Being in Goa, many are unaware about this beautiful horse farm which sprawls over an area of about 50,000 sq mtrs in Chirkanali. The owner of this farm, Monique Pala bought the place around 20 years ago. A foreigner, Monique married an Indian in the year 1984 in Kashmir and she shares her journey to Goa. “We wanted to move from Kashmir, so we came to Goa where we had our flat in Cavelossim and I always wanted to buy a place which connects me with nature. When I passed this side of Chirkanali-Curchoem it really fascinated me and I insisted that we buy a plot here.”
Although Monique has such a big property where she trains 15 horses and her 5 dogs (German breeds named Weimaraner), she has not yet thrown it open for guests. “I would like to make changes to my guest house so that people can come here to camp, organize birthday parties and enjoy the lush green gardens in the presence of horses, dogs and different birds and animals spotted here. Tourists who are aware of this place come here to take a look at my farm,” she said.
Monique, who trains dogs and horses with love, compassion and passion, explains, “My horse farm is not to train horses for riding. To ride a horse, you really need to spend that quality of time in caring and loving it first. Animals don’t allow you to touch them until you develop that bond with them. Even if I think of selling any of my horses, I would make sure that the person stays here and under my guidance learns to take care of it.”
So what must one know before owning a horse? Monique replies, “The food, agrass and first-aid requirement should be given at the right time. Although I am not a veterinarian, over a span of 15 years of experience I have learnt all of this. On a daily basis, I get up in the morning at 6.30. I start cleaning the horses in the stable for over an hour. Once the horses are out, I clean the stables. When I clean the droppings of the horses, it helps me understand whether they are healthy or not. Or whether they are drinking enough water or consuming a good amount of food.”
Ask her why she isn’t making business by sending the horses for weddings, circuses or races, and she answers, “Generally, if you go for Indian weddings, they use a lot of firecrackers. I work with horses with a different philosophy. I don’t misuse them. In a circus, people would make money off the animal. They tie them, while I give them freedom to roam here in this open space where they can eat, mingle with other horses, drink water and get back to the stable whenever they need warmth. They also roll on the grass. In a circus, they wouldn’t get proper food and the environment would change constantly. For horse races, you need a different breed of horses. Out of 1,000 horses, one will be a superstar. What about the others then? It’s beautiful to witness a race but the ground reality will give you a different picture.”
People believe that horses cannot sustain themselves in this climate but Monique believes differently. “When I started with horses, people said they will die. But I used my common sense. What did olden people do here? Did they have motorcycles? How were they moving about? Those landlords had the culture knowledge to take care of horses. Horses adapt to all climates,” informs Monique.
Like her horses, she cares for her dogs as well. “The Weimaraner breed is different. They are trained to sniff, attack rats and other animals. They can also be very helpful in tracing bombs as they are far better than Dobermen or German Shepherds.”
