Barroca D'Alva CIC***, Portugal

Barroca D'Alva is a fabulous competition which takes place in a beautiful Portuguese country setting just a short drive across the bay from Lisbon. The two weeks of FEI competitions run in the warm Portuguese sun, while the rest of Europe is still not emerging from winter. Warm Portuguese hospitality, traditional cooking (including a bakery onsite), wild partying, a chance for the brave to 'bull-fight' with the young bullocks all make for one of Europe's most colourful events.  Thrills and spills at Barroca in 2008.

 Alex took ESB Irish Fiddle and Furst Love to Barroca D'Alva for some excitement and sun - the first step in the Olympic qualification campaign!  They had a very successful two weeks: Read about: Starting the season in style and Second week was even better.