Jātnieku ceļš: A Conversation with Madara Braslava on Horses, Heritage, and a Way of Life

January 11, 2026

In the latest episode of the podcast Jātnieku ceļš, we traveled to Līgatne to visit Stallis Purgaiļi, where we met Madara Braslava—a multi-generation horsewoman, trainer, breeder, stable owner, and tour guide in Sigulda. This conversation explores horses, welfare, training, family heritage, and what it truly means to live alongside horses.

Horses Across Generations – From Great-Grandfather to Daughters

Madara shares that her family’s connection to horses spans more than 100 years. Her great-grandfather, in the Limbaži region during Latvia’s First Republic, invested in breeding horses to improve bloodlines. During the Soviet era, the legacy continued through her mother, Inga Veise—a well-known rider and trainer who competed up to 130 cm courses and later passed this path on to her daughter. Today, Madara’s own daughters are growing up in the horse world, proving that this is not just a hobby, but a true way of life.

Stallis Purgaiļi – Horse Welfare Comes First

Located in Līgatne, about 8 km from Sigulda, Stallis Purgaiļi is designed around horses’ natural needs. Horses spend most of their time outdoors—in herds, with access to hay, water, and movement. Madara emphasizes that this lifestyle significantly reduces stress, stereotypical behaviors, and respiratory and digestive issues.

“No horse has ever frozen—but the owners sometimes do,” she jokes, breaking the myth that horses must stand in a stable every night.

Training as Education, Not Just Riding

Madara specializes in beginner training for both children and adults. Her approach is holistic: lessons include not only riding, but also grooming, lunging, workload planning, horse colors and breeds, and basic health indicators. Children learn that training doesn’t always mean cantering or jumping—sometimes it’s just 20 minutes of walking for the horse’s well-being. This philosophy shapes responsible riders who can independently care for their horses in the future.

Private Horse Boarding and Leasing

The stable offers box stalls and outdoor shelters, including 24/7 outdoor living for senior horses. Madara speaks openly about the challenges of private horse boarding—different owner expectations, feeding routines, bedding, and diets—but stresses that mutual understanding and shared rules are essential.

The conversation also touches on horse leasing in Latvia as a smart step before buying a horse. Leasing helps riders understand both the costs and daily responsibilities without immediately taking on full risk.

More Than a Stable – Projects, Photoshoots, and Seminars

Stallis Purgaiļi is more than a training facility. It hosts seminars, guest trainers, photoshoots, filming projects, and collaborations with horse-breeding organizations. Madara thrives on movement, ideas, and development—the stable is a living environment of learning and cooperation.

Motivation for Young Riders

In closing, Madara emphasizes that horses are not an easy path—but they are worth it. You must learn, listen, work, and not be afraid. Opportunities today are greater than ever: seminars, trainers, and information online. The most important thing is to want it—and not to stop.