Colorado Horse Rescue, Inc.

Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, care, rehabilitation and adoption services for abused, neglected, abandoned and unwanted horses. CHR provides equine education classes for adults and children. We rely primarily upon donations for our support.

Because we believe in the humane treatment as an alternative to slaughter or public auction for abused, neglected, abandoned and unwanted horses, Colorado Horse Rescue’s primary purpose is the prevention of equine abuse.

A common, but unacceptable option exists for rejected and maltreated horses – the killer market. Typically, the transportation to slaughter houses is extremely inhumane, thus perpetuating animal cruelty. Countless horses suffer compounded pain and misery, as well as death, before arriving at their fatal destination. CHR is a refuge offering a second chance at life for these horses.

CHR accepts horses from owners who wish to relinquish ownership for various reasons, including financial hardship. Many of these surrendered horses are healthy and are merely in need of a new adoptive family. We obtain legal ownership of surrendered horses accepted into our guardianship with the goal of placing them into suitable adoptive homes.

We search for and examine potential adoptive owners for horses in our custody. The Adoption Committee conducts interviews with potential adopters and schedules meetings with candidates to acquaint them with the horses. The adoption policy of CHR adheres to a successful process in which potential adopters are thoroughly screened. Every effort is made to match a horse with a compatible new owner or family that best suits the horse. Since 1986, CHR has successfully placed 1,200 horses in adoptive homes.

When legal action is taken by the State Veterinarian, local and other authorities because of maltreatment by the horse’s owner, we serve as a shelter and provide care for these legally impounded animals. CHR is dedicated to providing urgent care for horses in peril and medical treatment for emaciated and/or injured horses. We assist legal authorities in resolving equine abuse cases and participate in the rescue and urgent care for horses involved in natural disasters or emergencies.

The Education Committee develops and provides education classes on equine care and handling with the purpose of preventing equine abuse due to negligence and ignorance within the community.

Because Colorado Horse Rescue employs only three paid staff members, we enlist the skills, diligence and expertise of a large team of volunteers that devote their time to feeding, grooming and exercising the horses, and cleaning stalls. As well as being responsible for the daily tasks of caring for the horses, volunteers work together in other area of the organization, including fundraising, special events, education, adoption and facility maintenance.

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