REUTERS/Tomas Cuesta Acquire Licensing RightsBUENOS AIRES, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Lorena Melantoni dedicates her weekends running a sanctuary for abused and abandoned horses, an issue in the South American nation known for its polo and stallion-riding gauchos. "I am an option for these old horses, ones with disabilities, amputated horses, or one-eyed horses that nobody wants to take for adoption," Melantoni told Reuters. Located in Buenos Aires province, the "Let's Dream of Hope" refuge provides a place for horses that have no other home, she explained, adding that many had suffered terrible cruelty. And then, I can leave calm and happy and I say: that's it, that made my week." Reporting by Horacio Soria; Writing by Natalia Siniawski, Editing by Nick ZieminskiOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Persons: Lorena, Tomas Cuesta, Lorena Melantoni, Melantoni, Horacio Soria, Natalia Siniawski, Nick Zieminski Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Thomson Locations: La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, BUENOS AIRES, American