| The Maltese countryside is small and, like that of | | | | horses of the traditional bulls and donkeys that had |
| many other countries, threatened by over | | | | featured in the Maltese countryside since the |
| development. Thankfully, there is still enough of it | | | | Romans. In Malta of the 21st Century, you too can |
| that is protected to help one get away from the | | | | become a knight as you join one of the many |
| urban areas on the Island to be able to get in touch | | | | horse-riding sessions that are on offer all over the |
| with nature. | | | | Maltese Islands. |
| It is a countryside that has its unique characteristics | | | | Luckily the armour is no longer a requirement which is |
| and where, incredibly, you can come face to face | | | | a relief considering the general temperatures on the |
| with rare and indigenous specimens of wild flowers, | | | | island. Sandy rides are a joy to behold as you |
| butterflies, animals and birds. So diverse and | | | | elegantly guide your horse across the fresh, |
| ever-changing is it, that it has been scientifically | | | | glimmering sand of the northern beaches of Malta |
| proved, for example, that tiny Malta has as many | | | | and Gozo. Other rides will take you deep into the |
| different species of wild flowers as Holland which is, | | | | strange, uneven countryside where the horses seem |
| of course, considerably bigger, but has a more or less | | | | to instinctively know their way along the narrow |
| unchanging type of countryside. | | | | alley-ways between the small, chequered fields |
| Both Malta and Gozo offer ideal countryside walks | | | | where time seems to have stood still for centuries. |
| that provide you with some outstanding views and a | | | | There are rides for everyone, from beginners to |
| lot of good exercise. Ramblers' associations from all | | | | aspiring jockeys, and there are horses for everyone |
| over the world have put Malta on their map. In | | | | too, from the timid and the obedient to the |
| return, the Malta Tourism Authority has produced a | | | | mischievous and the arrogant. After all, horses are |
| series of ten countryside walks, five in Malta and five | | | | like people. |
| in Gozo. Ten light coloured pamphlets show ramblers | | | | They have their characters and their moods and their |
| how to get to the respective location, and from a | | | | favourite riders. There is, especially, a mutual bond |
| start point indicate which way to follow and what to | | | | between horses and children. The nobler of the |
| look out for on the way. | | | | species will openly court you as you step forward to |
| Archaeological remains, geological features, endemic | | | | make your pick. Somehow, you feel like having been |
| flora of the area, niches, plaques and landmarks of | | | | chosen, knighted almost... Horse-riding schools in both |
| historical or traditional interest and a lot more are | | | | Malta and Gozo are relatively cheap and easy to find. |
| combined with panoramic landscapes and sea views | | | | And hard not to go back to again. |
| that are unique to the Maltese archipelago. Included in | | | | There are different ways how to get in touch with |
| every booklet is an easy-to-read map that not only | | | | nature in Malta, but countryside walks and horse-rides |
| indicates the path to follow but also gives useful | | | | provide the ultimate when you not only feel spiritually |
| information regarding services, eating places, | | | | at one with nature, but are also looking forward to |
| transport, etc. | | | | the next for more exciting discoveries... |
| The very mention of the Knights of Malta provokes | | | | Despite the small size of the Maltese Islands there is |
| images of shining armour on horseback, of clashing | | | | still plenty of nature around to enjoy. The |
| swords and colourful shields, of the smell of | | | | countryside is, as you would imagine, all around. You |
| gun-powder and the gargantuan lines of fortifications. | | | | could catch a bus and explore or maybe ask a local |
| The Knights, being the European nobles of their time, | | | | where they advise as certain areas are more |
| would not be seen anywhere without their favourite | | | | interesting at certain times of year. We, for example, |
| horse, also in armour. Their centuries-long presence | | | | just love a wander around Buskett Gardens. Highly |
| on the Island gradually led to the replacement with | | | | recommended. |