Who We Are

We are advocates and strategists. Thinkers and doers. A passionate team with full hearts, helping hands and the vision to rescue horses in Colorado and beyond.

FACING THE CHALLENGE.

FACING FORWARD.

To rescue takes passion. To imagine a better world takes courage. Every day, we choose to keep our eyes, minds and gates open to what’s possible for the betterment of horses everywhere. Because simply said, the status quo is no longer an option.

We are Colorado Horse Rescue, and we believe that it’s up to us — all of us — to create new traditions in the best interest of horses, humans and the partnership we share.

Our Legacy

Our Priorities

Rescue

Imagine a world where no horses fall through the cracks. We see it, and it’s why we actively seek out and take in all types of at-risk horses. We enable owners who have fallen on tough times to rehome their beloved horses without judgement. We also keep our eyes, minds and gates open to horses who would otherwise be sent to slaughter or unsafe conditions via auction or sale.

Our Priorities

Educate

Imagine a time where horses are no longer thought of only as tools or sports equipment. We see it, so we help educate the public on responsible horse ownership, engage with our communities to address the issues facing our industry today, and inspire people to invite horses into their lives—as companions, riding horses or other respected roles.

Our Priorities

Care

Imagine a society that empowers every horse to reach their potential. We see it, and we uphold the highest standards of care, rehabilitation and training to help them get there. Complacency isn’t care, so we work to wake up and unite the equine industry to give every horse the life they deserve. We also lead with compassion, providing responsible last acts of kindness to those in need.

Our Priorities

Adopt

Imagine a culture where every horse is valued. We see it, and every successful adoption brings us closer. Our matching process is strategic by design, creating solid horse-and-human partnerships that last and a return rate that’s remarkably low.

Our Team

ALEXANDRA HANSEN

Development Associate

As the self-proclaimed fun aunt to the CHR herd, Alex brings an open mind and way too loud of a laugh to the Rescue. She feels especially fulfilled when challenging the norm alongside diverse thinkers. Intention and empathy guide her work, like toning down the spice in her guacamole for the sake of her teammates.

BRITTANY STEFFENSEN

Community Engagement Associate

A social butterfly by trade, but a quiet observer with adventure in her soul like the wild mustangs of the West, Brittany thrives on human and animal connection. Driven by the altruistic nature of CHR's volunteer community and their positive impact, you can find her outside joining in on the fun.

GRACE DEGNAN

Marketing Associate

Self-described horse girl Grace followed her passion all the way to Colorado in 2015 to study Equine Science at Colorado State University. Despite her devoted love for spunky minis and ponies, this California native has shared her life for over ten years with a Painted Quarter Horse named Bandit.

KATHERINE GREGORY

Executive Director

With 20+ years of corporate experience, an MBA from Kellogg, and a heart so big she’d give you the boots off her feet, Katherine leads CHR with confidence and compassion. Even though her favorite colors are black and gray, she’s the proud mom of a beautiful yellow gelding named Prince Caspian. Also, human daughter Cora.

RACHEL CORBMAN

Operations Manager

Driven by creativity and opportunity, Rachel has an endless passion for serving the equine community. A lover of hotter horses, Rachel enjoys the bond she shares with her Thoroughbred gelding, Ransome. You can also find Rachel playing in Old Town Erie and spoiling her other four-legged family member, Lab mix named Archer.

SARAH HOFKAMP

Equine Training Manager

With a personality as colorful as a Colorado sunset, Sarah embodies the untamed spirit of the west. Heart filled with love, laughter, and freedom, she gallops into the unknown with arms and mind wide open. Sarah considers herself more than just a horse trainer, rather she is a bridge and messenger for the voiceless.

SHARON GILBERT

Adoption Manager

Sharon strives to share her world with caring people, loving corgis and extraordinary equines to fill her heart with joy. With 25+ years among both horses and non-profits, she enjoys long strolls with her gelding Doc, relaxing with a hot drink and a romance novel in hand, and simply living the coziest of cottage lives.

SHAWNA ENGLISH

Director of Development

Making a career change at forty, Shawna found a way to wrangle her wannabe cowgirl spirit and corporate training roots, now uniquely developing leaders and teams with horses. Known for her love of sassy red mares and local Lyons mountain living, her passion for fundraising is fueled by her belief that anything is possible.

SUSAN CHANDLER

Equine Trainer

Born and raised on fairy tales, Susan is a wannabe dragon tamer but settled for horse whispering. Even though she may exhibit a quiet exterior, you can bet that on the inside she is continually searching for ways to challenge the world around both her and CHR in order to bring their fantasies into reality.

Board Of

Directors

Dan Burak – President
Donnell Heistand – Treasurer
Jim Czepiel – Secretary
Angi Primavera – Member
Julie Oelman – Member
Molly Vaughan – Member

UNITED, WE INSPIRE.

Changing the world is never easy, but together, we can make it happen. See who’s forging ahead alongside CHR.

Meet Our Partners

A YEAR OF ACTION

Potential: unbridled. Check out our 2019 Annual Report to see the strides made by the Rescue this past year.

2019 Annual Report