Even more on the infamous Triguera Negra

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Can you identify it in a field? If the grass hasn't been chewed down, it's easy. In any case, you might see the Triguera Negra at the edge of a field, say, among a clump of perfectly good grass. We got  instructions from Tanya this time, to whom many thanks: Look for a lighter green, slightly wider leaves with the bottom ones fading to beige. Pull it out, and if the stem is purple-ish, that's it. Nasty stuff. Don't let your horses, or any other grass-eating animals anywhere near it! (See more photos by Dan Ward below.)

A gathering of horses this Saturday

JIMENA A gathering of people and their horses, in fact. It takes place this Saturday from 12 noon at the fairground (at the bottom of the village hill) and includes a sevillanas competition (presumably not including a horse, but you never know), cintas and garrocha competitions (see below for descriptions), and a market in aid of our favourite charity, La Estrella. Also, flamenco singing by Antonio de Palmones and Manuel Cortés, of Jimena. As it says on the poster: a great variety of tapas and a 'great ambience'. Sounds good!

More on Triguera Negra, or poisonous grass, the animal killer

Normal grass on left
(Photo: Paula Creaghan-Smith)

There seems to be a measure of panic, or disease of the week syndrome, about Triguera Negra, the poisonous grass that has apparently killed several (18?) horses in the area; if your horses have been affected, panic is naturally understandable. As a result we have consulted expert horse people (who wish to remain anonymous) and are told that this is nothing new. They attribute the panic created to the fact that the grass itself, which is indistinguishable from most normal grasses to the naked eye, is rare further downhill than La Hoya; most previous cases, such as those in the early 1990s have been during droughts. We are also told that danger arises when it rains because the horse pulls out the roots, which contain cyanide, an instant killer in sufficient dosage.  But it hasn't rained! we hear you say. True, but>>>

First 'Riding Raid' coming up tomorrow

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JIMENA The first edition of what is called a Raid Hípico (a ride of a specific distance), under the title Espíritu de Arrieros ('Spirit of Muleteers'), is scheduled for tomorrow morning starting at the sports pavilion. More information can be had from www.espiritudelviento.com, info@espiritu-del-viento.com or on 610 739 365 or 610 717 165. (No, there is no information about what time things start, so get onto the phone and let us know, please! You could also expand our knowledge by giving us some more relevant information of what exactly this thing consists.)

Jimena's first Doma Vaquera competition is scheduled for Sunday

Doma Vaquera is loosely translated as Spanish Dressage, we're told. However, the word vaquera is related to vaca, or cow, so we must assume that the kind of thing they do is linked in some manner to the way a horse is trained to deal with cattle. This is just a supposition and we would really appreciate it if someone who knows, can tell us how it differs from Dressage as we know it from the Olympics, say (we're not talking about standards here, just how it works). In any case, this year's May Fair in Jimena, features a Doma Vaquera competition, which is new. This is scheduled for Sunday at 1pm at the fairgrounds. But there's a lot more, which you can see on the full programme (presently under construction by TranslationHELP).

Peña Caballista El Estribo's first event this season

JIMENA The Peña Caballista El Estribo (riding association) is holding a romería this Saturday at the Vereda Real, leaving from the fairground in Jimena at 12noon to 1pm. It sounds like a great ride, and is open to all, members or otherwise. This is the first of several such meetings and events the Peña are planning this season. A carriage will be available throughout the ride for a free little drink, and a flamenco show is scheduled as well. Below is a price list for drinks and tapas available at the bar, served by members. (Note: Wish I had a horse!)

Why horses at the Novena? See programme here

Anyone remotely interested in those (usually) tall four-legged things with long noses and fur they call horses, will know that the Novena celebrations in honour of Our Lady Queen of the Angels, patron saint of Jimena, includes a whole area, plus marquee, for them, as well as their mounts. It is run by the Peña Caballista El Estribo, a large group of local riding enthusiasts whose aim is to promote the world of horses and associated activities. Among other things, they take part in most if not all the parades around the village, have donkey and/or mule races, riding exhibitions and games and a lot more. See the El Estribo programme below, and check the Novena's FULL PROGRAMME HERE.>