By the non-profit horse-riding club of Eretria

Since 2007 our non-profit horse-riding club has gone through many up’s and down’s. Now, with the economic crisis in Greece at it’s peak, we have reached a moment, where we are thinking that we have to shut it down forever. We have difficulties even to pay for the food for the animals.The two people that are holding the club, are working voluntarily.

But, despite these difficult times, we want to keep our dreams alive. Also we can’t give up now, because there are some horses left, that deserve a dignified retirement. It would be impossible for them to find a new home, because there are some medical issues that need to be looked into.

The riding club has been in the past for many children and parents a place of discovering nature, to get hands on working with horses, to learn to ride, to go for adventures in the stable and barn. The many cats and dogs of this farm have been, for children that grew up in the big city of Athens and are sitting most of the day in front of a computer, a reminder that there is life outside walls. Many of them had never touched a horse or other animal before. On the farm they had the opportunity to touch and caress them, to give them water and food and to discover the mysteries of nature. We hosted events like birthday parties,days with outdoor games, visits of schools, carnival gatherings, a bazaar with handmade, ecological products. We fabricated souvenirs all together to sell and support the club. Many people helped in the past, with their hands or with donations. We even managed to pay back the big debt, one of the past horse instructors had left the club. Now, with the crisis, only few people are still left. Everyone is concerned first to get along with the needs of his own family.

Our dreams are still alive. We want to build a place, where mostly children will enjoy coming. We dream of a place, where community can be lived again. Where parents and their children can pass some hours outdoors together. Where we will meet, big and small, support each other, to connect with animals and nature. Where we can work with our hands, get all of our senses involved with living things, where we can hope again and get connected with others and nature. Where we can provide seminars about many interesting things. These are our dreams, but now, we need urgently your support for:

* Food for the animals

* Medical treatment for the old horses

After having secured these two issues, we will further use the donated money for:

* Fix the stables

* Painting and repairing the small hall for being able to host again some events

* Getting 2 or three small horses so we can give small children rides.

The riding club is totally non –profit, all the income is used for food and other expenses of the animals.

If you would like to contribute to this worthwhile cause, CLICK HERE.

The viewpoints expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors and publishers of Proto Thema. If you would like to contribute to our site and run your personal story on this issue or any other, please e-mail us on themanews.com@gmail.com