Volunteering with Horses: A Peaceful Day Among Three Herds at Domov pro koně
When we turned onto the familiar road toward the Domov pro koně sanctuary on Sunday morning, I felt something wonderful. It was no longer the initial respect for the unknown, nor the excitement of discovery. It was the feeling of coming back. Returning to a place where time flows differently, where you learn to slow down, and where animals live their quiet, dignified lives thanks to an extraordinary woman, Patrícia Pitříková.
They greeted us before we even stepped out of the car. Barking, the sound of paws on the ground, joyful circles around our legs. Triša — a large, majestic female dog rescued from Slovakia, who feels like the kind-hearted guardian of the whole farm. Dusty, tall, black, energetic, with enough energy for three dogs. Alex, the smallest but the bravest. And Zorka, calm, gentle, well-fed, who only appears when she’s sure everything is in order — and when the dominant Triša allows it…
Patricia welcomed us with the kind of smile people have when they are tired but content. The kind of people who do something that truly matters.
We offered our help — and she accepted it with a gratitude that is never taken for granted. Grooming the horses, cleaning the stable, tidying the space under the shelter. Nothing big, nothing heroic. Just ordinary work that, in a place like this, means a lot.
And so our day among the three herds began. Three worlds living together on one farm, each with its own rhythm, its own energy, and its own stories.
The Herd of Elderly Horses: Slowness, Wisdom, and Fragility
Our first stop was the herd of the oldest horses. Some of them are over thirty years old. Their movements are slow, careful, sometimes uncertain. Some see poorly, others have dental problems, and that’s why Patricia prepares a special ground feed for them.
When we approached them, they lifted their heads curiously. Not abruptly, not dramatically — more like elderly people who want to see who has arrived, but don’t want to rush.
We began grooming them. Their winter coats were still shedding in places, and under our hands a smoother, more even color appeared. I felt it was good for them — that it stimulated their skin, released tension, and brought relief.
One of the horses was lying in the straw. He didn’t move for a long time, just watched us. Only after a while did he slowly rise to his feet, with a sigh reminiscent of an elderly person. It was difficult, but he managed. And once he was standing, he came to ask for a carrot. Not one. Three.
Carrots were the theme of the day. We brought several bags of fresh, crunchy, fragrant carrots. And we quickly realized we had to ration them carefully. Some horses are unbelievably stubborn, and once they discover you have carrots, they won’t give up until they get one. I hid them in my pocket, but they knew.
In this herd, I felt the most humility. Old horses are like old people — they don’t need much, but they need the right things. Patience, gentleness, time.
The Younger Herd: Peace in the Shade and a Leader Who Keeps Order
The second herd was separated by a fence. Younger, stronger, more energetic horses. But on that day, they were surprisingly calm. The flies didn’t bother them, the sun was gentle, and so they stood in the shade and rested.
Among them dominated a black horse — the leader of the herd. He didn’t need to show off. It was enough that he was there. The others respected his space, his pace, his decisions.
When we entered, they watched us but didn’t hurry. Only when we started grooming did they come closer. Each had their own way of asking for attention. Some gently, others more insistently. But all of them enjoyed being groomed.
The energy in this herd was different. Less fragility, more strength. Less slowness, more balance. It felt like moving from a retirement home into a quiet garden full of young adults having breakfast.
The Back Herd: Beauty, Health, and Two Persistent Souls
The third herd was at the back of the yard. Around eight younger horses whose coats were beautiful, smooth, and almost without the need for grooming. It was clear they were in good condition.
And it was also clear that they knew exactly where the carrots were.
Two horses followed us almost constantly. Not aggressively — more playfully and persistently. One of the mares, who has a long-term issue with elimination and whose irritated skin on her hind legs Patricia regularly treats, looked surprisingly well. She was lively, curious, active.
In this herd, there was joy. Movement. Curiosity. And a bit of chaos — but the good kind, the kind that makes you smile.
Volunteering with Horses as Meditation
After grooming, we loaded a wheelbarrow with manure. For some, maybe not an attractive idea. For me, not at all. Manual work around horses isn’t hard. It’s rhythmic, simple, honest. You switch off your mind and switch on your body. And when horses stand around you, calmly chewing, breathing, watching you — it becomes a special kind of meditation.
Being among horses makes me happy. It’s a feeling you can’t fake.
News from the Farm: Sadness and Hope
At the end, we talked with Patricia about what’s new. We learned that a mare from the fourth herd, the one that’s harder to reach, had recently passed away. Quickly, unexpectedly. A sad message, but in a sanctuary where old and sick horses live, death is a natural part of life.
She also showed us some small construction improvements in the building opposite the family house. In the future, it will be possible to stay overnight there — something like a small guesthouse. Volunteers recently helped her with the work, and it’s a beautiful way to support the sanctuary’s operation.
Patricia is building everything gradually, with the help of her son and people who believe in what she does. And it shows.
Why It’s Worth Coming, Helping, and Supporting Domov pro koně
Domov pro koně is not a tourist attraction. It is a place where animals get a second chance. Where old horses live out their days in peace. Where younger ones find safety. Where people work with their hearts.
If you have the opportunity, visit the website, contact Patricia, support financially, or offer help. Even a small contribution makes a big difference.
And if you feel like it, come visit in person. Maybe you too will discover that among the three herds, there is something that cannot be described — only experienced.
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