There are far too many Shettland ponies in our latitudes. There are simply too many of them being bred. When they are young, they often delight children, but when they grow older and turn away from the animals they once loved so much, the ponies not infrequently find themselves in distress. Mariechen was only eight days old when she came under our protection together with her mother Amelie. An animal lover had discovered her when it was not yet clear what was to happen to the ponies. By taking in little Amelie, we were able to spare her an uncertain fate and instead provide her with an animal- and species-appropriate life.
