Meet rescue horses and make Christmas decorations on one magical Saturday morning

Picture a horse nuzzling your hand in search of a carrot, or a table covered in ribbons, glitter and handmade stars. Saturday, November 14 brings two wonderful reasons to visit an animal sanctuary and help animals that were once given up on.

Two events, one lovely Saturday

Todos los Caballos del Mundo or “All the Horses in the World”, is hosting a guided visit for all the family and a Christmas crafts workshop on the same morning at Ctra. de Borrajo, s/n, 29120 Alhaurin el Grande, Malaga

This guided visit runs entirely in English, from 10:30am to 12:30. You can wander the paddocks, hear the animals’ stories and meet the people who look after them with children are very welcome.

Entry is by donation: €10 for adults and €5 for children under 12, and under-threes go free. All of it goes towards the animals’ care. Please bring carrots for the horses and leave pets at home so the residents stay calm.

Limited spaces are available so you need to book at todosloscaballosdelmundo.com. Go to the “Visits” section and select 14 November.

Make your own Christmas decorations

Prefer something creative? The sanctuary’s Christmas workshop, is a morning of festive crafting surrounded by nature and animals. Organisers promise personalised ornaments and some surprises. Think stars, snowflakes, Christmas trees and reindeers. No experience is needed, only a willingness to have fun.

Tickets cost €30 per person, and is open to everyone so friends, couples and families can all join in. Everyone takes home their own handmade creations, which makes this a lovely way to get ahead on tree decorations or gifts.

Capacity is also limited for this event. To reserve, send a WhatsApp message on 660 092 092.

The sisters behind the sanctuary

Sisters Concordia and Virginia Marquez Garcia founded the charity roughly two decades ago, after moving to Malaga and finding horses abandoned and mistreated. Today it cares for hundreds of animals, including donkeys, dogs and cats, many of them rescued from neglect or illness. It is one of the country’s largest equine sanctuaries.

Can’t make it? You can still help

Anyone unable to attend has other ways to lend a hand. The sanctuary welcomes donations of food, blankets, towels and other useful items. Volunteers are always appreciated, and following and sharing @todosloscaballosdelmundo on social media helps spread the word.

Whichever event you choose, you will leave with a warm feeling, and perhaps a new four-legged friend to sponsor. For more information visit the charity website or social media channels.