Begonia and Pepper Need Your Help Now

Begonia and Pepper Need Your Help Now

Who they are?

Begonia is a 19 years old Furioso mare and Pepper is her 5 years old foal.

Where do they come from?

For many years, they lived in a private zoo park. Many children and adults learnt how to ride on Begonia. She was used as a school horse, was trained in both dressage and jumping - she is still able to jump a 1.40m fence. Begonia is a mare with a strong personality, she is not an easy horse and while she was good in the manege, riding her in the fields was really difficult for an unexperienced rider. Also, handling her during the vet checks was not an easy job and when bored, she used to escape from the paddock and run away.

Pepper, originally called Suleyman, was born not long after Begonia's arrival at the park. He was a wonderful surprise for everybody: Pepper a few days after his birth

He is an energetic horse, loves people and has plenty of talent - he can jump just like his mother: Pepper jumping a fence

What has happened?

A few months ago, Begonia's trainer left from the park. He was the only person who could handle easily both of the horses. Without a proper training and a job to do, Begonia started to be bored and to make trouble. Employees did not dare to put anyone on her. Not surprisingly, Pepper started to behave like his mother. Therefore, their owner decided to send them to the slaughter house.

When I have heard about this, I decided we need to do something. Begonia is an excellent horse, despite her age. And Pepper has a brilliant future. I have a special link with Begonia, she was the first horse from who I fell :D I talked to several people, trying to find another place for them and finally found a good retire home at Calata. Begonia and Pepper's owner agreed to give the horses and wait 1 month for the payment.

Here are photos from Calata, 1 week after they were moved: One week after

What is the situation now?

After 2 months at Calata, both horses look much better, they are happy and have a lot of energy:

Begonia

Pepper

Video of Pepper

When I recorded the video with Suleyman, I decided that his name does no longer suit him. Pepper is much better.

Begonia was able to work 1 hour in the circle and 2 hours in the fields. And we are re-training Pepper under saddle.

The sadly news are that Begonia has had arthritis for many years, without any medical treatment. She needs joints supplements, injections and is not allowed on riding trips longer than 1 day.

What are the plans for the future?

Begonia will start her medical treatment (joints supplements, periodical series of 10 days injections and yearly X-rays) and will be carefully used at a pleasure riding for experienced people.

Pepper will start his dressage and will be trained, for the beginning, to compete at Endurance competitions the next year. He is a jumper, too, but his current carer and I decided to wait until he is 6 years old before starting this.

How you can help?

Begonia is a senior horse, Pepper is a junior one. Both of them have special and expensive needs. They need vet checks, medication, supplements, food, cleaning equipment, training equipment etc. They will need hay and blankets during the winter.

Any donation is very much appreciated and your name will appear as a sponsor on their facebook page:

Bego and Pep

Kind Regards!