Moving to Portugal with an older mare

[welshwitch777]

Hello everyone, I wanted to ask your advice. In May I will be moving to the Silver Coast region of Portugal with a 24-year-old Welsh mare. Has anyone else here moved to Portugal with their horses? Any tips regarding stableyards or transport companies? I especially want to find a place for her with decent turnout, as she doesn't do well if stabled 24/7. She's an older horse that needs to get out and move around. The property we're buying has a small field out back, so I could theoretically fence that and build a field shelter, but you can't keep a horse on their own without a fieldmate, which is why I'm looking for stableyards or other solutions. Many thanks in advance.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Would it not be worth finding reputable retirement livery here at least for the summer, whilst you settle in and start searching for the right place for her? Would take the pressure off to start with, then plan to bring her over in early September before the autumn begins here?

Ref transporters, John Parker and also ETA are highly reputable.

 

[be positive]

Would it not be worth finding reputable retirement livery here at least for the summer, whilst you settle in and start searching for the right place for her? Would take the pressure off to start with, then plan to bring her over in early September before the autumn begins here?

Ref transporters, John Parker and also ETA are highly reputable.

That would also allow her to move in the cooler weather rather than into a summer which may be a shock to her, friends of mine moved to Arizona some years ago and left the pony with me so they could find suitable livery and move him in the cooler part of the year which made it easier for him to adjust.

 

[welshwitch777]

I'm visiting the region to scout out possible yards before the move, but I understand your point, Fuzzy. The Silver Coast region is not as hot as elsewhere in Iberia, but it will be a change from the UK!

 

[MDB]

Get a friend for your mare. It is lovely having horses at home. I am just up the road in Galicia and cheap horses are a plenty.

 

[welshwitch777]

Thank you, MDB. It's an exciting possibility, for sure!

 

[peanut]

No advice to offer but how lovely that you are taking your mare with you. I hope all goes well

 

[welshwitch777]

Thank you, peanut! There's no way I could leave her behind.