Farm journal
Small updates from the farm, the rescue horses, the weather, and the rhythm of the seasons in the hills above Villanueva del Trabuco.
October 6, 2026
The beautiful town of Iznajar is just a 35 minute drive from Cortijo Los Lobos
Just a short drive from Cortijo Los Lobos is the beautiful white village of Iznajar. Perched high on a rock, looking down over the biggest lake in Andalusia, with a castle and church, it is a spectacular sight as you approach, via field after field of olive groves.
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September 7, 2026
Available for extra accommodation for retreats or returning guests
Our beautiful El Jaral apartment is available from October 2026. Perfect for 1 or two people, with one bedroom, small living room and shower room upstairs ( not suitable for people with mobility issues) . Downstairs is a gorgeous fully equipped kitchen with dining table. A sun room links the apartment to the main farmhouse where there is an additional guest bedroom and shower room if more space is needed. The apartment has it's own entrance but is accessed through the farmhouse courtyard. You will have full use of this lovely courtyard area with dining and relaxing areas and gas BBQ. Though this is technically a shared courtyard with us, we have our own courtyard at the front of the house and will do our best not to disturb you. Due to the close proximity to us, this apartment is only available for retreats or to people we already know 😊.
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August 5, 2026
It's been a busy week for early morning rides
It's been a busy week for early morning rides and the horses have been real stars ❤️. Bella and Smudge looked like they wanted to ride too 🥰. Clive found an eagle owl feather on the ride this morning and we watched a young eagle sitting in the top of an oak tree, calling it's mum who was flying around above us. The naughty chickens have been at it again, I moved a bale of hay and found 12 eggs in a hole. The El Establo guests left and wrote us a lovely review in the guest book and on Google - really appreciated especially as people are not so likely to write reviews these days. I've got a lovely little self set carob tree growing in one of the plant pots, I will be planting that in the garden in the autumn. The lantana is finally in flower - so abundant on the coast but it really doesn't like our climate. The Budlea attracted a very pretty yellow butterfly, unfortunately I couldn't capture it on camera with its wings open but it was so bright. The date palm is in flower and the bees are loving it. Poor Clive had to rush out and buy a new water pump part for El Establo during the changeover yesterday so then spent an hour grovelling in the hot pump house fixing it. So lucky that he can do these jobs or life would be very difficult. I cleaned El Establo and the secret garden ready for new guests, photos just don't get across how beautiful and tranquil the secret garden is, it really is the perfect, peaceful hideaway. I had a little read in the rock pool once I'd finished my jobs
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July 21, 2026
Picasso hasn't been ridden for two years but he was the perfect boy this morning
I had a lovely ride on Picasso this morning, he was pretty perfect, I'm so proud of him considering he hasn't been ridden for 2 years, the last time being just before the very random accident where he stood on my arm and pretty much de-sleeved it 😬. It wasn't his fault but I was out of action for a good few months afterwards and then it was winter and time just went on, I never intended to leave it two years to ride him again, especially as the accident wasn't even riding related but it's funny how these things affect you psychologically. Last summer I used Fern as my lead horse but of course she's no longer with us 😭. Bella looked like she was ready to ride before we set off ❤️. I caught Picasso and Spirit mutual grooming on the horse camera at dusk last night 🥰. Clive managed to bring home a dead beetle and a snake skin today, what is he like 🤣. He has finished our apartment shower renovation and it looks lovely 😍
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July 20, 2026
There's never a dull moment on the farm and always lots to do!
I had to clean a line of sun cream off the top of the secret garden pool so it was a good opportunity to enjoy a little bit of time down there , I really do need to go there more often, it is so beautiful . We've had a busy couple of days , taking young guests riding, (coming back to find that a bit of the oldies stable roof had fallen down! - so lucky they weren't hurt) , we tick one job off and two more are added . Marmelade kept me company while I did the hay, such a special boy . The hot temperatures have finally reached us, though we are lucky that we have a dry heat here in the mountains, so far the shade temperature hasn't gone above around 35 in our courtyard but down at the horses this afternoon it was 41 on the thermometer, maybe not totally accurate as though it is in the shade, the wall does get sun at some points during the day but you could really see the heat haze and the horses were all hiding inside when I went down to feed them. Clive decided to try the awning that he has for his landrover over the table on the front patio and it works really well, better to use it than have it packed away all the time. It was great timing for Milly as she had her hair cut today, she must feel so much better without that thick curly coat. I have been doing lots more painting today and Clive made some of his delicious mango chutney, if only I could post the smell, it is so amazing. Last night we had some lovely repeat guests for dinner, the last time they came was just before Covid so it was so good to see them again. Sadly a lot of our pre covid regulars haven't come back again, I suppose after a big gap the regular routine changes and life moves in a different direction but we love returning guests , it is like having friends visiting . We had such a lovely Spanish lady with her 7 year old son Jaime in the secret garden and she has posted two really heartwarming reviews on google and air bnb, reviews mean so much to us and it is so rewarding that she recognised all our hard work
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