Qala International Folk Festival A weekend of folk dance, music, and traditional food. Qala village square is brought to life by a unique intercultural programme, that has grown to attract locals and visitors for its
Anyone who has ever spent time with Victor and his beloved Dreams of Horses Farm will know this is a special place in Gozo.
When GITH met Megan, we immediately started an indepth conversation about our love for Victor, Dreams of Horses farm and the integral wellness work he does for both the community and visitors alike. I asked Megan to share her account of what spending time on this Gozitan treasure meant to her and she happily obliged.
“What an honor to have the opportunity to share this story.” Megan Cauchi
At Dreams of Horses your perception changes. Victor Muscat does not only teach you how to handle horses but he goes way deeper teaching you how to communicate with these wonderful animals!
My love for horses has been prevalent since I was a little child. Every Christmas I would add ‘pony’ to my wish list for Father Christmas. Horse riding was my hobby and I wanted to be around horses every chance I could get. It was so fulfilling. When I first heard of Dreams Of Horses in Gozo, I told my parents that I need to see this place and once we arrived Victor greeted us all with a smile – as now i understand, he does to everyone – always. Twenty minutes into touring around the farm, he remarked, ‘Have you noticed how since you’ve been here you didn’t think of your life problems once?’.
I burst into tears like he hit a switch. It was true, all of a sudden I realized how mesmerized I was with this magical place and how I was not thinking of anything that does not matter!
Victor immediately noticed and told me I should start volunteering on the farm. It wasn’t long after that I made the time to go and help out and experience real farm life.
I continuously felt the magic of this place and I went again and again as it became my therapy. Victor started explaining to me why the horse is doing this and that and once you see things outside of the box, you realize what amazing and intelligent creatures horses are.
Without a lot of thought, I decided to take some time off from real life and give myself a mental break. I quit my job and spent the next two months full-time volunteering on the farm.
I can say today, that these two months have made me change the way I think and have given me a lot of mental strength.
It was a time in my life when anxiety was taking over and when I was feeling lost in general. The farm was one of the few places where I felt safe and where I could let my emotions run free. After spending nearly ten hours a day with the horses, I started bonding with them and I noticed how they feel all your emotions. They taught me how to face fear, remain calm, and how human beings can actually adapt and learn from them.
I could say the farm can be an escape from reality but if you listen closer, it can be that magical place that changes your perspective of life and situations in general. I will be forever grateful to Victor and his family for giving me the opportunity to be part of this Dream.
Dreams of Horses is a must-see to all animal lovers and to all who want to make a change in this world we live in.
Words: Megan Cauchi. Editor: GITH
Do you have a story about Dreams of Horses Farm? Or perhaps something or someone else helped you change your life on Gozo? Get in touch.