Hello, and thank you for being here.

My name is Azra Bekic. I started this fundraising campaign to ensure the continuity of a project dedicated to preserving the Bosnian Mountain Horse. The project is real, active, and long-term.

Donations are used exclusively to meet the horses' basic needs and maintain the stud. This includes feed, veterinary care, housing, and the ongoing upkeep of the facilities. Without stable financial support, the project cannot be sustained over time.

If you would like to understand how this project came into being, why it exists, and how you can take part, please continue reading.

The Bosnian Mountain Horse is an indigenous horse breed from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Very few people in Austria—and across Europe—are aware that this breed exists, let alone that it is currently at risk.

For this reason, together with Kerstin Pressel, I brought Bosnian Mountain Horses from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria and established a stud. Today, a total of 15 horses live in Austria, for whom we share ownership, responsibility, and daily care.

The goal of the project is clear: to preserve the breed through responsible breeding, to provide the horses with stable living conditions, and to raise awareness of the Bosnian Mountain Horse beyond the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This project is a long-term commitment, not a temporary initiative. Maintaining the stud requires continuous work, presence, and financial resources.

The project is structured to rely not on short-term enthusiasm but on clearly defined responsibilities, commitments, and daily practice. The care of the horses and the continuity of the project do not depend on a single decision or a single person, but on a structure that enables long-term sustainability.

In addition to preserving the breed, the horses are also involved in work with people. Visitors come, learn about the breed, and spend time with the horses. Being close to horses often naturally brings calm and focus— without promises or predefined outcomes.

A significant part of the project is the kids' programs, which we developed and implemented in cooperation with Volkshilfe for schools in Vienna and for the Bosnian school "Mostovi".

These programs include concrete activities with the horses and are tailored to children. They are neither therapeutic nor formal educational programs, but guided experiences for kids with horses in a safe environment.

Support for this project does not depend on where you live, but on whether preserving this breed and providing stable living conditions for the horses matters to you.

If you feel that the future of the Bosnian Mountain Horse and the continuity of this project are essential, there is a way to be part of it— regardless of where you live.

Funds are used transparently and exclusively for the horses and the stud's maintenance. Updates on the horses and activities at the stud are shared regularly via social media and the website, with an annual overview published ahead of the next fundraising campaign.

If you are interested in sponsorship or partnership options (long-term support), feel free to contact me directly.

FAQ

1. What are the donations used for?

Donations are used exclusively to meet the horses' basic needs and maintain the stud. This includes feed, veterinary care, housing, and daily upkeep of the facilities.

2. Are donations used for personal expenses of those running the project?

No. Donations are used entirely for the horses. They are not used for personal expenses, salaries, or fees. This separation is clearly defined and integral to the project's structure.

3. How does transparency work in practice?

Information about the horses' condition and activities at the stud is shared regularly via social media and the website. All updates are available in one central place.

4. What happens if the target amount is not reached?

If the planned amount is not reached, Kerstin Pressel and I cover the difference from our own resources. The horses must not be affected. Community support is therefore essential for the project’s long-term stability. In this case, the campaign is extended.

5. How can I follow what happens after I donate?

Regular updates are shared via email and on the project’s profiles. In addition, an annual overview is published ahead of the next fundraising campaign.

6. Is it possible to visit the stud and spend time with the horses?

Yes. Visits are possible by prior arrangement.

7. How do sponsorship and partnership options work?

There are several options for longer-term support, but they are entirely optional. They are intended for those who wish to become more closely involved. Further details are discussed directly via email.

8. Who makes decisions about breeding and horse care?

Decisions are made jointly by Kerstin Pressel and Azra, with full responsibility for daily operations and long-term planning, in a continuous manner.

9. How is the project structured long-term?

The project is designed as a long-term initiative connecting Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The focus is on continuity and sustainability, not short-term results.

Azra Bekic