Together, we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome draft horses in need.
Every Step Forward Means a Second Chance
Our Mission:
Rescue. Rehabilitate. Rehome.
Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue (CDHR) celebrates 10 years of rescuing and rehabilitating draft horses and 5 years at its permanent home, Autumn Ridge, named in memory of a beloved Clydesdale, Autumn. Since its founding, CDHR has saved over 100 horses from auctions, slaughter, and neglect, offering them safety, care, and hope for a better future. Rescuing is both challenging and deeply rewarding, as the transformation of once-starved or fearful horses is life-changing.
As an all-volunteer, donation-based nonprofit, CDHR relies on the generosity of sponsors, fosters, volunteers, and donors to continue its mission. Founder Stacey H. Golub, DVM, extends gratitude to supporters and invites the community to visit Autumn Ridge and be part of the journey to protect and honor these gentle giants.
Visiting CDHR
Come meet our gentle giants at Autumn Ridge! Visiting hours are Saturdays & Sundays, 10 am – 12 pm.
For everyone’s safety and the comfort of our rescued horses, we ask that visitors follow our farm guidelines—wear closed-toe shoes, bring water and sun protection, and please do not feed the horses.
Visits are free of charge and donations are always appreciated.
From Rescue to Forever Home
The moment a draft horse steps into CDHR, their whole life changes.
At CDHR, every draft horse that arrives begins a new chapter. Many come to us neglected, broken, or grieving, but with dedicated care, compassion, and community support, they are restored to health and hope. The true magic is watching them heal, trust again, and find loving new homes. Your donations make this transformation possible—thank you for helping us give these gentle giants a second chance at life.
Meet Some Horses Awaiting Their Forever Homes
Meet Baby Mac – a 5-year-old Clydesdale gelding rescued in September 2024 in partnership with Saddles Rescue Ranch & Sanctuary. He’s currently in training for both driving and riding and is looking for a confident, experienced handler to continue his progress.
Meet Belle - a 3-year-old draft cross mare, rescued in December 2024 in partnership with Draft Gratitude and Gemini Farm Sanctuary. She is available to a training home to continue her journey toward future riding and driving.
Meet Cuda - Cuda is a 20-year-old Belgian gelding rescued from an auction in March 2025. He is available for adoption as a loving companion horse. When Cuda arrived, he was fearful and mistrusting, but with patience, gentle care, and time, he has slowly begun to trust humans and show his gentle nature.
Every Horse Deserves a Home,
Will You Be Theirs?
Each of our horses has a story of resilience, hope, and healing.
With your love, they can move from rescue to forever home, where they’ll thrive as companions and family members. Together, we can give these gentle giants the futures they deserve.
Upcoming Events
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Oktoberfest 2025
Join us for the 14th annual CDHR Oktoberfest celebration at Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue’s farm, Autumn Ridge. There will be hay rides, food, raffle items, CDHR retail, local vendors, and kids activities. Admission is free!
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“SAVED: Equine Rescues of Connecticut”
New book fundraiser: Discover “SAVED”, a book filled with inspiring stories from nine Connecticut equine rescues. Celebrate hope, healing, and second chances.
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More Events
More exciting events are on the horizon —be sure to save the dates! From fundraisers to community gatherings, each event helps us raise awareness and support for our gentle giants. Stay tuned for details!
SUCCESS STORIES
SUCCESS STORIES
Teddy Mock Von Thunderpants Adopted 2018
Nothing brings us more joy than seeing our rescued horses move on to loving forever homes. Each horse who comes to CDHR becomes part of our family—we care for them, love them, and make sure their new chapter is filled with hope and healing. Adoption days are bittersweet, but they remind us why we do this work: to give every horse a chance at their own happy ever after. We are honored to be part of their journey, and we celebrate alongside their new families as they begin this next chapter of life.
Here’s How You Can Help
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Donate
The money raised helps pay for the medical care, hay, grain, supplements, and supplies that will continue to require financial support.
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Sponsor
You can sponsor any of our horses in honor of a friend, in memory of a loved one, or even as a birthday or holiday gift for someone special. Business, club, and school sponsorship are also welcome!
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Volunteer
CDHR is 100% volunteer-operated. Volunteers are vital to our organization – providing much needed help and allowing us to properly care for our rescued draft horses.
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Ways to Give
All funding is used to rescue these horses, restore their health and wellness, and provide a nurturing and natural environment where “horses can be horses.”
The moment a draft horse steps into CDHR, their whole life changes.
Our work is often filled with unspeakable sadness as these once-upon-a-time majestic horses that have been abused, starved, and left unwanted come through our gates. Then comes the amazing, transformational part of our work. We invest large amounts of our time, hearts, and money in rehabilitating each horse that finds its way to us. We provide them with the care, medicine, nutrition, and love that brings them back to a full and productive life. The true magic happens when we help these horses find a new partner, a new home, and a new chapter in their life. If you would like to help us continue our mission, you can make a donation to support our herd.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We simply cannot do what we do without you.
Every dollar counts.
Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue Inc. (CDHR) is an all-volunteer non-profit dedicated to saving the lives of draft horses that were bound for slaughter, victims of starvation, neglect, or abuse, or whose owners are unable to provide for their needs. In addition to our work with the horses, we educate people about the proper care, training, and responsible ownership of horses. We organize gelding clinics to address the problem of unwanted horses, and we promote and support equine efforts and animal rescue in times of natural disaster.
We need your financial support through donations, matching gifts through your organization, monthly sponsorship of horses, and planned giving. The money raised helps pay for the medical care, hay, grain, supplements, and supplies that will continue to require financial support.
We are so grateful for your support and generosity!
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