Initial Encounter: Alien Species Established Communication
In a charming twist of events, the Senior Horses Association is back in action, thanks to external funding. Elke Wisse, from the Eller Welcome Point of the Düsseldorf Diakonie, grabbed this opportunity with both hands and invited five families with refugee or migration background for a delightful day at Gut Roderberg in Unterbach. The day was filled with a picnic, horse encounters, and play activities that left everyone with cherished memories.
The senior horses, Monty and Dreamer, patiently let the children introduce themselves with horse contact, visibly relishing the fresh poplar leaves they were fed. Svenja Clauberg, a Western and horse trainer volunteering with the association, ensured everyone was aware of the potential dangers of feeding unfamiliar horses. "Letting me feed strange horses on a pasture can lead to serious stomach issues, even up to the animals' demise," she warned.
With the guidance of adults, the boys and girls led the ponies and horses around, even completing an exciting children's action course. The youngest ones, despite their age, managed the slalom, balance beam, and seesaw - quite the accomplishment with a horse on the lead rope! Svenja was thrilled, "It was a great success! All children enjoyed themselves and had smiles on their faces. And the horses, now retired, were motivated and did their 'job' well." This day marked the third social project for people with refugee and migration experience that the association has managed to execute, thanks to a project funding from the Postcode Lottery. Svenja appreciates the association's concept because it not only gives children from socially weaker families a chance to meet horses and learn respectful, responsible handling but also ensures that older horses are loved and can take on small, age-appropriate tasks.
However, come September 30, the association, along with its twelve horses and stable cat Joplin, must vacate Gut Rodeberg. The landlord did not renew the lease for pastures and stables. Since the beginning of the year, the voluntary team has been on the hunt for a new property in the Düsseldorf/Mettmann district where all animals can be permanently housed and cared for, and social projects with the horses can continue.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find specific information about their ongoing search or any updates regarding a potential relocation. If you're eager to learn more, it might be best to reach out to the Senior Horses Association directly or keep an eye on their official communications.
The Senior Horses Association, in its continued efforts, plans to incorporate education and self-development into their lifestyle by using home-and-garden spaces for outdoor-living projects that include pets like their stable cat Joplin. As part of personal growth, they aim to introduce refugee and migration families to these initiatives, fostering a connection between people and their equine friends. Despite the impending vacancy of Gut Rodeberg by September 30, the association remains dedicated to finding a new property for home-and-garden projects, ensuring the continuation of social activities and their pets' outdoor-living experiences.
