Will your dog pick you over sausages? ARCH Autumn Fest puts pets (and protection dogs) to the test in Alhaurin

ARCH, the Andalusian Rescue Centre for Horses, is throwing its annual Autumn Fest on Sunday, October, 4 from 10am until 4pm at Viña Borrego, Miralmonte, on the road between Alhaurin el Grande and Coin. Families, dog owners and anyone who likes a proper country-style day out are welcome. No one pays at the gate. Visitors can meet rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, drop a donation in the bucket, buy food and raffle tickets, and help keep feed coming through the winter months.

Money from days like this keeps the centre going. ARCH takes in neglected, abandoned and abused equines brought by SEPRONA and local police, gets them vet care and feed, then looks for new homes. Volunteers do the graft. Winter bills do not wait. That is why this fundraiser matters.

Protection dogs take the ring first

Spanish trainers Rayo Can open the entertainment with a demonstration of personal protection dogs. Handlers will show what a well-trained working dog can do when asked to guard, control and stay under command. Last year’s police-dog display was a crowd-pleaser; this year’s act is a different flavour and should pull a good audience.

Once that finishes, ARCH’s own Fun Dog Show starts. Classes include Best Fancy Dress, Luckiest Rescue, an Obstacle Race and Temptation Alley — the one where owners call their dogs while sausages sit in the way. Rosettes, handmade and given by a supporter, go to the winners. Expect laughter. Expect a few dogs who decide lunch looks better than loyalty.

Music, paella and a mega raffle

DJ Lee Jay is back as compere and will keep the music moving. A local Spanish guitarist and a young dance group add a Spanish thread to the afternoon. Paella is on the menu, with a vegan option, plus other food and drink. An artisan market will have stalls selling mixed crafts and bits you will not find in a supermarket.

ARCH’s mega raffle returns with a big spread of prizes. Tickets sell all day. Spend a few euros and you might walk away with something useful; the centre walks away with cash for hay and vet bills.

How to find it and what to bring

Gates open at 10am Register dogs for the show early if you can. Wear proper shoes if you want to go near the paddocks — flip-flops are a bad idea around horses. Donations are voluntary.

Meeting the rescues is part of the point. Many of the horses and donkeys enjoy the fuss.

More detail lives on horserescuespain.org and on Facebook under Centro Andalusí de Rescate de Caballos. Instagram is @archhorserescuespain. Previous EWN coverage of ARCH open mornings, the Spring Fest and the charity’s public-utility status gives background on the same team and the same site.

Come for the dogs, stay for the paella, leave knowing the winter feed bill is a bit lighter. Sunday 4 October, 10am to 4pm, Viña Borrego, Alhaurin el Grande.