"Schnütchen" - the young foal Tessa
A "wry nose" is not a death sentence for a horse
Many of the animals that spend their lives on the Gut Aiderbichl estates owe their lives to someone who took a closer look.
This was also the case in the life of two-month-old Tessa. Two-month-old Tessa and 4-year-old Paloma, her mum, were discovered by a young woman in a horse dealer’s stable when she was out buying hay for her own horses.
Is it a coincidence? The lady spoke to the horse dealer, who told her that the foal with the defect would not find a buyer and would therefore be sent to the slaughterhouse in a few weeks. The “Wry Nose” defect is a hereditary disease. It is very difficult for a foal with a wry nose to suckle the mare’s milk. If they survive, they also have breathing problems. The foal is often not accepted by the rest of the herd and they also attack the foals. In Tessa’s case, Paloma was very protective of her foal and Tessa did not appear to be in any distress.
Tessa’s zest for life was convincing
“The little one is full of zest for life and energy…” – The lady asked the price for the young mare and her foal and paid €2,000 for both. The two protégés were given temporary accommodation in the lady’s own stables. Unfortunately, this was not possible in the long term.
The woman started many activities to help the foal. She launched a fundraising campaign and many people came forward to help financially.
” …I have been following your work for years and hope that Gut Aiderbichl can take in little Tessa…”.
We have learnt from Michael Aufhauser that every living being has a right to live, no matter how nature creates it. Dieter Ehrengruber was so enthusiastic about the young woman’s commitment to the foal that he didn’t have to think twice about taking in Tessa and Paloma.
Tessa underwent surgery
The young lady had the foal operated on with the donation money. Tessa’s operation went very well and so, freshly operated on, she came to Annette and André at the Gut Aiderbichl Ballermann Ranch. Mum Paloma was already waiting for her there.
During the operation, a plate with screws was inserted, which can be surgically removed again after a certain period of time. The second operation is also financed by the rest of the donations. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the supporters and helpers of little Tessa.
“Our Schnütchen” – Tessa is affectionately called
Annette tells us that Schnütchen hardly drinks any mare’s milk at all, but chews hay and also eats freshly grated apple with carrot and banana. Eating is getting better every day. Schnütchen is now a good 6 months old and is fresh and cheerful. When Annette calls “Schnütchen, come here, my little one…” – she is already there and sniffs around to see if Annette or André have a good treat for her. Mum Paloma beams with happiness: “Thank you for letting us be together!”
