There are far too many Shetland ponies in our part of the world. There are simply too many of them being bred. They often delight children when they are young, but when they get older and turn away from the animals they once loved so much, the ponies often end up in distress. Mariechen was only eight days old when she and her mother Amelie came under our protection. An animal lover had discovered her when it was not yet clear what would happen to the ponies. By taking her in, we were able to spare little Amelie an uncertain fate and instead give her an animal-friendly and species-appropriate life.