A Nature-Respecting Approach to Outdoor Horse Care
Purpose
At Los Potreros, we believe horses thrive when allowed to live naturally in open, social environments. This policy outlines our approach to low-intervention, high-welfare horse care, where horses live in expansive fields with minimal interference, while still receiving essential care to ensure their health and wellbeing. Our methods reflect the values of low-impact land use, respect for natural herd dynamics, and responsible stewardship of both animals and the environment.
1. Natural Living and Freedom
The majority of our horses live free in the fields, moving, grazing, and socialising naturally.
We aim to minimise human intervention, allowing horses to express their natural behaviors while remaining safe and healthy.
Natural herd structure is maintained where possible, and horses are not over-handled or constrained unless necessary for their welfare. This is particularly shown in our youngest horses, who remain wild/untouched until they are around 3 years old/
2. Nutrition and Water
Horses living in the field have free access to pasture grazing, supported with supplemental hay and a hard feed when natural grass is limited.
Mineral/salt licks are placed strategically throughout grazing areas to support health naturally.
Fresh, clean water is available at all times via troughs or natural sources, checked and cleaned regularly.
Monthly monitoring and a log system ensures horses maintain healthy body condition without the need for excessive feeding or supplementation.
3. The Corralled Horses (injured horses, old horses and stallions)
The horse living in the corral is provided with:
Adequate shade and shelter to protect from sun and weather.
Ample water, refreshed daily and kept clean.
Regular feeding with quality feed and any supplements needed based on their condition and workload.
Daily interaction and observation to ensure comfort and wellbeing.
4. Stallion Management
Our stallion is kept in a separate, secure enclosure to ensure safety while respecting his natural needs.
His area is:
Cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene and reduce pests.
Supplied with fresh water and adequate feed that meets his energy and health requirements.
Positioned to allow visual or adjacent contact with the herd where safe and appropriate, to support social engagement.
5. Health and Minimal Intervention
Horses are monitored visually each day, with health checks performed discreetly to reduce stress and maintain a natural lifestyle.
Preventive care such as hoof trimming, deworming, and vaccination is delivered with a low-stress, minimal-touch philosophy.
Medical intervention is only used when necessary, and always with an emphasis on preserving the horse’s dignity and freedom.
6. Environmental Stewardship
Our fields are managed with low-impact grazing practices, rotating pastures to preserve soil health and biodiversity.
No chemical treatments are used unless absolutely necessary.
Fencing and infrastructure are designed to blend with the landscape and minimize disruption to local wildlife.
7. Ethical Handling
All handling is done with respect and patience, using low-stress, positive reinforcement techniques. Our gauchos attend regular training sessions to develop their skills influenced by the Parelli Natural Horsemanship techniques.
Horses are never forced or rushed; training and handling are approached as partnerships. At approximately 3 years old we begin handling horses, any yearlings who have suffered injuries or are slow to develop will be reassed at 4 years o.d
Guides and visitors are briefed on appropriate conduct around free-roaming horses.
8. Weather and Seasonal Care
In extreme weather (heat, cold, storms), horses are offered access to natural or built shelters.
Extra feed and water are provided during times of environmental stress (e.g. drought, winter).
Rugging (blanketing) is avoided unless medically necessary, in line with our natural living ethos.
Policy Commitment
This policy is reviewed annually to align with best practices and the evolving needs of our horses and land.
All staff and visitors are expected to honor our values: freedom, respect, and quiet care.
At Estancia Los Potreros our role is not to dominate nature, but to live alongside it, ensuring that the horses in our care can live wild, healthy, and free.
Horse Records and Ongoing Care
We maintain a detailed log book for every horse at Los Potreros. This includes individual records of:
Injuries or health concerns
Shoeing and hoof care schedules
Breeding lines and heritage
Behavioral notes and any significant observations
This system ensures that even within our low-intervention approach, each horse’s history and wellbeing are carefully tracked and respected. It allows us to make informed, compassionate decisions that prioritize both the individual and the herd.
