Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding

Today’s honoree: Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue.

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue (CDHR) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to draft horse rescue. The organization rescues slaughter-bound drafts as well as victims of abuse, neglect and starvation, plus takes in horses when owners are no longer able to provide care.

Stacy Golub, DVM, is the founder of CDHR, but she didn’t necessarily intend to start a draft horse rescue: she had a love for drafts, and when the picture of a Shire mare destined for slaughter came across her screen in November of 2010, she and some friends mobilized to bring the mare home. After adopting out the Shire, Golub and friends decided they wanted to help more draft horses in need, and CDHR was born. As of February 2011, the rescue was incorporated as a non-profit and has rescued 71 horses to date.

Currently located at a farm in Haddam Neck, CDHR is in the middle of a capital campaign to raise funds for the purchase of a new permanent home at Autumn Ridge. Just shy of the halfway point to $500,000, the campaign is currently working on the $85,000 needed for a down payment on the property.

Like many non-profits, CDHR thrives on volunteers and donations. There are plenty of options to donate funds and supplies, as well as donate time and volunteer at the farm itself. Options to sponsor individual horses are always open. There are many draft horses at CDHR awaiting adoption to their forever homes as riding, driving and companion animals. CDHR performs property checks and adopts drafts within a four-hour radius of its Connecticut location.

CDHR hosts many events throughout the year both to raise funds for the rescue and to aid the horse community, including benefits, 5K races, golf tournaments and farm open houses, plus gelding clinics and draft makeover events.

To learn more about Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, please visit the organization’s website and Facebook page.

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.