I am a volunteer at CDHR. It has been such an amazing experience. Seeing a horse come in at its worst and being apart of this team to heal that horse to its best. Seeing horses live their best life and get adopted. There is something truly magical being around these amazing beings. CDHR saves draft horses from horrible experiences and heals them.
In 2016 the State of CT removed over 30 equines from a farm and 2 of them went to the CT Draft Horse Rescue. I fostered one of them - Haflinger pony. She blended in and bonded with my other horses and us so well that we adopted her in no time. I have known and respected the people involved with this rescue for years and now, in retirement, I just recently started volunteering my time.
Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue (CDHR) is responsible for the rescue of more than 100+ horses from varying situations. Their story is simple; all horses are given the best care and the greatest chance of success for adoption, or if that isn’t a viable option, to contently live the rest of their life at the rescue. Dr. Golub, Founder and Executive Director, and almost 100 volunteers work tirelessly to meet the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue mission https://www.ctdraftrescue.org/whoweare . As a volunteer, I speak from the heart that this horse rescue means a lot to many. We celebrate the adoptions and support each other through the difficult times. CDHR is truly a remarkable place that makes a difference in the lives of our equine friends, the community, and the people who volunteer or visit.
I have been a part of the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue (CDHR) for 12 years. The care and compassion shown by our volunteers for horses in need is amazing. CDHR is the first to take in the broken, the starving, the end of life horses. It provides for their needs whether it be nutrition, complex medical care or a humane euthanasia. The horses learn to trust humans again and form bonds. They thrive under the care received and most are adopted into their forever homes. The organization itself is all volunteer. Under the direction of the Founder and Executive Director, Stacey Golub, the Board of Directions is fiscally responsible. Together we have built the Rescue from the ground up, literally, in phases - all with the horses needs put first.
CDHR is a great place to volunteer! There is so much personal satisfaction working alongside great volunteers and the beauty of the horses inside and out! They care deeply about their mission and each horse gets exceptional individual treatment.
I joined CDHR 6 months ago. I had followed them for over a year on facebook, along with several other rescues. I intended to join a rescue when I had more free time, as I own my own business. While I was waiting for the right moment to join, I started studying several rescues nearby. CDHR was actually the furthest from me. It's 1-1/2 hours from my home in MA, but the more I followed them, the more this rescue called to me. They seemed the most organized. They seemed to be able to do more medical. Of course I learned they were founded by an equine vet, so that made sense. So as much as I tried to find reasons to join a rescue closer to me, in the end, CDHR was my choice. I found myself daily following their stories, their horses; rejoicing in their successes, and praying during their hardships. After 6 months of traveling weekly down to be a part of this group, I found wild horses couldn't drag me away every Wednesday afternoon. I not only found a rescue, I found a new family, both equine and human. The volunteers, as well as the women who founded and manage CDHR, care about others, all others; equines, humans, canines. Whatever comes across their path that is in need, is taken care of to the best of whatever resources they have to offer. Teamwork is strong here. I thought I joined to learn more about draft horses, having had other types of horses most of my life, but at 61 years old, I have been surprised to have learned a great deal more than this. I have learned about communicating much better with horses in general, I have learned a great deal of helpful medical procedures for horses, surprisingly I learned to love mules. I didnt realize this was prejudice of mine haha, but over the months i have learned to, not only love these great creatures, but i have grown to respect their intelligence and strength, but most of all I have learned that Love is still very much the most important healer for all species, and its still alive and well. You'll find a lot of great horses, mules, and people at CDHR, and from the moment you step through the gates, no matter who you are, or what you are, you will find love, kindness, compassion, generosity, genuine caring. I'll be continuing my long road trip every Wednesday..I'm glad I chose CDHR, and even more glad they let me join the Family!
I am a volunteer with CDHR, and have been for 11years. I have met the most amazing people in my life! It’s about the animals. What has been created is astonishing!
Absolutely amazing organization ! Professional, truly caring and dedicated to their focus on rescue and rehabilitation! An inspiration to those who love draft horses and their well being.
I started volunteering with Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue two years ago. What a magical place. The care they (we) give to rescued draft horses and mules is top notch. I’ve met some wonderful people and so many amazing draft horses. Truly a special organization.
I have volunteered with CDHR since February and it has been an extraordinary experience. Their tireless efforts to help neglected and abused draft horses inspires me, and the love for the horses and people there is evident in all they do. These horses come here wounded in body and soul, then are given the best care, love, training and time to recover. Many then are adopted into new loving homes! I am blessed to share in their story, and recommend CDHR with all my heart.
I happened upon this rescue when I saw they were having an open house . Being an animal lover I stopped by. My first thoughts were that the horses were larger than any I had ever seen and so incredibly beautiful. Every volunteer I spoke with that day explained how much they loved being there, how the rescue had changed their life, and what it meant to them to care of these wonderful horses who had suffered in their prior life. I felt I had found a group of kindred spirits and applied to become a volunteer even though I had no horse experience. Once accepted, I was taught so much about safe horse handling. The experienced volunteers who directed me taught me what was safe for me and best for the horses. I can honestly say that I fell in love with the horses, and a rescue that lives out their mission 365 days a year. We are a large group with diverse interests, talents, and opinions but are bound together by our love and dedication to CDHR.
Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue is an amazing place for horses and humans alike. The love and care by an incredible team of selfless volunteers allow these gentle giants to receive the needed care.
I absolutely love being a part of this wonderful organization and team!
CDHR is a completely volunteer organization that works hard to find, heal, train & place draft horses in their forever home. The founder, Dr Stacey Golub, is an equine vet who is willing to search for horses that need medical help to able to live their best life. I have had the privilege to volunteer here for 11 years
My daughter and I love to volunteer there every week. The people are amazing and the horse care is top notch. The horses are sweet and well taken care of by a community who really cares about each individual horse.
Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue is Such a wonderful rescue. I’ve been volunteering for a couple months now and feel like I’m part of a family. Everyone is so friendly willing to help where ever need be and wonderful educators, no question is too small or big. I’m still learning a lot but the amount of Love and dedication that is poured out onto these horses shows.
CDHR is the most well run rescue i’ve volunteered with in the past 10 years. Their level-headed love for the horses is seen every day, and they are amazing at keeping volunteers and fans updated constantly.
The most amazing humans being saving the most amazing draft lives one at a time making this world a better place! ❤️
I have been involved as a volunteer, at Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue for some years now. The Rescue is run by Dr Stacey Golub, DVM and our volunteers. We get draft horses of all kinds and in different stages. We see the worst and those who can no longer be cared for by owners, as a surrender.
Any and all of our horses are well taken care of like they are our own, the get the best medical care our vet is always there for them, as we are with Dr Golub until their last breath. If needed we stay 24/7 with a sick horse. We are dedicated and do great fundraising events at our rescue for our community. All we do is for our horses and whatever it takes we do.
This Rescue is amazing and deserves all the good they can get.
I went to several fundraisers. They are a top-notch rescue organization, and very well run. The volunteers are amazing, and they take the time to tell visitors the rescue stories that brought these wonderful horses to them. It is a great feeling to help out an organization that gives a new beginning and a second chance to horses in need.
I am so honored and proud to be a part of the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue! We have approximately 40 regular volunteers who come throughout the week for morning and evening shifts and so much more in between. CDHR is 100% volunteer and rely on the contributions of our supporters who we would be nothing without. The farm is open to the public Sat & Sundays from 10-12. Come visit these beautiful horses, most who are looking for their forever homes. Yes, we adopt out and have had many successful adoptions.