Lorina, good day. You and your husband lived in Romania for a long time, but circumstances led you to return to the village of Slobozia Mare, Cahul district, where you opened Potcoava Verde - the only equestrian school in southern Moldova. What motivated you to come back to Moldova from Bucharest?

Greetings. Our lives changed dramatically during the pandemic. While residing in Bucharest, we were confined to an apartment, and with a young child, the COVID-19 restrictions limited our ability to venture outside. Consequently, we sought an escape and found it by relocating to Slobozia Mare, my husband's hometown in Moldova. The decision was motivated by our desire to embrace a natural setting, inhale fresh air, and provide our child with an environment that encourages activity and vitality.

When did the idea of owning horses first arise?

From a young age, my husband, Arthur, possessed the knowledge and skills to care for and ride horses. Growing up around these magnificent creatures allowed him to develop a deep understanding of their needs and how to handle them. While our move to Romania brought about changes, his passion for horses remained unwavering. Additionally, both of us share a profound appreciation for nature, always seeking opportunities to embrace the outdoors and engage in horseback riding. We could not even imagine that our love for horses would eventually evolve into a project known as Potcoava Verde when we settled in Slobozia Mare. Initially, horseback rides were enjoyed exclusively by our visiting friends and relatives. However, as time went on, we recognized that horseback riding captivated the interest of children and adults alike. Many individuals were interested not only to immerse themselves in nature but also to take part in an unforgettable equestrian experience or take a leisurely carriage ride. Around 2021, we made the decision to expand our equine family and embark on the development of agrotourism.

How did you decide on the name Potcoava Verde?

We wanted a name that would accurately represent our work and values. It wasn't an instant decision; it took us about six months to carefully consider the best words that would convey our idea and passion. Potcoava Verde, which means "Green Horseshoe" in English, was chosen because our horses tread on the grass, leaving green imprints on their horseshoes. Visitors are always amazed by the natural beauty surrounding us, as there is no trace of urban hustle and bustle. The environment is enveloped in lush greenery, with trees, flowers, birds, insects, and animals.

How many horses do you currently have?

At the moment, we have a total of seven horses on the farm. Four of them belong to us, while the remaining three are owned by others. Each horse is a unique creature with a specific role to play. We carefully select the breeds to ensure that each horse excels in its designated function. For instance, a horse suitable for riding in an arena may not be suitable for pulling a carriage.

What kind of activities are available for visitors at Potcoava Verde?

At Potcoava Verde, we offer a variety of horse-involved recreational activities. Visitors have the opportunity to take part in a picturesque horse photoshoot, take horseback riding lessons, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, or embark on horseback excursions through our breathtaking surroundings. Our services cater to both children and adults, and we even have special groups dedicated to teaching children how to ride horses. This has led to a constant flow of enthusiastic visitors at Potcoava Verde. As we continue to grow, we strive to expand our range of services to ensure that visitors have a wide array of options for engaging in active leisure.

Have all your innovations been driven by your business plan for the development of Potcoava Verde?

No, we never anticipated that our endeavor would evolve into a fully-fledged tourism business. Each innovation we implement is a direct response to the requests of our visitors. As our guest numbers grew, so did the influx of ideas for further development. We didn't have to brainstorm ourselves; instead, we focused on fulfilling the desires of our guests. For instance, many visitors expressed interest in not only engaging in a few hours of horseback riding but also staying overnight. This led us to explore the possibility of constructing cottages for accommodations. I discovered tourism programs and decided to give them a try. While our initial experience didn't yield the expected success in winning grants, it provided valuable insights into areas that needed improvement. Over the span of a few years, we successfully participated in various programs, enabling us to acquire cottages, enhance our facilities, and offer new services. At the moment, we provide quad bike excursions and motorboat rentals for those who enjoy water activities.

How many programs have you successfully participated in?

So far, we have participated in a total of five programs. These programs include AIPA, ODA, EU4Moldova, and GAL Lunca Prutului de Jos. Without the support of these programs, we would not have been able to implement so many projects on our own.

It seems that Potcoava Verde offers a wide range of activities for children. Do you plan to further develop this aspect?

Absolutely! We have numerous plans specifically tailored for children. At one point, we even had a special horse dedicated to providing lessons for children with disabilities. We welcomed special groups to introduce children to horses and horseback riding. Although we no longer have that particular horse, we are exploring the possibility of acquiring another special horse to cater to children with disabilities.

Furthermore, we have a mini zoo at Potcoava Verde where rabbits, miniature chickens, and a donkey reside. This mini zoo brings joy to both children and adults alike.

Have you received any requests from your visitors for new services?

Yes, we have received numerous requests for bicycles, so it is likely that we will acquire several units. I am also very keen on creating a playground on the premises. According to the plan, it will be made of natural materials, without any plastic. Another goal of ours is to install solar panels. I hope that we will be able to win a few more programs and grants to bring all these ideas to life.

Svetlana Markova