They did not leave this world alone.
Each name on this page represents a life that mattered. A soul who knew hardship before they knew us — and love after they found us.
Some came broken in body.
Some came weary in spirit.
All of them were worthy.
While they were here, they were safe. They were fed. They were warm. They were spoken to softly. They were advocated for. They were seen.
For some, CDHR was a stepping stone to a new beginning.
For others, it was their final pasture — their forever home.
We grieve every loss. We carry every story. And when the time comes to say goodbye, it is never taken lightly. It is done with hands on their necks, tears on our cheeks, and gratitude for the privilege of loving them.
Though they have crossed the rainbow bridge, their hoofprints remain here — in our barn aisles, in our fields, and in our hearts.
They were not “just rescue horses.”
They were family.
Have a memory about one of our Rainbow Horses you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them!
Memorial Wall
Ben is my heart and soul and always will be. I have known and loved many horses in my time at CDHR, but none has touched me as Ben has. I can’t even begin to count the hours we spent together working on his legs and hooves..and the resulting bond we shared. I could feel Ben and just “knew,” and he knew me.
IYou brought so much happiness to so many. It's been my privilege to care for you. May your health and vigor be restored and may you be strong once again running through the pastures on the other side. Rest easy Ben.
Kathleen, CDHR Volunteer
Dear Ben, we are sorry to hear u are leaving our world. Hope when u go to the rainbow bridge u will find your hoof mates and all the dogs we have ever loved. We know u were well taken care of at CDHR and will be very missed. Run free and be happy. Love, Andi and Bob Golub
"There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings or walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge that they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given." by Suzanne Clothier
Dear Ben,
Little did I know you were saying goodbye when you walked right up to me, planted those huge hooves inches from my own feet, and placed your neck over my shoulder. You let me hug and rub your neck and kiss your velvet muzzle. You then proceeded to follow me closely around the paddock while Karen and I cleaned. I was pleasantly surprised because, the previous few weeks, you wouldn't let me touch you. I now know that your body just couldn't handle it. Please let Hank know that you are still by his side. Happy trails. Rita Thursday PM Rock n Rollers
I will miss you beautiful sweet Ben. My heart breaks for Hank who relied upon you and was your forever trusting friend. I have sponsored you and Hank for a few years and will continue to do so for Hank. Rest peacefully my friend. Nora McRoberts
Dearest Ben, I will always remember you 💜🖤you were the first horse to halter and lead out for breakfast, also your sweet foot stepped on my foot🤣 you made me aware to keep my feet away from the bottom of horses feet.🤣💜🖤❤️🐎 Heide Roberge, CDHR Volunteer
💜 Condolences to everyone at CDHR and big hugs to Hank. I hope he finds a new best friend.💜 Toni
Ben....I doubt that you would have asked for more than a warm barn, all the food you needed, a kind hand and unending love. You were one of the lucky ones. As our hearts break when you left, our hearts will rejoice when another soul is saved. Grief is the price we pay for love, Rest well and be free Sweet One.....We will find you again one day up above.......Joyce
I never met you but your presence came across in photos. You have such a beautiful and majestic spirit...I will never forget you....
Rest in Peace, precious boy...Veronique Rynn
Ben, was a kind and gentle soul. He was one of the first horses that I handled at CDHR when I became a volunteer. I love how easy and patient he was with me... The rescue has a different feeling now. My routine of seeing Ben's face always waiting for us to arrive in the morning has now vanished...Rest in peace sweet Ben, you are missed. Kim Brand, CDHR Volunteer
