It started with an angry pony named Pyret that no one wanted. Today, the business has grown to nearly 170 animals, of which 65 are horses – animals that do not work in traditional animal husbandry.
But finding pasture for the growing herd of horses has become an ever greater challenge in recent years.
– There has been a major change in agricultural policy. Previously, there was more land to lease for grazing, now fossil-free energy is often prioritized instead. Land is used for solar parks or replanted, says Emelie Cajsdotter, who founded the refuge on Friskeröd farm and runs it to this day through voluntary work and donations.
Decisive pasture land to be sold
But despite an ambition to have several smaller leases instead of one large one, in order to reduce the risk, the sanctuary has still become dependent on a pasture of nearly 20 hectares. When the land with the associated farm has now been put up for sale, it is therefore uncertain whether the business will be able to continue.
– I was completely devastated, but then there were some who usually help here on the farm who said: “But can’t we try to collect the money ourselves then? Even if it’s a lot of money, what do we have to lose?”, says Emelie Cajsdotter.
Starts foundation to secure the land
The intention is to own the land through a foundation to secure it for the future, or for it to belong to the horses, as Emelie Cajsdotter puts it. Together with non-profit forces, she has collected around one million kroner since February, but 8.7 million is needed to meet the starting price.
What is the chance that you can buy the farm with the land?
– We started from scratch, but if a lot of people contribute a little, it ends up being quite a lot. We are also in contact with people who may be able to enter with larger sums. There is hope, says Emelie Cajsdotter.
