says Maja Gregorič from the Weter Ranch, where they are caring for horses with special needs.
The Weter Ranch is active in two areas. A part of the ranch is transformed into a centre for horses with special needs, as a part of the Society for horse protection Velenje. "Seven horses with special needs have found their home here, after suffering abuse from their previous owners, causing them such injuries that they became unsuitable for adoption," Gregorič explained.
Each horse which arrives to the centre for horses with special needs has gone through a difficult and cruel experience. "These horses need a lot more care than normal, healthy horses – and that goes for their diet, and their housing. Some of them must have sand on the floor as they must not stand on wet surface; the others must not fall and need exceptionally airy rooms due to their problems with asthma, and they also need more vitamin and mineral supplements – and rigorous diet as far as carbohydrates and proteins are concerned," Gregorič explained.
At the Weter Ranch they are providing for a number of horses, among others for the Icelandic mare Katlo. She must had suffered – judging by her behaviour – severe beatings by her former owner, and she has severe asthma. The cold blooded mare of mixed breeding Trina came to the ranch only five hours old; the three-year old Alisa arrived with bloody wounds below her eyes, caused by baking powder which corroded her tear ducts; later the veterinarian established even worse damage to the horse. Alisa was with young when she came; she was saved a day before being slaughtered. Her foal was adopted by excellent people, Alisa is still waiting for hers. The ranch is also the home of four ponies, rescued from very dire circumstances.
The ranch would appreciate both voluntary contributions, and your visit!
Mitja Lisjak
Translated by G. K.
