Horses are fascinating creatures with unique personalities. Anyone looking for a great companion will find one in these beautiful animals.
So if you live in Connecticut and think a horse may be right for you, consider checking out some horse rescues near you.
Not all horse rescues are the same, however. You may be supporting unethical practices if you get your horse from an untrustworthy rescue. You may also even end up getting an unhealthy horse. That’s why adopting from a reliable horse rescue is essential.
Knowing where to start may be confusing if you are new to horse adoption. Fortunately, we’ve narrowed down some of the best horse rescues in Connecticut to make the adoption process a little bit easier.
Other articles you would like: Best Horse Rescues In Oregon and Best Horse Rescues In Wisconsin.
Why Horses End Up in Rescues?
There are many reasons why horses end up in rescues. Some of the most common explanations include the following.
- They’re retired racehorses
- They had behavior issues
- The previous owner couldn’t afford to care for it
- The previous owner moved away
- The previous owner neglected it
No matter why they’re in a rescue, every horse deserves a good home. If you think you can provide a good home for a rescue horse, adopting one from one of these locations could be a life-changing decision for you and the horse.
However, horse adoption should never be an impulse decision. Before you start the adoption process, ensure that you have everything you need to care for a horse—otherwise, it may end up back in the rescue.
The Top 10 Horse Rescue Options in Connecticut
When you’re looking for horse rescues in Connecticut, you have several excellent options from which to choose. The perfect horse is out there waiting for you to take them home.
Consider what you’re looking for in a horse before you contact any horse rescues in Connecticut. The volunteers at these shelters can help match you with a horse compatible with you.
Understand that owning a horse has unique challenges you may not face with other pets.
Horses are very high-maintenance animals. If you’re not careful, they can even be dangerous. Learning how to safely handle horses is essential before you fill out any adoption papers.
Here are ten of the best horse rescues in Connecticut.
1. Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue
Since 2011, Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue has been rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned draft horses. They offer both rideable horses and non-rideable companions, so consider which type you are looking for before browsing their selection.
This organization has a thorough application process to ensure that their horses go to safe and loving homes. The process will involve a background check, veterinary references, and a home inspection.
Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue Details:
- Location: East Hampton, Connecticut
- Phone Number: 860-467-6587
- Website: CT Draft Horse Rescue
2. Rising Starr Horse Rescue
This non-profit organization strives to rehabilitate and rehome abandoned, abused, and neglected horses.
Rising Starr Horse Rescue also provides educational programs for anyone who would like to learn more about their organization and caring for horses.
If you are interested in any of their adoptable horses, you will need to fill out an application online. Once they have approved your application, you can visit their farm and see some of their horses in person to decide which one is best for you.
Rising Starr Horse Rescue Details:
- Location: Wilton, Connecticut
- Phone Number: 203-257-8345
- Website: Rising Starr Horse Rescue
3. H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut
H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut has been caring for abandoned horses since 1981. They provide educational seminars that can help you better understand how to care for horses, so if you’re new to owning these animals, this may be the horse rescue for you.
Before adopting horses from this rescue, the volunteers at H.O.R.S.E of Connecticut will need to inspect your home to make sure it is a safe environment.
You will also need to sign a contract stating you will not breed or sell your horse after the adoption process.
H.O.R.S.E. Of Connecticut Details:
- Location: Washington, Connecticut
- Phone Number: 860-868-1960
- Website: Horse Of CT
4. Phoenix Rising Equine Rescue Inc.
Phoenix Rising Equine Rescue is a non-profit organization that rescues abandoned and neglected horses in Southeastern Connecticut. They have a team of nineteen volunteers that care for the animals living on their farm.
If you’re looking for a horse to take home, consider visiting this horse rescue and seeing what they have available. This animal rescue is home to plenty of lovable, well-trained horses that might end up being your new best friend.
Phoenix Rising Equine Rescue Inc:
- Location: North Stonington, Connecticut
- Phone Number: 860-599-0555
- Website: Phoenix Rising Equine Rescue
5. US Horse Welfare and Rescue Organization
This non-profit organization has been rescuing horses and providing educational programs since 2016. In 2021, the US Horse Welfare and Rescue Organization received a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.
Consider checking out some of their success stories if you’d like to see the impact this organization has accomplished. If any of their adoptable horses appeal to you, you can fill out an application online.
US Horse Welfare and Rescue Organization Details:
- Location: Avon, Connecticut
- Phone Number: 860-593-4298
- Website: US Horse Welfare
6. Ray of Light Farm Inc.
Even if you’re not ready to adopt, Ray of Light Farm Inc. is an exciting place for horse enthusiasts to visit. You can stop by to see their horses and other farm animals, host birthday parties, or join one of their educational programs.
If you’re interested in rescuing horses, you can contact this rescue online or over the phone to see if they have any available for adoption.
And if you are not yet ready for the lifetime commitment of owning a horse, you can also volunteer to foster one.
Ray of Light Farm Inc.
- Location: East Haddam, Connecticut
- Phone Number: 860-873-1895
- Website: Ray of Light Farm
7. Tara Farm Rescue
Tara Farm Rescue is a horse rescue non-profit founded in 1982. Not only do they rehabilitate and rehome horses, but they also care for cows, chickens, goats, pigs, donkeys, rabbits, dogs, and cats.
Aside from rehoming animals, this horse rescue offers many services such as horseback riding classes and petting zoos.
You can even host a party at their farm for any animal lovers in your life. If you’d like to foster or adopt horses, consider filling out one of their applications online.
Tara Farm Rescue Details:
- Location: Coventry, Connecticut
- Phone Number: 860-742-2215
- Website: Tara Farm Rescue
8. Momentum Equestrian Center, Ltd
Momentum Equestrian Center is an organization dedicated to training and rehabilitating horses and finding their forever homes.
Many of the horses at their farm have experienced abuse or neglect, so they’re eagerly waiting for a home that will give them proper care and plenty of love.
If you have the patience and resources to rescue one of their horses, adopting from Momentum Equestrian Center might be worth your while.
Momentum Equestrian Center, Ltd Details:
- Location: Torrington, Connecticut
- Phone Number: 860-208-0555
- Website: Momentum Equestrian
9. All The King’s Horses Equine Rescue
All The King’s Horses Equine Rescue has been rehabilitating horses in Northford, Connecticut since 2010.
They are dedicated to ensuring their horses find loving forever homes. Their volunteers will even stay in contact with you after the adoption process has ended.
You can browse their adoptable horses online if you’d like to adopt from this sanctuary. In addition, you can foster a horse if you’re not yet ready for the commitment of adopting one.
All The King’s Horses Equine Rescue Details:
- Location: Northford, Connecticut
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: All The King’s Horses Equine Rescue
10. Serenity Farm Horse Rescue
Since 2019, Serenity Farm Horse Rescue has been rescuing horses in Woodbury, Connecticut. Their volunteers rehabilitate and retrain horses that have experienced neglect or abuse in the past.
Serenity Farm Horse Rescue is a non-profit organization that strives to find forever homes for the horses in their care. If you’d like to visit some of their rescue horses, you can contact them over the phone or send them a message on their website.
Serenity Farm Horse Rescue Details:
- Location: Woodbury, Connecticut
- Phone Number: 203-305-0509
- Website: Serenity Farm Horse Rescue
Conclusion For “Best Horse Rescues in Connecticut”
When you adopt horses, you’ll change the life of the horse just as much as your own. These animals are a lot of work, but they’re worth every bit of effort.
Not sure if adopting horses is right for you? You may want to try fostering one instead. You’ll get to help out a local horse rescue and enjoy the companionship of a horse, but without quite as much commitment as adopting one.
If any of these horse rescues stood out to you, consider giving one of their adoptable horses a new home. There are plenty of excellent options at these horse rescues in Connecticut, so the right horse for you is sure to be out there.
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