The suffering of animals when human problems and stress take over
From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
A horse owner asked Gut Aiderbichl to take in her 8 horses. She has health problems due to a tick bite on her right leg and sees herself unable to care for 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 traveling trophy. In plain language: private placement is out of the question. There are only two options: Admission on a grace yard or final stop slaughterhouse.
The horses are two Shetland ponies Max and Ivan, Haflinger Nora and Step, as well as Stormy, Stan and Amely and Quarter Horse mare Amy.
A race with time
Due to lack of space, it was not possible for Gut Aiderbichl to host eight horses on the spot. We contacted the family members of the horses owner and tried to find a positive solution for them together. Time was important, because to make things worse, the building authority ordered the unauthorized stables to be removed and thus the horses had to get a new home, not only due to health reasons of the owner, but also due to official reasons, The owners emphasized again and again, that the life of their eight "children" can only have a future on a sanctuary. If this project should not succeed, the horses would be driven to the slaughterhouse.
In the meantime, the owner contacted also Annette and Andrè Engelhardt, from the Ballermann Ranch. There the admission for two horses, Nora and Step,could be confirmed, because due to the death of a horse a double box had become free. The fate of the family was very close to Annette and Andrè and they wanted to help. The negotiations continued and the time pressure increased.
Dieter Ehrengruberagreed for the inclusion of three more horses from the group. "If we can take up the Haflingers Nora and Step, then we cannot leave behind the other horses".
An outdoor stall was built to accommodate other three of them.
Whatever you believe with your senses becomes your reality.
Brian Tracy
The philosophy of Gut Aiderbichl is about helping animals, our fellow creatures, and providing them with a forever home without worries and fears at our meeting places. Ehrengruber and the entire team of Gut Aiderbichl had a great teacher: Michael Aufhauser. "There is a solution for everything, even if it doesn't look like it sometimes".
All possible levers were set in motion to Shetland ponies Max and Ivan and the Haflinger mare Amelie from their catastrophic lives.
Since the end of July, the two ponies and the Haflinger mare live with Michael Meckl at Gut Aiderbichl in Eslarn: "How things often slip away. Physically and psychologically, the horses are battered. There will be probably a lot to do. We'll get it right...". From the otherwise cheerful face, Michael's becomes a very thoughtful, sad face.
"We can do it - Ivan, Max and Amelie. For sure!". The eight horses lead though life together on a meeting yard of Gut Aiderbichl but at least they received a common gift: the right to live.
"Horses need to learn again what it means to be a horse" (Quote Andrè Engelhardt)
The horses were not in the condition that had been described. They were unkempt, unvaccinated, the living space had been cramped and unhygienic. The horses are now cared for with lots of lovebyAnnette and Andrè .Social behavior has to be learned again, as well as trust to other horses in the herd hasto bebuilt up. Anenormous effort is being made toget thehealth problems, especially the poor care of the hooves and the resulting malpositions, of the new charges under control.
When you caress an animal, you receive its spirit and share yours with it. Love allows the mysterious contact of souls.
Crazy Horse (Oglala - Indian)
Annette, Andre and Michael will manage with their knowledge and skills to build a good soul connection with the horses. Let's wish Nora, Step, Stormy, Stan, Amy, Ivan, Max and Amelie a relaxed, happy life in their new home and the many new friends.
Once again, whether animal owner or 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 who made the rescue of the eight horses financially possible. - Thank you for your compassion!
Sincerely, your Gisela
