Equine welfare methodology grounded in natural herd life
Professional extensive management based on structured observation and responsible decision-making.
Technical criteria for real well-being
The equine welfare methodology at Green Horse Ranch is built upon the
rigorous application of ethological science and veterinary expertise.
Our approach rejects the romanticised view of the wild in favour of a professional
framework that ensures the horse thrives in every dimension—physical, social,
and psychological. We understand that true welfare is a dynamic state of
balance, achieved when an animal’s biological needs are met within an environment
that respects its evolutionary design. Our methodology prioritises the management
of movement, social interaction, and nutrition as the three pillars of health.
Phase 1: Reception and Evaluation
Our health protocols are centred on proactive medical care. Every
horse enters a phase of reception and evaluation where we
implement a rigorous vaccination and deworming schedule, the
latter being based on regular faecal egg counts to ensure targeted
treatment.
Farriery is managed by specialists in barefoot maintenance, ensuring
that the horses’ hooves are naturally adapted to the varied terrain
of the ranch. We work in close collaboration with leading equine veterinarians,
performing annual dental check-ups and metabolic assessments to tailor
our care to the aging horse.
Phase 2: Social Integration
The methodology for maintaining herd-based supervision involves
the careful curation of social groups. Our experts in equine
behaviour manage the integration process with extreme care,
matching individuals based on age, temperament, and physical
capability.
This ensures that the herd acts as a protective and calm social unit.
We monitor herd social interactions to ensure that no individual is
isolated or bullied, maintaining a peaceful hierarchy that allows even
the most timid horses to find their place and mental serenity.
Freedom as a standard
Phase 3: Extensive Living
Natural Movement
The real-world demand of natural gradients strengthens the hindquarters and improves systemic circulation.
Feeding
Technical nutritional balance combining natural forage with bespoke supplementation based on metabolic profile.
Stability
A stable social environment without the stress of competition, fostering psychological homeostasis.
Non-invasive monitoring
Effective herd management requires a sophisticated system of individual monitoring within the group. We employ a model of constant, non-invasive observation where every horse is subject to daily visual checks and regular body condition scoring. This extensive care model requires a high level of technical skill to interpret subtle markers of change in equine behaviour, hydration, and movement, allowing us to detect potential issues before they become problems.
Absolute transparency
We believe in transparency and the importance of the bond between owner and horse. Our system includes regular body condition reports and visual updates, ensuring that despite the distance, owners remain fully informed of their horse’s adaptation and well-being. This is an institutional commitment to accountability, providing peace of mind through documented progress and clear professional communication.
Our equine quality standard
Green Horse Ranch represents the definitive professionalisation of the extensive care model. By uniting the vastness of the Andalusian landscape with the rigour of modern veterinary science, we offer a solution that is both ethical and resilient, treating horse welfare as a primary institutional responsibility rather than a secondary consideration.
Want to know more about our method?
Download our technical dossier or request an informative call.