We’ve treated a tarantula with a wonky leg

By James Bryce

You could be forgiven for not knowing it exists.

But a unique community on the edge of Estepona is thriving thanks to the popularity of a leading equestrian centre.

The enclave, a few kilometres inland, has developed in recent years around the School of Equestrian Art and now offers a range of services including a vet, a dog groomer, a green grocer, a restaurant and even a reiki practitioner.

“Our usual patients are cats and dogs but we get our fair share of chameleons, snakes chinchillas and rabbits,” said Dr. Nazli Kreft – van den Kieboom from the Pointer Veterinary Clinic.

“We’ve even treated a tarantula with a wonky leg,” added the Dutch vet, who has worked in Spain for 15 years.

Next door, Reiki therapist Dr. Margarita Taylor-Schleppe offers a more natural form of therapy for humans, as well as animals, including the centre’s horses.

“Reiki is a complementary therapy and does not replace traditional medicine but can support other therapies,” explained Dr. Taylor-Schleppe, who runs the Andalucian Institute of Reiki.

As for the equestrian centre itself, there is little doubt as to its popularity with the next generation of budding horse riders.

Rider Ashlin Karslake, 14, who spends her school holidays at the centre said: “The facilities are really good and it is a great way to make friends.”