Don’t you just love that name? A group of horse-loving ladies headed by Sherry Saunders promised us all a fun day out in aid of Their Voice Portugal - a charity for rescued horses - and that is exactly what we got at the Monte Da Ribeira riding centre and livery yard. A team from Meravista went along to see just how much fun these ladies could rustle up and boy, they exceeded all expectations. Everybody agreed that the Desperate Horsewives kept young and old entertained from the moment they arrived to the moment they reluctantly left.
The beginning
Sharon Clarke, a British woman living in the North of Portugal, started a rescue home for distressed horses last year. After attempting to buy a horse locally and being faced with the plight of so many horses in abominable conditions, that after some harrowing experiences she decided to do something to try and help these beautiful animals.
Sharon began by starting the registered charity Their Voice Portugal, wanting the silent suffering of the horses to be heard. Her own land was bought with 3 horses in mind but she discovered a multitude of horses in dire straits, and so began her quest.
The fund raiser
The stalwart ladies of Desperate Horsewives heard of the difficulties Sharon was facing and set about organising a fantastic family fun day, which was held on Sunday the 15th September. From 11am to 5pm it was a day to remember, with much laughter and excitement. Expecting to stay for about an hour, the Meravista team was surprised to find that the entertainment was non-stop for 6 hours, and we found it impossible to leave.
Some of the delights included a Human Gymkhana - a hilarious horsey obstacle course full of jumps and even a water trap, with little people and big people as the competitors.
The ‘run-around-the-pole-with-your-head-down’ feature proved that no matter how big, small, strong or clever, no one came away without staggering around hilariously from the resulting dizziness.
Another huge hit was the wife-carrying-contest, held on the same obstacle course. Activities for kids included face painting, a ladies choir and individual children belting out their songs and entertaining the crowds (and all the proud parents!).
Additional fundraising activities included a car boot sale, an auction selling some amazing bargains as well as a raffle with a lot, and we mean a LOT of prizes. For refreshment a stall was selling bacon butties and offering draft and bottled beer, wine, soft drinks and water. And we could not resist digging deep in our pockets and buying up rather a lot of the excellent goodies on the cake and bake stall.
The entire event raised an incredible €5000, with more still coming in from ongoing donations. The Horsewives did themselves proud with a well-organised, entertaining day for all the family. It was such a success, that front-lady Sherry has recently announced that this will become an annual event.
Their Voice – the lady herself
Sharon held everyone spellbound with her graphic and very moving speech explaining how Their Voice started, how they cope, and sharing some of the horse tales (pardon the almost-pun) that she has experienced. Despite the heartbreak of losing four horses who were too far gone for help, Sharon has rescued over 40 horses and found good homes for many of them, some in Portugal and others in Germany, where adoption is going so well that there is now a Their Voice Germany branch too.
However, as is to be expected, Sharon is facing huge bills and mounting costs for food, shelter, vets and farriers that would overwhelm a weaker person. Her love for the wonderful horses who depend on her to save them keeps her going. This is where the Desperate Horsewives stepped in and did a marvellous job of raising money while providing many people with a fabulous day out.
The entire day was captured for posterity by Dan and Natasha of Birch Photography. Many thanks to them for sharing some of their photos on this page.
To see more photos, check out the Fun day Facebook page. You can also check out riding and stabling options at Monte Da Ribeira, who hosted this fundraiser. They are located between Loulé and Salir.
If you missed this fabulous family day out then watch this space for the next big fundraising family day that is already in the planning - and keep Sunday 24th November free!
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
Desperate Horsewives fab fundraiser for Their Voice Portugal
by Sun’s Dragon
The Desperate Horsewives of the Algarve
Don’t you just love that name? A group of horse-loving ladies headed by Sherry Saunders promised us all a fun day out in aid of Their Voice Portugal - a charity for rescued horses - and that is exactly what we got at the Monte Da Ribeira riding centre and livery yard. A team from Meravista went along to see just how much fun these ladies could rustle up and boy, they exceeded all expectations. Everybody agreed that the Desperate Horsewives kept young and old entertained from the moment they arrived to the moment they reluctantly left.
The beginning
Sharon Clarke, a British woman living in the North of Portugal, started a rescue home for distressed horses last year. After attempting to buy a horse locally and being faced with the plight of so many horses in abominable conditions, that after some harrowing experiences she decided to do something to try and help these beautiful animals.
Sharon began by starting the registered charity Their Voice Portugal, wanting the silent suffering of the horses to be heard. Her own land was bought with 3 horses in mind but she discovered a multitude of horses in dire straits, and so began her quest.
The fund raiser
The stalwart ladies of Desperate Horsewives heard of the difficulties Sharon was facing and set about organising a fantastic family fun day, which was held on Sunday the 15th September. From 11am to 5pm it was a day to remember, with much laughter and excitement. Expecting to stay for about an hour, the Meravista team was surprised to find that the entertainment was non-stop for 6 hours, and we found it impossible to leave.
Some of the delights included a Human Gymkhana - a hilarious horsey obstacle course full of jumps and even a water trap, with little people and big people as the competitors.
The ‘run-around-the-pole-with-your-head-down’ feature proved that no matter how big, small, strong or clever, no one came away without staggering around hilariously from the resulting dizziness.
Another huge hit was the wife-carrying-contest, held on the same obstacle course. Activities for kids included face painting, a ladies choir and individual children belting out their songs and entertaining the crowds (and all the proud parents!).
Additional fundraising activities included a car boot sale, an auction selling some amazing bargains as well as a raffle with a lot, and we mean a LOT of prizes. For refreshment a stall was selling bacon butties and offering draft and bottled beer, wine, soft drinks and water. And we could not resist digging deep in our pockets and buying up rather a lot of the excellent goodies on the cake and bake stall.
Their Voice – the lady herself
Sharon held everyone spellbound with her graphic and very moving speech explaining how Their Voice started, how they cope, and sharing some of the horse tales (pardon the almost-pun) that she has experienced. Despite the heartbreak of losing four horses who were too far gone for help, Sharon has rescued over 40 horses and found good homes for many of them, some in Portugal and others in Germany, where adoption is going so well that there is now a Their Voice Germany branch too.
However, as is to be expected,
Sharon is facing huge bills and mounting costs for food, shelter, vets and farriers that would overwhelm a weaker person. Her love for the wonderful horses who depend on her to save them keeps her going. This is where the Desperate Horsewives stepped in and did a marvellous job of raising money while providing many people with a fabulous day out.
The entire day was captured for posterity by Dan and Natasha of Birch Photography. Many thanks to them for sharing some of their photos on this page.
To see more photos, check out the Fun day Facebook page. You can also check out riding and stabling options at Monte Da Ribeira, who hosted this fundraiser. They are located between Loulé and Salir.
If you missed this fabulous family day out then watch this space for the next big fundraising family day that is already in the planning - and keep Sunday 24th November free!
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.