Cavalos Bombeiros
ANIMAL WELFARE
At Quinta da Lua Nova, the horses live in a way that closely aligns with their natural instincts.
Sadly, this is not the norm in Portugal, where many horses are confined to ropes. We learn every, teached by the herd. We try to lead by example and hopefully the knowledge about horse welfare will be shared trough projects like ours.
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We know we are fortunate to offer this to our herd, as not every horse owner has the same opportunity. However, it’s essential to understand a horse's natural needs.
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No horse should ever live in isolation.
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Goats, cows, or donkeys can't replace another horse.
If you'd like to learn more about our approach to horse care, feel free to reach out.
We also highly recommend the videos of Lucy Rees and the
books written by Linda Kohanov for further insights.
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SOCIAL INTERaCTION
Horses will commonly form pair bonds which can last a lifetime. Horses need horses for playing, grooming and body care (standing head to tail to swish away flies).
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Physical health
Grazing prevents tooth issues, is necessary for the salvia production necessary for digestion. Regular movement in a pasture, combined with different ground textures, helps maintain strong and healthy hooves.
SAFETY & health
Horses live in herds so that they are able to fulfil their basic needs, which are to avoid danger or harm. One horse keeps watch while the others rest.
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MenTAL HEALTH
The freedom to move, graze, and engage with their environment keeps horses mentally stimulated and reduces the risk of boredom, which can lead to destructive or agressive behavior.
foraging needs
Horses need to graze 17 hours a day to meet their nutritional needs. The herd provides safety, while some horse eat, others keep watch. Four to six hours without food can lead to serious health issues.