Animal Protection Foundation -

Animal Protection Foundation

The foundation aims to provide responsible and holistic care for elderly and sick animals, while at the same time preserving Hungarian indigenous breeds, rescuing and providing a permanent home for elderly or disadvantaged horses, and promoting sustainable pasture and grassland ecosystems. All of this is set in the historic landscape of the Bakony, whose fairytale atmosphere is what makes Szépalma so special.

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Animal protection

Today, the proper management of species involves much more than it did a decade ago. Animal welfare and quality of life are constantly evolving concepts, shaped by our knowledge and treatment of animals. Various solutions are constantly being sought to create health and well-being, given the increasing life expectancy of pets. The focus of the Straw Foundation is on rescued animals and ensuring optimal standards of animal welfare, including the care and treatment of palliative or chronic patients, with a special focus on horses.

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Small ruminants

Horses

Hungarian endangered species

Goats The goat is one of the most important agricultural animals in the world, with a population of more than 1.1 billion animals. Originally ...Read more

Thanks to the work of the foundation, more than 100 horses have found a home in Szépalma. The animals come from various rescues or are brought here in their old age and here they can find a home for life.

Nature protection

In the area of Szépalma, we can find a variety of plant species in different areas of the estate, which are not only of botanical value, but also of horticultural value, and their conservation is important for the protection of the local natural heritage. Another …

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Programmes

We have no secret aim of making Szépalma a place where our team can actively share their expertise and showcase the heritage of the site to all visitors. Various programmes, events and educational opportunities complete the offer, ensuring the preservation of this cultural treasure.

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Szépalma Autumn Conference – Challenges of 21st century for stakeholders involved in equine care and management

In focus: ageing population The aging of horses poses increasing challenges for owners, veterinarians, and researchers alike. How do their nee... Read more

Playful pony driving

This programme creates a connection between people and horses, not only physically but also spiritually. In the covered riding arena, one of the historic buildings of our estate, you can take part in a special pony walk, during which you will perform exciting tasks together with your four-legged companions. Participants can learn how to lead a horse through a gate or navigate a slalom course, which is both fun and challenging.

Petting zoo

With the construction of the petting zoo, the Szépalma Animal Protection Foundation wants to give people a special experience where visitors can get to know the rescued animals and experience the essence of our foundation’s mission. Every animal you meet here is given a second chance at life on a Schépalma, and they all thank us for our care.

Interactive stud farm-visit

During your visit to the stud farm, you can learn about the history of Szépalma and our animals, as well as gain an insight into the daily work processes, the horses’
care of the horses. During the programme, you can meet our horses up close and personal, and our colleagues will explain the workings of the stud, the challenges of horse care and the mission of the foundation. All this in a playful and interactive way, to make it understandable and interesting for all ages.

Forest walk with horses

During our forest walk our guests can get close to our horses and nature at the same time. During the programme you can walk our Hucul horses on lead through the nearby woods and meadows. The panoramic views, the fresh air and the company of the horses create a great atmosphere, and the landscape of the Kőrishegy is full of wonders.

Horse care

For those who want to be part of the daily routine of the Szépalma estate and literally get close and personal with our horses and our work, this programme will be a real thrill. Especially for those who have never groomed a horse before. With the guidance of our horse caretakers, our guests will learn the tricks of good horse care.

Estate visit

We recommend this comprehensive programme to anyone who wants to get a behind-the-scenes look at our estate and the life of our horses.

Collaborations

In addition to on-site activities, the Foundation pays special attention to international cooperation, thus ensuring that the latest animal welfare solutions and veterinary expertise are applied and further promoted in Hungary. Our role is to ensure that this state-of-the-art knowledge is not only available on the premises, but that these information are also available to people interested in animal husbandry and sustainable grassland ecosystems and is made available to the widest possible audience, concerned about animal and nature protection.

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Blog

Hummer, the Olympian

The gold medal-winning dressage horse of the Swiss team at the 1948 London Olympics was a twelve-year-old Furioso-North Star horse called Humm... Read more

Preparing for winter

A recent British study found that donkeys and, to a lesser extent, mules, are less able to adapt to colder, wetter climates than horses and th... Read more

What to know about worming

The old and commonly used method of deworming was to deworm horses at least 2x or more per year, but this method has become obsolete due to re... Read more

Approach

8429 Porva-Szépalmapuszta 0172 hrsz.
Email: alapitvany@szepalma.hu

Porva-Szépalmapuszta, Borzavár is accessible from the cemetery via an asphalt road.
Waze app shows a suitable route, in case of Google Maps it is recommended to set Borzavár, Cemetery as destination. From there, turn left and follow the signs along the asphalt road.