.
We are looking for someone or a couple or family who may wish to park their camper or even camp in our 34 hectares. In exchange for a safe place to be and electric we would like a small amount of help working the land and the horses.
Please get in contact if you are in Aragon and think you might like to stay. Would prefer someone who would like to stay around for 3 months or so.
Thanks for reading.