Seniorpferde aktiv mit Kindern e.V.
Association for the sustainable care of former riding school horses
We enable former therapy and riding school horses that can no longer "earn" their own living due to their age to enjoy their well-earned retirement in their familiar herd and environment - purely on a voluntary basis and financed by sponsorships and donations.
For many years, the animals have made many people happy and they can and will continue to do so in their old age. In social projects, we enable disadvantaged groups of people - also on a purely voluntary basis - to enjoy a relaxing break with the animals.
For many years, the animals have made many people happy and they can and will continue to do so in their old age. In social projects, we enable disadvantaged groups of people - also on a purely voluntary basis - to enjoy a relaxing break with the animals.
About Seniorpferde aktiv mit Kindern e.V.
Founding year
2020
Paid staff
0
Volunteers
-23
Funding
The association is financed purely by donations. The farm is organized exclusively on a voluntary basis.
Objectives
Our Mission
Our association is dedicated to helping former therapy and riding school horses that have served as loyal companions to children, families, and people with special needs for many years. All of our horses have enabled generations of children to ride, helped them overcome fears, built their self-confidence, and created countless wonderful memories.
The horses come from the former children’s riding school at Gut Rodeberg in Düsseldorf-Unterbach, where they performed valuable work for over a decade. Since August 2025, they have had a new home in Ratingen. The former lessor of Gut Rodeberg has planned a different use for the property.
Our goal is to provide these special horses with a dignified, safe, and species-appropriate retirement. At the same time, we want to give people the opportunity to get to know these wonderful animals and spend time with them.
It is particularly important to us to convey that older horses are by no means “past their prime.” On the contrary: senior horses possess a wealth of experience, a calm demeanor, and a unique character. With them, you can still experience many beautiful moments, build trust, go for walks, do groundwork, or simply enjoy the time you spend together.
One of our most important goals is to help children and adults understand the value of old age. In a society that is often focused on performance, youth, and speed, we want to set an example of respect, gratitude, and appreciation. Our animals have worked for people for many years—learning, carrying, comforting, and accompanying them. They have made their contribution and deserve not to be cast aside or forgotten in their old age.
We want to convey that a long working life—whether for horses, dogs, or other animals—deserves respect. A living being does not lose its value simply because it grows older or can no longer perform at the same level. Especially in their old age, our faithful companions deserve special attention, care, and recognition—and lots of love for all they’ve done for us throughout their lives.
We especially want to share this message with children: Responsibility doesn’t end when an animal grows old. True love for animals is shown by standing by a faithful companion even when they need special support. After all, gratitude, respect, and loyalty are values that are of great importance not only in our interactions with animals but also in how we treat one another as people.
Under the motto “Even old horses still have a lot to give,” we want to show that every stage of life has its value and that our senior animals, in particular, are unique companions thanks to their calmness, experience, and personality. They deserve not only a pleasant retirement, but above all the appreciation and plenty of love that they have earned over many years simply by being there—they certainly didn’t have to work for it.
Your support helps
... the daily care of former farm animals that have truly earned their retirement.
... the implementation of social projects for disadvantaged groups of people who otherwise have few opportunities for contact with horses.
... a rethink in livestock farming (especially in equestrian sport) towards taking on the long-term responsibility for the animal.
... the implementation of social projects for disadvantaged groups of people who otherwise have few opportunities for contact with horses.
... a rethink in livestock farming (especially in equestrian sport) towards taking on the long-term responsibility for the animal.
