Animal lovers will be keen to visit Starošince near Ptuj in northeastern Slovenia to spend a day getting to know the horses in the local equestrian centre, which also provides therapy and workshops with horses. Just some 20 kilometres away visitors can unwind petting and feeding animals at an alpaca ranch.

The Starošince equestrian centre has been developing equine-assisted therapy for several years. They say such therapy creates a good foundation for a comprehensive approach to children and adults with special needs and mental health issues.

The centre provides different therapy programmes, as well as workshops, sports days, science days and summer camps for children. They also educate teachers about possible equine-assisted activities and therapy. They have 19 horses in their stables.

"Individuals, families and groups who want to spend a day or more in the peaceful world of horses are welcome here," said the centre's director Alexander S. Goljevšček.

Rather than the usual horse riding, they help visitors to get to know the horses and be with them in the stable and pastures. Once they get to know them better, they can also ride the horses.

Visitors can also spend the night at one of the two cabins for families or a larger building that can accommodate groups.

"In the summer we have holiday camps here and at other times we also host students from abroad, among other things," Goljevšček said.

Only some 20 kilometres westward, in Lušečka Vas near Poljčane, lies the Alpaka Ranch, where visitors can pet and feed alpacas, make products from alpaca wool and taste local food. They also have some other animals.

"At first this was just a hobby, now it's our family business," said Jaka Rančnik from the ranch. In the next few years they plan to expand the space the animals have and build tourist accommodation.

To take care of the animals' well-being, both the equestrian centre and the alpaca ranch accept a limited number of visitors and only do so when the animals are well rested and feel well.

"We see the horses as our co-workers. They are the most important workers, really, so we have to take care of their well-being," said Goljevšček.