Hi everyone! My name is Emily, and I’ve been obsessed with horses since my very first pony ride at just 4 years old.

I found my way to Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue in 2022, and from the moment I arrived, I knew I had found something truly special. I’ve stayed for the horses, of course—but just as much for the incredible people who make this place what it is.

Being a shift leader is a role I don’t take lightly. I feel incredibly honored to be trusted with it, and I’m constantly inspired by the team I get to work alongside. They show up with heart, they trust my guidance, and together we create something really meaningful. Somehow, we even manage to laugh our way through the toughest days.

I met my favorite horse, Trick, on my very first day at the rescue—and the bond we built is something I will carry with me forever. He’s taught me patience, trust, and a kind of love that truly changes you. I still joke that he’s my son, but the truth is, he holds a piece of my heart in a way words will never fully capture. He’s my soul horse.

I’m endlessly grateful for the humans and horses at CDHR. They make every single day better, in ways both big and small.

Who I Am

Saturday morning shift leader for over 2 years

How I Found My Way to CDHR

I was looking for volunteer opportunities to work with animals—preferably horses—because I had experience in my younger years and truly missed being around them. When I discovered CDHR was so close by, I reached out right away and filled out a volunteer application. Eight years later, I’m so grateful I made that decision.

Why I’ve Stayed

Volunteering with CDHR is incredibly fulfilling. Being part of helping these horses heal from their pasts and showing them they are truly loved means everything. The healing goes both ways—the horses and the farm have become my weekly therapy, and I always leave feeling a little lighter on Saturday afternoons.

What It’s Like Being a Shift Leader

The best part of being a shift leader is my team. I feel so lucky to work alongside such a dedicated and compassionate group of people who show up week after week to care for our herd. The work can be hard, but having such an amazing team makes all the difference.

Favorite Horse

There have been many favorites over the years (how could there not be?), but Theo has a special place in my heart. His quiet, steady, unassuming nature has a way of drawing you in—you can’t help but fall in love.

I  joined Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue as a volunteer in March 2021, just as the world was beginning to emerge from the challenges of the pandemic. I was looking for something meaningful—something bigger than myself—and I immediately found it here. From the very first day, I felt at home among the gentle giants, the dedicated team, and the peaceful rhythm of the farm. It quickly became a place I looked forward to every week.

Why I stayed:

What began as a way to give back has become one of the most rewarding parts of my life. There is something heartbreaking about seeing a horse arrive from auction—often so shut down, so let down by humans. But being part of their healing, watching them slowly learn to trust again, is one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever been part of.

What it’s like to be a shift leader:

I’m proud to serve as a shift leader. It’s deeply meaningful to guide volunteers as they fall in love with the horses, to celebrate the small but powerful milestones in each horse’s recovery, and to know that every single shift truly matters. Most of all, it’s an honor to work alongside a compassionate team dedicated to giving these incredible draft horses the second chance they deserve.

Favorite horse: Asher

Rob Haire

My love for horses started when my daughter was 6 and got a block of riding lessons at a local barn for her birthday. I would bring her to her lessons every week and slowly began to help out around the barn while waiting for her lessons. I loved learning about the horses and was so relaxed at the barn. At the age of 18 my daughter was given the opportunity to take on one of the horses at the barn as her own. I couldn’t have been any more proud of her and would love to go and watch her work and train her new horse. After moving out of town, it got harder to visit the barn as much and I definitely missed my “horsey time”.

I first learned of CDHR on Facebook, I had been following them for a while at this point and especially fell in love with Ben, a beautiful Clydesdale who had his fair share of health problems and unfortunately passed away in the fall of 2022. Shortly after his passing, I decided to look and see where exactly CDHR was. To my surprise it was only about 20 minutes from my house. I went to their website and filled out a volunteer application. The very next week I had my volunteer orientation. I committed to do two shifts a week, Monday PM and Thursday PM. As of today I am still actively on both of the same shifts and have picked up the reins of “Maintenance Manager” for the farm. The former Maintenance Manager also had passed away and left a huge hole in the hearts of everyone at the rescue. After seeing the need, I immediately stepped in to help. The rescue has become a huge part of my life over the past couple of years and I have learned more than I could ever imagine. For that I am forever grateful to all of my rescue family. Yes, everyone at the rescue has become family.

I have even bought my very own horse. His name is Pilgrim. I currently board him with my daughter’s horse in hopes to get back to being able to spend time with my daughter and her horse Stitch. Horses have definitely become a big part of my life and I wouldn’t change it for the world. My dream is to be able to continue to learn and grow with CDHR for many, many years. Rest in Peace Bill. I will do my best to make you proud. #WEARERESCUE

I first heard about the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue after coming across their annual calendar for sale online. After learning more about the rescue, my husband and I began volunteering in 2022—and it’s been an easy decision to stay ever since. Both the horses and the people here are truly something special.

I adore all the horses at CDHR, but Molly and Polly hold a special place in my heart. There’s just something extra special about those feisty older ladies.

As a volunteer coordinator, I’ve had the privilege of meeting new volunteers during orientation and helping connect their individual skills and interests in ways that support and advance CDHR’s mission.