A STEP BACK TO MOVE FORWARD
Industrial farming broke the ancient balance between people and the land, degrading our soils. Yet the solution lies beneath us: healthy soil stores carbon, retains water, and sustains life. Regenerative agriculture—rooted in ancestral practices—shows that restoring ecosystems is possible and already happening. To move forward, we must rebuild soil health and recover the art of cultivating the earth.
Nº01 · Lusitano Digest · Rising with Grace: Leaders and Milestones in Horsemanship
María and Bernat, our stable manager, nurture a new generation of Lusitanos—blending patience, respect, and quiet ambition with international success. Each day in the Andalusian hills, their work reminds us that true horsemanship is built on trust, harmony, and time.
“Nigredo” - When The Earth Burns But Does Not Die
Every summer, the forests of the Iberian Peninsula burn—some by nature, many by human hands. Nigredo reflects on this destruction not only as an ecological crisis but as a spiritual reckoning. Fire becomes a force of purification, stripping away excess to reveal what truly matters. Amid the ashes, a stubborn green blade rises—reminding us that life endures, and that a more conscious, humble relationship with the Earth is still possible
Breathing to Cultivate Inner Sustainability
We’re born breathing in slow, restorative waves, yet stress soon shortens that rhythm. Conscious breathwork—guided at La Donaira by Veronica, a clinically trained therapist—revives it: each deliberate inhale calms the nervous system, loosens stored emotion, and clarifies the mind. Tending to the breath is tending to an inner ecosystem as sustainable as the land we steward.
Mining in Prehistoric Times
Beneath the stone oak forests of the Sierra de Malaver lies a forgotten world of prehistoric mines, where early communities extracted silex, ochre, and copper in deep connection with the land—a story brought to life by Ana, our specialist in regenerative agriculture.
A WALK THROUGH THE GARDEN
Explore the magic of La Donaira’s garden through the words of Marina, our Garden Manager.
Regenerative Agriculture Conference: Innovating for a Sustainable Future
La Donaira proudly participated in the "Territory Safekeeping, Regenerative Management, and Nature Restoration Conference," showcasing our "Integrated Diverse Olive Groves" project. Through regenerative practices like green manure, dry stone walls, and experimental planting, we’re working to restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and conserve water—contributing to a shared vision for a more sustainable future.
Health Reset Program: A Transformative Wellness Journey
In a world of constant noise and stress, the Health Reset program at La Donaira (March 17–22, 2024) invites you to rediscover balance. Rooted in evolutionary medicine and inspired by nature, this transformative retreat blends personalized care with holistic practices. From mindful preparation to a three-month follow-up, it’s a journey toward lasting well-being—one step closer to harmony with yourself and the earth.
Five Essential Yoga Poses to Improve Your Horseback Riding
Five essential yoga poses designed for horseback riders to improve flexibility, balance, and posture while easing tension and enhancing the riding experience.
Microbial Masterpieces: The Art of Biology
La Donaira’s mushroom cultivation project delves into the fascinating world of microorganisms. These tiny organisms are essential to life, shaping ecosystems and inspiring regenerative solutions. Join us in exploring their hidden beauty and the lessons they offer for a more sustainable planet.
Levitating with Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga is a blend of movement, mindfulness, and the freeing sensation of being suspended in air. It’s a practice that eases back pain, releases stress, and builds strength while helping you feel lighter, both in body and mind. There’s nothing quite like the joy of floating as you reconnect with yourself.
Help the Bees: Sustainable Beekeeping and Biodiversity at La Donaira
Discover how our chemical-free approach and innovative practices are making a difference in bee conservation and producing some of the world's finest honey.
The Blooming of the Wild Peonies: A Reflection on Healing and Renewal
Spring arrives with the wild beauty of blooming peonies, offering hope and a reminder of nature’s healing power. As we navigate uncertain times, these blossoms inspire reflection on our connection to the earth, the potential for renewal, and the opportunity to create a more harmonious and restorative future.
How to be a soil doctor
Soil health is essential for sustainable agriculture and food security. This article explores how to become a “soil doctor” by monitoring nutrient levels, improving soil through organic matter, and avoiding harmful overuse of fertilizers. Healthy soils are the foundation for a thriving planet and zero hunger.
Exploring the Benefits of Massage: An Ancient Art for Modern Well-Being
Massage therapy is more than relaxation—it's a time-tested practice with roots in ancient cultures like China, Egypt, and India. Beyond stress relief, it enhances circulation, reduces muscle tension, and improves posture, offering profound physical and emotional benefits in today’s fast-paced world.
Understanding Soil Types: A Guide to Soil Texture and Gardening Success
Soil texture impacts everything from water drainage to plant growth. Learn how to identify your soil type with simple techniques and discover how to work with sandy, loamy, or clay soils to create thriving gardens. Improve your soil’s health with organic matter and unlock its full potential.
Into the Lichenverse: Discovering the Beauty and Role of Lichens in Nature
Lichens, nature's tiny masterpieces, are much more than meets the eye. These ancient ecosystems, formed through unique symbiosis, tell stories of resilience, biodiversity, and environmental health. Explore their role in creating soil, supporting wildlife, and monitoring pollution.
Seamus Gaffney: An Interview with La Donaira’s Cowboy and Horse Whisperer
Seamus Gaffney shares his journey from rural Ireland to La Donaira, where he has spent over a decade building trust between man and horse through natural horsemanship. Discover his inspiring story of resilience, tradition, and a lifelong passion for horses.
Mighty Microgreens: Tiny Plants with Big Nutritional Benefits
Microgreens are tiny greens with remarkable health benefits. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, they’re an easy way to elevate nutrition. These vibrant plants are simple to grow and add a burst of flavor, color, and freshness to any dish, proving great things come in small packages.
I, Too, Am a Vegetable: Exploring the Stories of Summer Crop
From the versatile eggplant to the refreshing cucumber, this piece highlights the fascinating history and culinary significance of summer crops grown in La Donaira’s garden. Dive into the origins, unique varieties, and cultural traditions behind the vegetables that nourish and inspire us.