Horses working at Morskie Oko were examined. Only two were not allowed to work.

After the second round of veterinary examinations of horses carrying tourists to Morskie Oko, during which the veterinary team examined 36 horses, two of them were not allowed to work due to lameness, the team leader, veterinarian Piotr Szpotański, told PAP.

In two rounds of tests, specialists assessed the health of 286 animals, of which 284 were approved for work on a popular tourist route in the Tatra Mountains.

The tests took place last weekend. "They went very smoothly. The horses' performance is very good – only two horses were excluded from work due to lameness," Szpotański told PAP. He explained that the testing procedure was similar to the first round – at the beginning of the route, in Palenica Białczańska, orthopedic examinations and pre-exercise heart rate measurements were performed. Then, at Polana Włosienica – after the ride with tourists – the heart rate was measured a second time, and after a rest, a third time.

"The results show that the overall condition of the horses working on the route to Morskie Oko is very good, and their maintenance is satisfactory," he added. He emphasized the noticeable progress in animal care, especially in hoof care: "Every year, we see improvements in hoof care, although it's still far from ideal. The main problem is the lack of professional farriers in Podhale, which is why many drivers shoe their own horses," Szpotański noted.

The weather was perfect during the weekend's research – sunny weather attracted many tourists to the trail to Morskie Oko. The high interest in the rides meant that queues of people eager to ride in horse-drawn carriages formed before the rest stop.

The research, organized by the Tatra National Park, is conducted annually. This year, two rounds were held – the first in early June and the second last weekend. Veterinarians, equine health specialists, zootechnicians, and hippologists participated in the research. The animals' performance, locomotion, and hoof condition were assessed, among other things.

This year, representatives of the Viva! Foundation did not participate in the research, announcing a boycott due to what they claim was a lack of cooperation from the Tatra National Park and the Ministry of Climate. According to the park, the organization's allegations are not supported by expert opinions.

Since May of this year, four 19-passenger electric buses have been operating on the Morskie Oko route, purchased by the Ministry of Climate and Environment for over PLN 3 million. Starting next year, they are intended to provide an alternative to horse-drawn carriages, which will only operate on a shortened section of the route. The vehicles are to be modernized and made lighter. (PAP)

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