Petition launched

Construction project threatens farm with therapy horses

Tenant Evelyn Wolf (2nd from left) has a large number of supporters behind her to preserve the farm.

(Bild: Jöchl Martin)

At Erlebnishof Simmering you can experience nature up close, therapy ponies help traumatized children. Now it is to make way for apartments.

For more than 50 years, the Wolf family has leased 7,000 square meters of land near the central cemetery from the City of Vienna. And during this time, the grassland has been transformed into an adventure farm with horses, chickens, cats, tortoises and rabbits, which is open to residents and all Viennese every day free of charge.

Almost 500 people signed a petition to preserve the farm within a short space of time.

(Bild: Jöchl Martin)

"My grandfather started with the first ponies 'Caroline' and 'Blacky' and wanted not only his grandchildren, but all children to benefit from it," explains Evelyn Wolf.

(Bild: Jöchl Martin)

Therapy for the most vulnerable
For 25 years, the horses have also been used for therapy with children and young people affected by violence in collaboration with a clinical psychologist. The Viennese vacation play has also been held here.

Supermarket instead of horses
Wolf now fears that her farm will soon have to make way for the Weichseltalweg construction project: "According to the plans, a supermarket and apartments are to be built on our site." She and numerous supporters want to prevent this with the help of a petition.

The city says that it is in contact with the tenant to consider establishing the farm within the project. Due to the early stage of development, it is not possible to say any more details.