High in the landscapes of Galicia, where mountains stretch wide and herds move freely, Adrián Martins continues a story written long before him. A fifth-generation horseman, breeder, trainer, and expedition leader, Adrián’s life has always followed the rhythm of horses — not as a pastime, but as inheritance.
Here at Finca Moreiras, horses are not shaped by trends or timelines. They grow within tradition, patience, and open land. Adrián’s work is deeply tied to place, culture, and a native breed that carries the spirit of Galicia itself.
We spoke with Adrián about lineage, responsibility, and what it truly means to live alongside horses.
We spoke with Adrián about lineage, responsibility, and what it truly means to live alongside horses.
Early Roots: Horses as Identity
What’s your name and role in the equestrian world?
"My name is Adrián Martins,” he shares.
“I’m a fifth-generation horseman, breeder, trainer, and expedition leader here at Finca Moreiras.”
He comes from a long line of Galician horsemen — five generations of families who lived with horses as part of everyday life. His childhood was spent in the mountains of the Sierra da Groba, caring for herds of wild horses and learning traditional methods passed down through centuries.
For Adrián, horses were never a hobby. They were part of the land, part of daily responsibility, and part of who he is.
How did your journey with horses begin?
It began before he could name it as a journey at all.
"Growing up alongside free-roaming horses, I learned through presence rather than instruction. Days in the mountains, moving with the herds, taught me respect, patience, and awareness — lessons absorbed quietly and carried forward into my adulthood",
Equestrian Mindset
What brings you the greatest sense of pride?
“What makes me most proud is being able to protect and share a lineage that has survived for thousands of years,” Adrián says.
Breeding and riding the endangered Pura Raza Gallega horses, keeping them in freedom, and showing their true nature feels like honoring both his ancestors and the land he grew up on.
Seeing people fall in love with these horses, the culture, and the landscape gives real meaning to the work.
Triumphs, Trials & Lessons
What challenges have shaped your resilience?
Adrián pauses before answering.
"Learning patience has been one of the greatest lessons. Breeding horses, protecting an endangered native breed, and building a project rooted in tradition all require long-term vision. Results often take years to appear".
“There were moments of doubt,” he admits.
“But trusting the process and believing in the future we’re working toward was essential.”
Staying committed through uncertainty taught him resilience — and reaffirmed why this path matters.
If you could change one thing in the equestrian world, what would it be?
“I would give horses more individuality and more choice,” he says.
Adrián believes horses should live closer to their nature — in herds, in open spaces, treated as partners rather than tools. When horses are allowed to live like horses, their real personalities emerge.
“That’s when true connection grows,” he explains.
“Through trust, respect, and understanding.”
Memorable Moments
Is there a moment you’ll never forget?
“The most memorable moments go back to my childhood,” Adrián reflects.
The first horses he bonded with left a mark that never faded. Growing up in the mountains and spending entire days with those early horses taught him trust, responsibility, and what it truly means to build a relationship with an animal.
“There is always one horse that shapes you,” he says.
“One that opens the door to this life.”
What helps you through the harder days?
“Horses have a way of grounding you,” Adrián shares.
Their presence, honesty, and the daily rhythm of care bring perspective. Even on demanding days, they provide the energy to keep moving forward — a quiet reminder of why this life was chosen.
Inspiration & Horsemanship
Who inspires your way of working with horses?
“I admire anyone who shows a genuine connection with the horse,” Adrián says.
He’s especially drawn to Portuguese horsemanship — its classical roots, lightness in the saddle, and emphasis on harmony over force. Riders and trainers who place the horse’s mind and well-being at the center of their work are those he looks up to most.
How have horses shaped the way you see people?
“Horses have taught me sincerity,” he explains.
They respond only to what is real — not appearances or titles, but energy and intention. Working with them has shown Adrián that true connection is built through calmness, honesty, and presence.
In reflecting what we bring to them, horses often reveal more about people than people reveal about themselves.
Looking Ahead
At Finca Moreiras, the future is guided by respect for tradition and trust in natural rhythms. Adrián Martins continues to protect a native breed, honor generations before him, and invite others into a quieter, deeper form of horsemanship shaped by land, freedom, and patience.
Inspired by Adrián’s story?
Discover Finca Moreiras on Cavago and explore horse expeditions shaped by generations of Galician horsemanship.
