Costa Rica Real Estate Developer Sponsors Event to Raise Thousands of Dollars for Local Schools in Costa Rica

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) April 25, 2008

Cabalgata is a charity event consisting of a cross-country horseback ride involving members of the greater Matapalo community.

About 140 riders/horses were on hand for the event with ages ranging from 3 to 80. Hacienda Matapalo's contribution to the area was noted with four blue sashes presented to our riders. Hacienda Matapalo team members Nathan and Guy wore sashes as did Gilberto and Ulisses, our caretakers at Hacienda Matapalo http://www.haciendamatapalo.com which is the largest master planned property in the region.

The ride started about 11:30 AM near the local soccer field, going past the schools benefiting, and then heading east to the new Costanara Highway bypass where everyone could see new the bridge construction underway. From there the trail led to small back roads, beginning the uphill ride. Passable roads soon gave way to small trails that wound up and up. Overhead the forest canopy continued taller and denser, shading everyone from the heat of the mid-day sun. The lush forest undergrowth was a sight to behold with tens of thousands of ferns and bromeliads laying out a patchwork quilt in varying shades of green dotted by occasional flashes of orange, yellow and blue from passing butterflies.

After a mile or so the rainforest gave way to astounding views of mountain valleys as the trail steadily climbed higher. Some riders kept a leisurely pace while others were determined to race everyone to the top, shouting out in a high pitch "aayiii, aayiii, aayiii" cry of the Costa Rican campesino (cowboys).

Another turn south led the narrow trail skirting along a narrow ridge that paralleled the Pacific coastline. Laid out before riders was a panoramic view of the coastal plane, beaches and rolling surf hundreds of feet below. The sound of crashing waves could be heard and the smell of the salt air was evident in the breezes coming up the mountainside. After a few miles, the trail led down the mountain and crossed the Costanara Highway within sight of the Costa Rica Real Estate development of Hacienda Matapalo.

Soon riders crossed the endless beaches for a welcome lunch under swaying coconut palms. From there it was back to the starting point in downtown Matapalo for dinner, refreshments and socializing. Hacienda Matapalo riders were given the "head table" including Gilberto and Ulisses, two proud Matapalo lifelong residents, now Hacienda Matapalo representatives. Throughout the event the MC was giving thanks to Hacienda Matapalo for sponsoring the ride and contributing to the community. The one-day event raised several thousand dollars for the local schools in the town of Matapalo. We've been told the Cosa Rica Property of Hacienda Matapalo is officially a household name.

Contact:
Ed Sklar
Phone: 954-630-8339 / 800-281-4145

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