Cortijo Las Minas is a splendid riding centre just outside Salinas, Malaga. Dorcas Pollok, the owner, came in to talk to us about her new stables and the area.

Local Connections: Can you tell us about Cortijo Las Minas?
Dorcas Pollok: It’s a riding centre about 2 kilometres outside the village of Salinas. We offer trail riding, hacking and all levels of riding instruction to individuals and groups. I’ve been riding since I was a child and am fully qualified with the British Horse Society.

L.C: Do you do English or Spanish style riding?
D.P: We use mostly English saddles but we do have some Spanish ones. In all, we have 17 horses and two ponies.
L.C: What is the area like for riding?
D.P: It’s gorgeous! The countryside is beautiful with hills, plains, river valleys, lakes, farmland and olive groves.
L.C: Do visitors come for the day or can they stay at Cortijo Las Minas?
D.P: Although we can’t offer accommodation here, there is a 3 star hotel right next door with 18 rooms and a restaurant. It’s run by the Federacion Andaluz de Caza so they can organize shooting trips too.
L.C: We believe you were televised recently?
D.P: Yes, we were part of the Canal Sur programme on Andalucian villages. They were filming in and around Salinas between the rain and storms!
L.C: For trail riding and hacking through lovely countryside or for individual or group lessons, call Dorcas on 952756037 or check out the website www.ecuestrelasminas.com