The suffering of animals when human problems and stress get out of hand
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
A horse owner asked Gut Aiderbichl to take in her 8 horses. She herself has health problems due to a tick bite on her right leg and feels unable to look after the horses in the future. The lower leg is severely inflamed and partially open and measures 84 cm. The horses are “her children” and must not become a travelling trophy. In plain language: private placement is out of the question. There are only two options: Admission to a sanctuary or final destination slaughterhouse.
The horses are two Shetland ponies Max and Ivan, the Haflingers Nora and Step, as well as Stormy, Stan and Amely and the Quarter Horse mare Amy.
A race against time
For reasons of space, it was good Aiderbichl not possible, to pick up eight horseson the spot. We made contact with thefamily members of the horse owner and tried to find a positive solution for the horses together.
Time was of the essence, because to make matters worse, the building authority ordered the unauthorised stables to be removed, and therefore the horses had to be removednot only for the owner’s health reasons, but alsogot a new homefor official reasons. The owners repeatedly emphasised thatthat the lives of their eight “children” can only have a future on a farm of mercy. Should this endeavour fail, the horses would be driven to the slaughterhouse.
Die horseowner had meanwhile had also contacted Annette and Andrè Engelhardt from the Ballermann-Ranch turned. The ranch was able to accept two horses, Nora and Step, be cancelledbecause a double box had become available due to the death of a horse. The fate of the family was very close to Annette and Andrè’s hearts and they wanted to help. The negotiationscontinued and the time pressure increased.
Dieter Ehrengruber agreed to the inclusion of 3 further horses from the groupto. “If we take in the Haflinger Nora and Step, then we can’tleave the other horses behind. A 3-person outdoor box was built to accommodate the other 3 horses.
Whatever you believe with your senses becomes your reality (Brian Tracy)
The philosophy of Gut Aiderbichlincludes, that we help the animals, our fellow creatures, and provide them with a forever home without worries and fears at our meeting places.
Dieter Ehrengruber and the whole team of Gut Aiderbichl hadn a great teacher: Michael Aufhauser. “There is a solution for everything, even if it sometimes doesn’t look like it.”
All possible levers have been set in motion,in ordertoalso get the Shetland ponies Max and Ivan and theponies Max and Ivan and the Haflinger mare Amelie from their disastrous lives. Since the end of July, the two ponies and the Haflinger mare have been living with Michael Meckl on Gut Aiderbichl in Eslarn: “How things often slip away. The horses are physically and mentally battered. There will probably be a lot to do. We’ll manage …”. The otherwise cheerful face of Michael turns into a very thoughtful, sad face. “We can do this – Ivan, Max and Amelie. Definitely!”.
The eight horses lead although not togetherlife on an an animal visitor centrefrom Gut Aiderbichl, but at least they were given a gift together: The right to live.
“The horses have to learn again what it means to be a horse, to be a horse“ (Quote Andrè Engelhardt)
The horses were not at all in the condition that had been described. They were unkempt, unvaccinated, the living space had been cramped and unhygienic. With much love,the horses are now cared for by Annette and Andrè. Social behaviour has to be learned again, and build trust with other horses in the herd. of the new protégés with enormouseffortto get them under control.
When you stroke an animal, you absorb its spirit and share yours with it. Love allows the mysterious contact of souls. - Crazy Horse (Oglala - Indian)
Annette, Andre and Michael will use their knowledge and skills to establish a good soul connection with the horses. We wish Nora, Step, Stormy, Stan, Amy, Ivan, Max and Amelie a relaxed, happy life in their new home and with their many new friends.
Once again, whether you are an animal owner or an animal rescuer – don’t look away, look and find a solution. Slaughter is not a good solution, slaughter is too “easy”. A heartfelt thank you to all those who made the rescue of the eight horses financially possible. – Thank you for your compassion, sincerely, Gisela
