In October Last year I asked my followers on Instagram and Facebook which charitable cause or organization I could donate to at Christmas time.

A lot of really great ideas came up and I still have some clubs on my watch list, but the most mentioned was the Pferdeklappe.

Since this Christmas campaign was also supported by the artist Sina Agneta Gremse, who created the motif of the cards, we both took a close look at the association and made our decision accordingly.

Pferdeklappe eV in Norderbrarup

The decision to go with the Pferdeklappe was an easy one for us, as the work of this association is invaluable. In my 20 years of riding, I've witnessed several situations in which horses suddenly found themselves without an owner, or owners were completely desperate because they suddenly didn't know what to do with their horse due to an accident or unemployment. I myself bought my horse out of bankruptcy because, for an 18-year-old, slightly crazy gelding with a slight health handicap, only the butcher would have been left anyway. So I know this situation all too well.
The Pferdeklappe (horse shelter) is located in northern Germany but operates nationwide. It's a rescue center where people in need can be assured that their four-legged friends will be well cared for and rehomed in a better place. It's also a place where animals from neglected conditions receive protection, love, and a second chance. Many of the stories touched me deeply.

Christmas cards for a good cause

Thanks to Sina, the design for the Christmas card was developed quickly, and the cards and envelopes arrived on time at the end of November. Printing costs, including the envelope, were approximately 40 cents per card. After deducting VAT, the sale of 170 cards left €325 for the horse flap. However, I found €325 such an odd number that I rounded it up to €350. The money was transferred at the end of January.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who bought our Christmas cards. Please take a look at the Pferdeklappe website. Perhaps you can help out or give one of the horses a new home. Who knows? I wish the team and Petra Teegen continued success and perseverance. You're doing a great job!

Credits for this wonderful campaign idea go to Armin Bavand from A Gallant Horseman , who had already launched his own Christmas card fundraising campaign for Equivent in 2020. I stole the idea with his permission, and Sina did too ;-).