At Caravan Horse Riding Albania, our training program follows a combination of the Parelli Natural Horsemanship method and traditional local training practices. Horses born in our stables begin their training from the first days of life, gradually getting accustomed to human interaction. They spend time with our instructors and guides, ensuring they become familiar with their environment and the expectations of working with riders.
We prefer to acquire untrained horses from third parties, allowing us to carry out the entire training process ourselves. This ensures that all horses are trained according to our specific methods and standards, making them well-suited for the riding experiences we offer.
Our horses are maintained on a specialized diet that varies based on the season and workload. We strive to keep them active 12 months a year to preserve their physical condition. The horses roam freely in nature during the day, unrestricted by fences, and return to the stables in the evening.
From April to October, their diet consists of:
From October to April, their diet includes:
On days when they are engaged in riding tours, the daily feed for each horse includes approximately 6-7 kg of mixed fodder and around 9-10 kg of hay, in addition to the fresh grass they may graze on, depending on the season. During rest periods, the amount of feed is adjusted according to each horse’s weight and activity level, as determined by veterinary assessments. Certain horses may require post-activity treatments with vitamins and minerals to support their recovery.
The resting schedule for our horses is carefully managed to ensure they remain in peak condition. The rest periods are based on the age and experience of the horse:
During the summer months, we observe specific considerations for resting periods. We are currently evaluating the possibility of adapting the saddle pads according to the seasons to enhance comfort for the horses. Additionally, we are exploring ways to reduce the summer riding season by concentrating tours during weeks when temperatures are less hot.
We follow a strict deworming schedule to maintain the horses’ health. The deworming protocol is conducted six times a year, utilizing a combination of the following treatments:
Additionally, our horses receive annual vaccinations against anthrax. Every five years, they are vaccinated against:
All our horses are equipped with customized English saddles produced by Daw Mag https://www.daw-mag.pl/ a Polish company with extensive expertise in saddle fitting. Daw Mag continually works with us under a long-term agreement to improve and maintain the saddles, making necessary adjustments over time based on the horses’ needs. We are currently exploring the possibility of adapting saddle pads according to seasonal changes.
Due to the unique structure of the Albanian horse, with weights ranging from 350 to 620 kg (average around 420 kg), we adhere to the rule of limiting the rider’s weight to no more than 20% of the horse’s body weight.
We work with a veterinarian on a part-time basis, who conducts evaluations every two months for each horse. These evaluations include assessments of the horses’ overall condition, heart function, weight, and vital organs. Additionally, dental check-ups and specific interventions are performed twice a year. The hoof care protocol involves trimming every four to five weeks, and our farrier, who also serves as a guide, employs traditional methods using closed shoes. This method ensures optimal traction on rocky terrain, guaranteeing safety during rides.
Our horses receive selenium salt sourced from Pakistan in both rock form for licking and granulated form mixed with their feed. This comprehensive veterinary care ensures the ongoing health and performance of our horses.
All our horses are geldings or mares, and all 40 horses are in active working condition. We do not keep stallions in the group. Our breeding program has been relocated to another center, where we plan to gradually introduce more mares to achieve our desired breeding outcomes.
We welcome volunteers interested in working with our horses, following a specific procedure for their acceptance into our program. Volunteerism around horses is encouraged, and we appreciate those who wish to contribute to our mission.
Our objectives include increasing our horse population to 50 while maintaining the same number of riders, enhancing quality and ensuring careful management of our horses’ health. We are also exploring the reduction of our summer season by concentrating riding activities during weeks when temperatures are lower.
Furthermore, we are committed to utilizing widely local plants, such as willow, cabbage, nettle, dandelion, onion, garlic, sage, oregano, and thistle, alongside medications for specific treatments.
At Caravan Horse Riding Albania, we prioritize the well-being and care of our horses to ensure they are healthy, fit, and prepared for their activities. Our approach includes strict feeding, deworming, vaccination, rest, and veterinary protocols, as well as providing customized equipment and professional training.
We aim to foster harmony in the lives of our horses, keeping them happy and allowing them to thrive in their natural habitats for as long as possible. This commitment enables our riders to enjoy a horse that is free-spirited, athletic, and mentally alert. We employ the same principles in our “Learn to Ride” programs, focusing on exposing horses to nature and helping riders connect with them in diverse terrains.