Obelia
Once a racehorse,
then broodmare
and now a life in paradise
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Obelia, a bay thoroughbred mare, was getting on in years. She had been a good racehorse, after her career she gave birth to a foal every two years and now she was destined for the slaughterhouse? That was absolutely out of the questionfor the ownersand they turned to Gut Aiderbichlwith a big request: Obelia should have a good life at Gut Aiderbichl. Unfortunately, they were no longer able to keep their horse for financial reasons.
How does a horse become a racehorse and what comes after the sporting career?
When you watch the horses at Gut Aiderbichl, you quickly realise what they like best: walking and running and playing on the vast pastures of Gut Aiderbichl. When the pastures are opened to the horses in spring after a long winter, there is a wonderful sound of hooves stamping in the air.In principle, there are many horses that can run fast, which is why the first horse races were organised in England around 1840. Some people earn their money through sports betting. Racecourses can be found all over Europe. Thoroughbreds and trotters are bred to show what they can do on the racecourses.The characteristics of a racehorse are long, strong legs and resilient tendons that can withstand the high demands of racing. The horse should have a calm disposition and be easy to ride. Whether the prerequisites for a successful horse in equestrian sport are met can be read from the pedigree. The more ancestors had a high success rate in racing, the higher the probability that their offspring will be suitable as a racehorse.After the sporting career as a racehorse comes the time as a riding horse or as a breeding horse.
Obelia gave birth to healthy foals after racing
Racehorses can be trained to become good riding horses after their sporting career. The sporting career is short compared to the rest of the horse’s life. This makes it all the more important to challenge a racehorse after the intensive sporting years and allow it to live in dignity, at least without the pressure of racing and the demand for top performance.Obelia is a reliable and trusting horse. After her time as a racehorse, she gave birth to a foal every two years. At the age of 21, Obelia is in good condition, but the owners’ financial situation is not the best and they had to think about taking Obelia to the slaughterhouse. This terrible thought was quickly replaced by a phone call and letter to Gut Aiderbichl.
“… nous serions heureux qu’elle finisse sa vie dans un endroit paisible …”
When reading the letter with the request to take Obelia in, no one thinks of moneymakers. It lovingly describes the career of a racehorse, a breeding horse and now a horse of advanced age.“… We would be happy if Obelia …” – nobody writes like this who doesn’t love their animal. Obelia and her humans could be helped.
I have seen things that were so beautiful that they brought tears to my eyes. But none of it can compare to the grace and beauty of a horse running free.
~ (Unknown)
Obelia is a beauty at the age of 21 and now lives full of grace on the wide pastures of Gut Aiderbichl in France. We wish her many more wonderful years in peace and with all her four-legged friends.Sincerely, Your Gisela
