Fritz shows us
dirty horses are happy horses
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Before Fritzi became an Aiderbichler, he had not been used as a sport horse for a year and a half. A fetlock injury interrupted his future as a sport horse.
The injury had been treated by the vets, but unfortunately there was no stable improvement in the pastern. Fritz was admitted to a specialist clinic and also spent time in a rehabilitation centre for horses. Unfortunately, there was no prospect of recovery. Fritz is now lame on his right front foot and a return to riding or competing is out of the question. The front hooves were shod a few months ago, so Fritz can move well.
His owner endeavoured to ensure that Fritz could spend his life as a horse at Gut Aiderbichl from now on, and we have the impression that he feels very much at home among the Aiderbichl horses in France. He is simply allowed to be a horse, and ….
... Fritz can also be dirty
Fritz now lives as a happy, free horse in the herd at Gut Aiderbichl in France. Aiderbichl horses are not ridden, they all have special stories from their past.
The 33-year-old Chinook, for example, was given away a few years ago because he has been lame in his hind legs since suffering a sports injury. Leonidas, 16 years old, was taken over by Gut Aiderbichl from the horse dealer. He should have been “taken to the slaughterhouse” immediately after his first dressage and show jumping competition because he had achieved a poor placing.
Fritz was no longer able to perform in sport, but his continued life was not called into question. On the contrary, efforts were made to find a new forever home for the “bright” Fritz.
Fritz is, as the saying goes, “a horse with a rascally character”. His initial shyness has vanished and he gets on splendidly with his fellow horses and people. Bright and cheeky, Fritz moves around the beautiful grounds of Gut Aiderbichl in France.
And do you know what Fritz particularly enjoys? He loves to roll around in the meadow, even when it’s wet and a bit muddy from the rain. The young Oldenburg particularly likes that!
Fritz should be able to spend an exciting, safe life, with everything that goes with it: a clean stable, pastures, conspecifics, care, veterinary checks and care, lots of cuddles and love, as much as possible.
You don't throw away an entire life just because it's a little damaged.
– Seabiscuit, US-American film about racehorses Seabiscuit
Fritz is allowed to enjoy his life and is in the herd of horsesfrom Gut Aiderbichlin a place in Francewhere horses fulfil their desire for freedom, where horses are allowed to live out their urge for freedom.
Yours sincerely, Gisela.
