About Tabela Nepal
Where horses, animals, nature, and people come together in harmony
Tabela’s Creation
“Tabela Nepal – Where Love Runs Free and Every Horse Matters.”
Welcome to TABELA – Horse Riding and Animal Education Center, a unique sanctuary in Bhaisepati, Kathmandu, where horses, animals, nature, and people come together in harmony. Our vision is rooted in healing horses, while creating an enriching space for children and families to connect with animals, experience outdoor joy, and learn values like empathy, responsibility, and respect.
TABELA stands for Teaching, Animals, Bonding, Education, Learning & Adventure. We are more than a riding stable — we are a family destination with a petting zoo, play areas, food experiences, and space for holistic learning.
In 2024, TABELA was established with the intention to change the lives of horses in Nepal for the better! Witnessing the lack of proper care and understanding for horses in Nepal, our founders envisioned a place where rescued horses could heal and thrive, and where people could learn to connect with animals on a deeper level.
The Beginning
It all started with one horse, which was sick and in dear need of medical support. In order to help this horse, Reman Das Shrestha and his wife adopted this horse to try to rescue her life! It was unsure how this horse’s health would develop and whether they could prevent putting her to sleep, because of a multitude of medical issues – but with lots of intense care and efforts from vets in Nepal and abroad, SHE MADE IT!
Now Kali is one of the happiest horses in TABELA. She is such a reliable and trustworthy soul and actually the true founder of TABELA NEPAL. Her health journey inspired the idea to help more horses in Nepal who are in similar situations because of lack of knowledge or resources.
As care taking of horses is very costly, not all owners can afford the care they would like for their horses, others are just unwilling to invest into their animals. Here at TABELA the horses have the absolute first priority and all our efforts are JUST to provide them with a comfortable happy life!
Our Mission
Our mission is threefold, focusing on animal welfare, education, and community engagement.
Animal Welfare First
We provide a loving, ethical, and natural home for horses and other animals, putting their well-being at the heart of everything we do.
Child-Centered Learning
We offer holistic, pedagogically grounded activities for children that build life skills through interaction with animals.
Family and Community Engagement
We aim to be a vibrant destination for families, combining equestrian joy, education, and nature-based leisure.
As a social enterprise, we do not exist to maximize profit — but to maximize impact. Our goal is to offer better lives to as many horses in Nepal as possible. We do this by rescuing, adopting, and rehabilitating horses in need. Leading by good example, we strive to educate the next generation of animal lovers and animal rights activists while empowering local horse owners with knowledge, humane alternatives, and practical tools, equipment and medications for better care.
Our Concept
1. Natural Horsemanship – Training Through Trust
Our horse training is based on natural horsemanship, a philosophy that respects the horse’s instincts and psychology. Instead of force or dominance, we build a partnership with our horses based on mutual respect, body language, and emotional awareness.
Key principles of our training include:
2. Horse Rehabilitation – Healing the Hurt
All of our horses (besides Ruby who was born as a surprise baby at Tabela) come from challenging backgrounds: neglect, illness, improper use, or poor nutrition. Their rehabilitation is a core mission of TABELA. Our horses are never forced to work like they used to in their past lives.
A. Medical Treatment and Diagnostics
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Initial veterinary examination including blood tests, scans, and medical history review
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Long-term treatment plans with medications, deworming, vaccinations, and wound care
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Monthly monitoring by veterinary professionals and daily caretaker observation
B. Individualized, Balanced Nutrition
Each horse receives a custom feeding plan, adjusted regularly to support recovery and growth. Our diets include:
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High-quality forage with 24-hour access to hay storage
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Carefully measured wheat bran, corn, and rice bran
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Oil supplements, electrolytes, vitamins, and probiotics (mostly imported)
3. Physical Rehabilitation
- • Gentle muscle release therapy and equine massages
- • Straightness and topline training
- • Groundwork for mind-body balance
- • Core muscle development and confidence building
4. Hoof Care – Barefoot & Natural
- • Professional barefoot trimming every two weeks
- • Hoof boots when needed during recovery
- • Daily inspection and cleaning
- • Nutritional support for hoof growth
5. Holistic Well-Being – A Horse’s Life at TABELA
Our horses live in an environment designed to fulfill their natural needs:
Open Stable Concept — horses can freely choose to move inside or out
Companionship — horses are kept in a herd for social wellbeing
Time off from training — weekly rest days guaranteed
No overworking — maximum 2 client hours per day
Regular veterinary checks and treatments
Daily groundwork, massages, and lots of love
6. Education Through Example
Our work with horses becomes a living classroom for children and adults. Visitors to TABELA learn how to respect animals as sentient beings, how healing takes time, patience, and care, and the value of working with, not against, nature.
We educate other horse owners by providing:
- Nutritional Knowledge
- Natural Horsemanship Training
- Hoof Trim Training
- Donation of Horse Equipment to owners in need
Expert Training
Professional horse training and riding instruction from certified instructors with decades of experience.
Horse Welfare
Exceptional care and attention to horse health, nutrition, and well-being in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Championship Breeding
Selective breeding programs producing champion horses with superior bloodlines and performance records.
Community Focus
Building Nepal’s equestrian community through education, events, and promoting the love of horses.
Because horse welfare infrastructure is limited in Nepal, our work relies on the collaboration and encouragement of a broader community — both locally and internationally. By supporting our mission, you become part of a meaningful journey that blends compassion, education, and long-term change.
Every visit, lesson, or donation helps us continue to give voice and dignity to animals who cannot speak for themselves.
Meet Our Animal Family
Each animal at Tabela Nepal has their own unique story of rescue, recovery, and renewal. Meet the beautiful souls who call our sanctuary home and learn about their journeys to healing.
Kali
Reason behind Tabela Nepal
Kali is one of the oldest and lead mare of our herd, and the quiet matriarch of Tabela Nepal. When she first arrived, Kali was in fragile condition underweight and in need of proper care. With time, nutrition, gentle physiotherapy, and consistent attention, she slowly regained her strength and began to thrive. Today, Kali is healthy, calm, and confident. She leads our herd with quiet wisdom and a steady presence that brings a sense of peace to those around her both animals and people alike. Kali’s journey was one of the inspirations behind the creation of Tabela Nepal. Her resilience reminded us of the importance of safe, loving spaces for animals in need. She continues to be a grounding force in our daily lives and a symbol of what care and patience can achieve. We’re grateful for Kali and all that she represents a gentle strength, a second chance, and the heart of our home.
Ebony
The Fighter with a Gentle Soul
Ebony is a beautiful Marwari mare with striking features and a spirit that refuses to give up. She came to Tabela Nepal after enduring years of suffering caused by excessive and irresponsible breeding in her previous stable. When she arrived, she was battling a severe uterine condition—her body tired, her spirit fragile. From the moment she set foot in Tabela Nepal, our team committed to doing everything we could to help her heal. She has received ongoing medical care, countless rounds of medication, and all the love and attention we can give. Slowly, Ebony has started to show signs of improvement. Her eyes have regained their shine, and her trust in humans is growing stronger every day. Unfortunately, due to the lack of proper equine medical equipment like an ultrasound machine, we haven’t been able to fully diagnose and treat her condition. But we haven’t given up. Instead, we focus on helping Ebony heal emotionally and physically through gentle handling, natural horsemanship, and ‘coolness’ training—calm, trust-based methods that ease her stress and bring her peace. Ebony is still on her journey toward recovery, but we are committed to walking every step of it with her. Our dream is to give her the life she always deserved—one filled with comfort, safety, and love.
Teddy Bär
The Playful Spirit
Teddy Bär is one of the youngest members of the Tabela Nepal herd—a spirited Sindhi stallion with a curious heart and a big personality. Born in Nepal to an Indian mare, Teddy spent his early years near Bhaktapur before coming to us. When he arrived, Bär was struggling with several health issues, including severe hoof problems and the lingering effects of past trauma. Before coming to Tabela, he had a severe ‘Trailer’ Accident. He was put on the back of a pick up truck which was not safe to transport horses and he had a sever accident, slicing the inner muscles of his hind left leg – today we can still see a big scar reminding us of his past. Additionally he was treated very rough and learned to defend himself by rearing up and kicking at humans. He was wary of people, unsure of whether he could trust again. But here at Tabela Nepal, we believe in patience, kindness, and second chances. With consistent care, proper treatment, and a lot of love, Bär has started to heal both physically and emotionally. He is growing stronger each day and enjoys spending time with the other horses, often showing his playful and sometimes mischievous side. Like any young horse, he can be a bit cheeky at times, but that’s just part of his journey as he learns to trust humans again. Watching Bär blossom into his full potential has been a joy for all of us. We believe that with time, he will grow into a confident, gentle horse, free from his past pain and ready to enjoy a life full of peace, friendship, and freedom.
Luri
A Gentle Soul Finding Her Way Home
Luri is a beautiful and sensitive mare who came to Tabela Nepal from India. After arriving in Nepal, she was adopted by a kind German family who loved and cared for her deeply. Sadly, when her family had to leave the country, Luri returned to Tabela Nepal, where she has since become an important part of our herd. Though she’s faced many changes in her life, Luri is now settling into a peaceful rhythm. She spends her days grazing alongside her new horse friends, especially enjoying the simple joy of sharing hay under the sun. While she is still in the process of healing from hip, leg, and hoof issues, her recovery has been steady with the care and attention of our team. Being separated from her former family has left Luri a little shy around adults, but her gentle nature shines through when she’s around children and kind-hearted people. With a soft voice and a gentle hand, she responds with quiet trust and affection.
Maya
A Mother’s Strength and a New Beginning
Maya is a mountain pony mare who came to Tabela Nepal from a stable in Pokhara. When she arrived, she was 8 months pregnant, exhausted, underweight, and suffering from painful hoof issues. Despite her condition, Maya had been forced to carry heavy loads through the mountains, even during the late stages of her pregnancy. Her arrival at Tabela marked the beginning of a new chapter. Here, she was finally given the care, rest, and attention she so desperately needed. Surrounded by compassion and gentle hands, Maya safely gave birth to a beautiful foal right here in the heart of Tabela Nepal. Today, Maya lives a peaceful and happy life alongside her baby and the rest of the herd. She spends her days grazing on fresh hay, bonding with her foal, and finding comfort in the quiet rhythm of her new home. Although the journey hasn’t been easy, her transformation is a testament to the healing power of love and care.
Ruby
A Joyful Beginning
Born in February 2025 at Tabela Nepal, Ruby is a symbol of hope, joy, and what a horse’s life should be. As one of the few horses in Nepal to be born into a life of love, safety, and freedom, she is truly one of the luckiest ponies around. From her very first steps, Ruby has been surrounded by care—nurtured by her devoted mother and the entire Tabela family. She spends her days munching hay alongside the herd, galloping freely through open spaces, and soaking up affection from both humans and horses alike. Ruby absolutely loves grooming time—especially when she gets scratches from her favorite humans. Her playful and curious nature makes her a delight to be around. She’s known for being one of the naughtiest little ponies in the herd, often sneaking in a game or a chase when no one’s expecting it, but her charm and sweetness always win hearts. So far, Ruby has enjoyed perfect health, and we’re doing everything we can to keep it that way. Our mission is to ensure she continues to grow up in a world where kindness is the norm, not the exception.
Jimmy
The Guardian with a Wagging Tail
Jimmy is our beloved farm dog—a playful, spirited, and endlessly lovable soul who brings joy to every corner of Tabela Nepal. He was rescued from the streets of Bhaisipati by the founders of Tabela, and from the very first moment, his cheerful energy and warm heart captured everyone’s attention. In many ways, Jimmy adopted us. With his charm and affectionate nature, he instantly became part of the Tabela family. He’s not just a dog—he’s a companion to our horses, a friend to our visitors, and a faithful guardian of the farm. One of Jimmy’s favorite things to do is leap onto the backs of horses and run freely with them in the arena. His playful antics and natural bond with the herd are a sight to behold and often leave visitors smiling with delight. Always on duty, Jimmy takes his role as farm guardian seriously—but never misses a chance for cuddles, games, or a good run in the open fields. He’s more than just a pet; he’s a joyful presence, a loyal protector, and a symbol of the love and second chances that define Tabela Nepal.
Barbara
The Little Sheep Who Brings Big Smiles
Barbara the sheep is one of Tabela Nepal’s most joyful and beloved residents. She was rescued from a slaughterhouse, and her life took a beautiful turn the day she arrived at our sanctuary. Since then, she has brought endless smiles to everyone who meets her. With her gentle nature and playful spirit, Barbara has become a favorite among visitors—especially children who come for our petting zoo experience. She loves attention, enjoys cuddles, and is always eager to make new friends, both human and animal. Barbara has also formed a special bond with our horses, often seen wandering happily among them, sharing snacks and companionship. While she’s sometimes a little wary of our dog Jimmy, the two have a funny, friendly relationship—full of playful tension and mutual respect—that adds to the charm of life at Tabela.
Our Bunnies
Little Bundles of Joy
The rabbits of Tabela Nepal are among the tiniest members of our animal family, but they bring an abundance of joy and warmth to our farm. Born right here at Tabela, these adorable little creatures have quickly become a favorite part of the sanctuary. They love hopping freely around the grassy fields, nibbling on fresh greens and sweet carrots, and soaking up the sunshine. Gentle and affectionate, our bunnies enjoy cuddles from visitors and are always ready to bring a smile to anyone who meets them. Since their arrival, a special kind of happiness has filled Tabela Nepal—one that only soft, playful, and loving little souls like theirs can bring. Their presence has added a new layer of peace and charm to the atmosphere here.
Our Guinea Pigs
Tiny Tails of Joy
The guinea pigs of Tabela Nepal may be small, but they bring a big dose of happiness wherever they go. These adorable little ones came to us from one of our close friends, and since their arrival, they’ve added a vibrant spark to the petting zoo. They love cozying up in their little houses, peeking out shyly before scurrying around playfully. You’ll often find them nestled close to their bunny companions—forming the cutest, fluffiest friendships at Tabela. Our guinea pigs are a favorite among visitors, especially children, who adore petting and gently interacting with them. Their sweet nature and curious personalities make them instantly lovable. Though tiny, they’ve brought a wave of warmth and joy to Tabela Nepal. Their presence has made our space even more magical, reminding us that happiness often comes in the smallest, furriest forms.
Every Animal Matters
At Tabela Nepal, every animal receives individualized care, love, and attention. From our majestic horses to our tiny guinea pigs, each soul is valued and cherished. Their stories of resilience and recovery inspire us daily and remind us why our mission matters.