A day after seven horses were killed by lightning, the 64-year-old owner of Paardenrusthuis Ogier in Maarheeze still finds it hard to believe what happened.
Emergency erupts
Just before two o’clock in the afternoon he was on land busy with feed when the storm broke out. “When the horses ran away like this”, says Sjaak Ogier, “we saw heaps lying there. I knew immediately: this is wrong. I have never seen such a thunderstorm. Never before.”
His horse rest home offers space for both old and young animals. “The horses in this group were 8 to 22 years old. They are owned by private individuals. They have often kept the horse as a hobby and want to give it a good home if they have to move or live in smaller houses.”
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It can also be horses that are old and can no longer be ridden, says Ogier. “Then you have the choice between euthanasia or giving them a good life here. Horses that can still ride are sometimes still ridden here by their owner.”
Other horses of battle
After the lightning strike, he immediately contacted the owners. “Some couldn’t believe it. Everyone came by, even someone from Amsterdam drove here straight away. Normally they come once or twice every three months, now they were right on the doorstep. Really bad.”
His daughter’s pregnant horse was also killed by the impact, says Ogier. “She’s only fifteen, she doesn’t really realize it yet.” Other horses are upset, Ogier says. “Some had a buddy. They must miss that now.”
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