Horses from around the world find freedom in retirement in Pyrenees

Montcortès, a small village of just 20 people in Pallars Sobirà in the Pyrenees, is home to Cavalls Wakan, a horse boarding and fostering center running for nearly 30 years. 

"A horse boarding, retreat or retirement is not just about having the horse clean and fed, but involves much more," said Pere Cases, the Cavalls Wakan manager. 

That much more is what the team at Cavalls Wakan focuses on, which is ensuring the horses live freely, never confined to paddocks, and always remain "in the best physical and mental conditions." Their goal is to make the horses’ lives "as easy, pleasant and natural as possible," Cases said. 

The center currently takes care of 20 retired horses from across Catalonia, Spain, and even faraway places like the Czech Republic. Over the years, they’ve looked after horses from as far as the North Sea islands.

The stunning location next to Montcortès lake and open pastures allow horses to roam freely all day, every day. The horses have free and natural shelter under the trees, the forest, or the hills, Cases explained.

It is necessary for the herd to have plenty of space, along with constant access to food, water, and shelter to keep them healthy and happy, explained the manager. 

Most of these horses belong to private owners or professional riders whose horses can no longer compete because they have grown old or have been injured. In this peaceful mountain setting, the horses enjoy their years in total freedom.

The bond between the horse owner and their animal doesn't end when they are taken to the shelter, Cases explained. Photographs and videos are sent to the owners to stay connected showing how their animals are doing. 

As well, owners are welcome to visit their animals anytime, such is the case with the owner from the Czech Republic, making the trip twice a year to see her retired horses.