Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue Lovingly Rescuing & Rehabilitating Draft Horses
Adopt, Foster, Donate, Volunteer, Educate Returning them to good health is at the forefront of our mission.

We know we can't save every horse, but for the ones we do save, their lives are completely changed. We believe that every horse, no matter its past, deserves respect, kindness, and love. Every draft horse deserves a chance at a new life and we are that chance for many horses who have no hope. We are honored each and every day to care for these beautiful animals and to provide them a place of refug

e, where they can feel secure and heal. Many of the horses at CDHR have previously suffered injuries and in some cases, abuse. Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue could not do any of its amazing work without you! We exist solely on donations and volunteers. Every dollar and hour donated goes to help these draft horses get proper medical care, a comfortable place to stay, a full belly, and lots of love to help them transition to their new lives.

At the farm, we’ve learned that healing only happens when you stop looking back and start moving forward. Every horse th...
10/20/2025

At the farm, we’ve learned that healing only happens when you stop looking back and start moving forward. Every horse that comes to us carries a past — sometimes painful, sometimes uncertain — but we don’t let that define them. We focus on the progress, the growth, and the second chances waiting just ahead. Lessons are learned, hearts are mended, and together we keep looking up and moving forward- not just with the horses but with each other as well. ☀️

We are all smiles on this gloomy Monday morning knowing we can share all of our horses with you now! Bentley heading to ...
10/20/2025

We are all smiles on this gloomy Monday morning knowing we can share all of our horses with you now! Bentley heading to one of his many meals. ❤️

🍂 What an absolutely amazing, beautiful day on the farm for our annual Oktoberfest! 🌻 The sun was shining, the horses we...
10/19/2025

🍂 What an absolutely amazing, beautiful day on the farm for our annual Oktoberfest! 🌻 The sun was shining, the horses were happy, and the laughter and love could be felt everywhere.

A huge thank you to all of our incredible supporters, visitors, and vendors who made this one of our best Oktoberfests yet! Your kindness, energy, and generosity keep our mission going strong—and we’re so grateful for every one of you. ❤️🐴

Please add your favorite photos in the comments!

Neglected Horses Rehabilitated After Seizure in Windham, CTBack in June of 2025, 10 equines — 7 draft horses, a mule, an...
10/19/2025

Neglected Horses Rehabilitated After Seizure in Windham, CT

Back in June of 2025, 10 equines — 7 draft horses, a mule, and 2 mini donkeys — were seized by animal control for neglect in the Windham area. Several arrived to us emaciated, with painfully overgrown hooves, open sores in their mouths from sharp teeth, and infested with lice.

Since then, these incredible souls have received multiple farrier visits, dental and veterinary care, and hundreds of pounds of healthy weight gain, along with endless love and gentle handling. Their transformation has been nothing short of inspiring.

The custody hearing has now ended, and we are awaiting the judge’s verdict to determine their future. The former owners are scheduled to appear in court this Monday, October 20, 2025, facing 11 counts of animal cruelty. If the judge awards ownership to us, the horses will be available for adoption when they are ready.

In the meantime, we are truly honored to have them safe here with us on Autumn Ridge.

💛 Want to see their progress for yourself?
Join us today at our Oktoberfest celebration from 11–3 PM (113 Chestnut Hill Rd, East Hampton)! You’ll have a chance to meet these incredible horses, see how far they’ve come, and spend time with the rest of our herd. While you're here- have lunch, shop at our 30+ vendors, take a wagon ride and have some fun with our kid activities!

(Note: The two mini donkeys have been moved to Northford for continued rehabilitation.)

Thank you to all our volunteers who have played a critical role in the rehabilitation of our new group of eight (and staying quiet for legal reasons) all summer! We're giving them the second chance they always deserved. 🐴❤️ Please welcome, Sarah, Hope, Bentley, Louie, Theodore, Jackson, Titan and Bryson.

🎃🍁 New treats for Oktoberfest 2025! 🍁🎃We’re excited to debut our 2026 CDHR Calendar, CDHR stemmed wine glasses, beautifu...
10/18/2025

🎃🍁 New treats for Oktoberfest 2025! 🍁🎃

We’re excited to debut our 2026 CDHR Calendar, CDHR stemmed wine glasses, beautiful mums for $10, and Avery sodas with custom labels — “Pop the Top to Support CDHR!” 🐴🥤!

Join us on October 19th from 11 to 3 at CDHR’s Autumn Ridge Farm for fall fun, horses, food trucks, over 30 vendors, and heartwarming new goodies! 🐴💛

🎨 Congratulations to the Artists!We’re thrilled to announce the talented artists whose work was selected for the “Save a...
10/17/2025

🎨 Congratulations to the Artists!

We’re thrilled to announce the talented artists whose work was selected for the “Save a Horse – Buy Art!” juried art show and sale, benefiting the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue.

✨ Featured Artists:
Alison Ritrovato · Elaine Juska Joseph · Elin Dolle · Janet Leombruni · Joyce Green · Julia Hallquist · Kathryn Frederick · Kathy Swartzbaugh · Kay Brigante · Lauren Veno · Lisa Helene · Mary Killilea · Nancy Davinis · Paige Cerulli · Richard Spearrin · Sarah Grote · Tess Dudek-Rolon

📍Join us for the Opening Reception — Friday, October 24 | 6–8 PM at the Essex Art Association Gallery, 10 North Main St, Essex!

10/17/2025

Nash is a great horse to encourage the next generation of volunteers to help! ❤️

10/15/2025

Part of our daily routine is making sure every horse is handled at least twice a day. It may sound simple, but it’s one of the most meaningful parts of their care.

These moments of connection allow us to monitor each horse’s health, notice subtle changes, and maintain positive, safe handling habits. But they also do something deeper — they build trust. For horses who have endured neglect or hardship, this consistency teaches them that people can be gentle, patient, and kind.

It’s both essential care and an incredible privilege. To earn the trust of a horse who’s learning to believe again is something we never take for granted.

Address

113 Chestnut Hill Rd
East Hampton, CT
06424

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 12pm
Sunday 10am - 12pm

Telephone

+18604676587

Website

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