Frequently asked questions
WHY DO RACEHORSES NEED A PLACE TO LIVE?
The sporting career of an English thoroughbred starts early, with many of them competing for the first time at the age of two. By the age of four to six, their active racing career is often over. In Germany, around 1000 racehorses leave the sport every year, in Great Britain, Ireland or the USA many times more. In addition, there are those horses that retire prematurely due to injury or unsuitability. The racing stables make every effort to place ex-galoppers who are not used for breeding in recreational sport. Some of them are retrained as dressage, eventing or show jumping horses. But this is not always successful. Particularly in the case of sick and injured animals, there is little prospect of placement.
IS AHIMSA e.V. A PLACE OF MERCY?
Even though the term “place of mercy” is widely used, we have chosen a different name for our sanctuary. In our opinion, giving care and attention to a sick, old, distressed or injured animal is not a mercy, but an elementary matter of course. In this sense, the name “Farm of elementary self-evident things” would also have been suitable.
HOW IS AHIMSA e.V. FINANCED?
As the horses at Ahimsa e.V. are kept for no specific purpose, we rely on donations, sponsorships and voluntary support. In addition to the joy of being able to actively accompany the recovery process of a sponsored animal, the ethical conviction that the purpose of a horse’s life should not be tied to human standards and the usefulness of the horse is also decisive for the motivation of our supporters.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE AHIMAS HORSES AND THE WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION?
- through a one-off donation
- through a horse sponsorship
- through a permanent donation to the association
By making a project-related donation, please click on the menu item Donations or send us an E-Mail.
IS AHIMSA e.V. A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
Yes. As an animal welfare organization, we are 100% non-profit oriented, our income flows exclusively into the care, medical treatment and feeding of the horses, into the maintenance of the stables and into our educational work about the English Thoroughbred breed. The non-profit status of our association has been confirmed by the Heidelberg tax office.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A NEW HORSE ARRIVES?
On the day of arrival, every horse that is admitted to us is placed in a separate area in the immediate vicinity of the other horses. From here it is easy to observe the first contact. Some horses integrate successfully into the group after just a few days, while others need a little time. Especially if there are injuries or stomach ulcers, it may be necessary not to rush the integration into the herd. Nevertheless, from day one all horses have a place in the open stable with their own shelter and permanent visual contact with their conspecifics.
On the following days, the horses are presented to the vets, physiotherapists and our hoof orthopaedist. An exact status of the horse’s state of health is established with laboratory samples, x-rays if necessary, ultrasound of the extremities and the cervical spine. A gastroscopy is (unfortunately) also part of the standard program, as most ex-gallopers suffer from stomach ulcers. Another major construction site is often the hooves, as the conversion to bare hooves is rarely successful straight away. A treatment plan is drawn up after an assessment has been carried out. The horses are looked after conscientiously on a daily basis and their state of health is constantly compared with the vets looking after them. The first year and a half is all about restoring their health.
ARE THE HORSES SOLD IF THEY HAVE BEEN NURSED BACK TO HEALTH?
Definitely no. Every horse we take in is given a promise of a forever home. This promise is the basis of our care and we take this commitment very seriously. The conscientious care of a horse is very time-consuming and cost-intensive, especially if the horses are dependent on grooming and medical care.
IS AHIMSA e.V. A RIDING CLUB AND DO THEY OFFER CHILDREN´S COURSES?
No. Our facility is not a pony farm. Persons under the age of 18 are only permitted to enter the facility with prior permission and in the presence of a parent or guardian.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO VISIT THE AHIMSA HORSES?
Visits are possible to a limited extent and only by prior arrangement. In order not to disturb the peace and quiet of the horses and other animals in the nature reserve, we kindly ask you to refrain from spontaneous visits or group events at the stables.
UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS DOES AHIMSA e.V. ACCEPT HORSES?
When a new horse comes to us, the costs for its accommodation, care and maintenance must be guaranteed in the long term.
CAN I CONTACT AHIMSA e.V. WITH QUESTIONS IF I OWN AN ENGLISH THOROUGHBRED HORSE FROM RACING?
We are happy to help when it comes to questions about keeping, care and feeding and we can also refer you to experienced vets, trainers and hoof orthopaedists within the scope of our possibilities and reach. Please send us an e-mail to arrange a telephone consultation, which is linked to a donation to the association. Our consulting services are provided on a voluntary basis and 100% of the donations are credited to the association.
CAN YOU HELP WITH AHIMSA e.V.?
You are very welcome, there is always a lot to do here. Under the menu item “Support and help” on our website you will find the various areas of activity in which you can become active for our horses. Please feel free to write to us.
