Dream experience at Ándale Riding Center in Nerja
- Marie-Michelle Boende i Nerja
- Jan 11
- 4 min read
Combining your interest in animals during a work experience program is something many children can only dream of, but for our daughter Melody that dream has come true. For two weeks in 8th grade, she has had the privilege of being at the Ándale Riding Center here in Nerja, Spain – the stable where she started riding when she was only 8 years old.
Even though Melody is currently attending school in Stockholm, Sweden, she has had the opportunity to return here to Nerja for her 2 week work life experience program, and we are so happy about everything she has learned and experienced. Ándale Riding Center is truly a place where passion for animals is the focus. Together with Magnet Man, the owner of the stable and a true animal lover, Melody has learned everything from caring for horses and preparing them for riding tours to guiding tourists on fantastic excursions through the mountains and down to the beach.
The dream of working with animals
Melody has always loved animals and her time at Ándale has reinforced her dream of one day working with them. Among the horses, her favorites are Esmeralda and Maria, whom she has ridden since she was a little girl, but she has also gotten to spend time with Russel, Blanco, Estrella and Catalina. In addition to the horses, there are four dogs that Magnet has taken in from a dog shelter, two of them with special needs. One of these is the little blind Chineese crested dog named Grinch, who quickly became Melody's favorite, but she has also become close to Bambina and Amelia.
An educational experience
During these two weeks, Melody has not only learned the practicalities of horse care and riding, but also gained insight into what it means to work with animals and people every day.
Magnet, who runs the stable with great care and professionalism, has been a fantastic mentor and manager. His love for the animals and his way of teaching have made this an invaluable experience for Melody. We are so grateful for all aspects of what Magnet has taught our daughter, as a stable owner, tour guide and entrepreneur.
From Melody herself
We thought we'd end with some thoughts from Melody herself about her experience. Here are some questions we asked her:
What has been the best part working at Ándale?
The best part has been riding out on the beach with my favorite horse, Esmeralda. I've been riding her since I was little. It's also been a lot of fun hanging out with Magnet and learning everything he knows about horses and having a business that has to do with horses.
What do you think you have learned?
How to take care of the horses and everything that goes into running a stable. I have also learned to take extra care of the customers and make sure they are safe during the rides.
I have learned about every day life as a stable owner. Every day I have helped to take care of the stables, the horses, the dogs. It has been like a work out :) and I have gained a lot of riding experience. I got to be out in the sun and to hang out with Magnet, the customers, the horses and the dogs.
It takes some muscle to carry hay bales, to rake and take care of everything around the horses. I have learned what the horses should eat, that they should have a little different food, for example, they should have two different types of hay.
What was it like to go on excursions up into the mountains and to the beach?
Very cool with nice views.
Which of the dogs at the stable do you like the most and why?
Grinchie because he is funny and Amelia because she is very affectionate and loves to be petted and played with.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing their work life experience in a similar place?
It's the best!
A huge thank you from us to Magnet at Ándale Riding Center!
Thank you Magnet for giving our daughter a memory for life and an even stronger passion for animals and nature!
Ándale Riding Center information
Andale Riding Nerja is owned and operated by Magnet Man, a singer, performer, producer and Island cowboy from the sunny island of Barbados in the Caribbean (who now resides in Nerja). -"After 10 years living in England I needed a change, a place with a warmer more tropical climate similar to my home country. Whilst visiting friends on the Costa del sol, I saw Andale advertised for sale and thought it a great opportunity to work with the animals I love in beautiful natural surroundings, meeting new people from all over the world and giving lovely memories at the same time." Andale offers rides for both beginners and advanced riders, group rides as well as private Rides. -" We try to be as accomodating as possible. Here you can disconnect from your hectic and busy life for a few hours and reconnect with nature at a slower pace and have a chance to enjoys and truly relax to the sound of nature. We Don't just give rides, we create memories"
Do you want to ride at Ándale Riding Center?
Contact Magnet Man directly and it would be great if you would let him know that you found him through this post about Melody´s experience!
Call or text WhatsApp : +34711073618
Instagram : @andaleridingnerja
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