Cultural Differences in Portugal
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Driving around Portugal it’s very common to see horses tied up by the sides of the road, on wastelands and fields.

Keeping horses tethered 24/7 is a very normal and perfectly legal here.

In the winter most horses are in good condition since there is plenty of green grass for them to eat and to hydrate from. In the heat of the summer it’s heartbreaking to see horses standing out under the sun with no access shade, food or water, totally dehydrated and starving.

Horses are commonly tied by the neck or head, but some are standing with their front legs hobbled together, or just tied up by one front leg. It’s also not uncommon to see the horses head attached to his hind leg, often with a rope made out of braided bailing twine, causing abrasions and cuts to the horses skin.

It’s one of the downsides of being an animal lover here in Portugal. Seeing horses like this never gets any easier.

Pia Saari is the founder and owner of Country Quest Portugal. Throughout her life she has gathered extensive experience with horses in many different ways. She has worked with horses professionally in riding schools, livery yards and racing stables. She has worked in horse rescue and helped numerous horses recover from severe physical and mental negligence. She has studied equine ethology and psychology, learning theory and many other subjects relating to horses. Country Quest Portugal has a mission and a vision to make the world a better place for horses - sharing knowledge by an online course is a very important part of this mission. The course is priced low to make it accessible for everyone who wants to learn how to better care for their horses.