Meet the Founder
Experience Built Through Horses, Time & Continuous Learning
Behind Kefalonias Horse Riding Stable is a lifelong journey with horses, shaped by riding, training, carriage driving and everyday horsemanship.
A life shaped by horses
This story began long before the stable welcomed visitors.
Behind Kefalonias Horse Riding Stable is more than 30 years of involvement with horses, beginning at the age of 14 and gradually developing through riding, horse training, carriage driving and daily life around horses.
Over the years, this experience has been shaped by practical work, continuous learning and a deep respect for the relationship between horse and rider.
How it all started
It was never just a business plan
Kefalonias Horse Riding Stable did not begin as a business plan. It began much earlier, through a personal relationship with horses and a long journey built around riding, learning and everyday life with them.
The original goal was never simply to create a tourism business. Opening horse experiences to visitors was not initially part of the plan, mainly because of concerns around horse welfare and the importance of creating respectful experiences.
Over time, through encouragement from a trainer and friends, the idea slowly developed. What started with a simple online profile and a few experiences gradually became an opportunity to share a way of life with others.
Experience & background
A background across riding, training & carriage driving
Over the years, this background has grown through competition, horse training, carriage driving, coaching seminars and daily practical work with horses of different needs, characters and histories. Some of this work has involved helping horses with difficult backgrounds rebuild confidence, trust and calm communication.
- Competitive experience up to medium-level Dressage
- Show Jumping experience up to 1 metre
- Participation in FEI coaching seminars
- Training horses from the beginning of their education
- Retraining horses with different needs and backgrounds
- Carriage training for former riding horses
What guides every experience
Every experience is guided by trust, patience and respect for the horse.
Trust
Built through calm, steady interaction with each horse.
Patience
Every horse and rider learns in their own rhythm.
Understanding
We listen first, then guide through communication.
Consistency
Progress comes from small steps repeated every day.
Respect
The horse’s comfort and wellbeing always come first.
Connection
The goal is to build something real beyond the ride.
We do not believe horses should simply carry people from one place to another.
At Kefalonias Horse Riding Stable, every experience is built around respect for the horse, trust between horse and human, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be around these animals. For us, good horsemanship is not about pressure, speed or appearances. It is reflected through calm communication, patience and the relationship built over time.
"Because in the end, the horse always gives the most honest answer."
Padelis Defteraios
Owner, Breeder, Trainer, Guide
Beyond the story
Experience the philosophy in real life
Every ride, lesson and carriage experience is shaped by the same values: respect for the horse, calm communication, trust and genuine connection with the landscape of Kefalonia.