Join us in building a future where no horse is left neglected or forgotten.
Together, We Give Horses Hope
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.”
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 the 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.
Meet Max – a 3-year-old grey Percheron gelding, surrendered in June 2024. Max is a truly unique soul. With special needs that make him best suited as a companion horse only, he’s looking for a farm — and a heart — that can embrace his one-of-a-kind spirit. Do you believe horses can be neurodivergent? Max just might be the boy to show you.
Meet Nomad - a 6-year-old Belgian gelding, rescued from a Pennsylvania auction in March 2025. Nomad is friendly, stands in crossties, enjoys hosing, and eats a simple diet of Sentinel SR and 1st cut hay. Currently available for adoption and under evaluation — ready to bring his big heart to a loving new home.
Meet Molly - a sweet 26-year-old Belgian mare, rescued in December 2024 in partnership with Little Brook Farm Sanctuary. Despite her age, Molly has remained sound and has been under saddle. She would thrive in a loving home where she can enjoy light riding and lots of care. Molly is currently AVAILABLE and waiting to meet her forever family!
Meet Polly - a sweet Belgian mare, around 26 years old, rescued from a Pennsylvania auction in March 2025. Despite her years, Polly has been under saddle and would do well with light riding in a caring home. She is currently available and ready to share her golden years with a loving family.
Meet Nash- a 16-year-old Registered Standardbred gelding, rescued from a Pennsylvania auction in March 2025. Barefoot, easy in crossties, and happy to hose, he’s a straightforward, low-maintenance horse with no special medical needs. Nash is currently available and ready to find his forever home!
Meet Shelby - a 13-year-old draft molly mule, rescued from a Pennsylvania auction in March 2025. Shelby has arthritis, managed with daily Equioxx, and prefers to skip the hose. She is currently available for adoption and looking for a home where she’ll be loved and cared for.
Together, we heal horses.
Together, we heal horses.
Join us in giving hope, one $20 gift at a time.
In the spirit of our golf tournament, can you take a swing at supporting your favorite horse for $20? We also have options for you to choose from, including medical support, “par for the horse” to help any CDHR horse, in loving memory of Spencer, and to help a future rescue horse.
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!
Questions?
If you have questions about any of our horses, please use this form to reach out to us!