Companion

Connection

Companionship - because not all horses need a rider. Our new Companion Connection program was formed to find solutions to the challenges facing non-riding horses.

Caring for our

Most vulnerable

Every horse will one day fall into the non-rideable, companion-only category. There is a never-ending supply of these horses. Unfortunately, the reality for most horses in America is that when they are no longer rideable, they are viewed as less valuable than their riding counterparts. Because of this industry-wide perception, horses will pass through multiple owners in their lifetime. And every time a horse changes hands, that horse is at risk of landing in unsafe or unkind hands. Or in the worst-case scenario on a truck bound for slaughter for human consumption. 

CHR is passionate about taking care of these horses who have given so much over their lives. Our new Companion Connection program was formed to directly address the challenges facing non-riding horses by finding permanent, safe solutions for each individual more efficiently.

A New Approach

Training

Using a standardized non-riding assessment, customized specifically to target the barriers that typically keep these horses from finding new homes, individualized training plans are developed for each horse in the program.

Awareness

Awareness and education are serious barriers to finding homes for these vulnerable horses. Through educational clinics, special events, and partnerships in our community, we are shifting the perception of non-riding horses from no longer valuable to potential cherished family members.

Placement

By creating this new focus, we are able to identify the kinds of homes that would benefit the most from welcoming a companion horse into their family and match those people with the right horse more efficiently.

Companion Superstars

Clover

Clover would be a wonderful companion horse to add to any herd! She is an easy keeper and enjoys going for walks with our volunteer team. Clover has had a long riding career, and has shown us that she is ready to find a loving retirement home at this point in her life.

Casey

This former dude ranch horse is gentle and super smart! He lives well with both mares and geldings and would love to find a loving last home. Casey is a joy to be around and easy going amongst the herd.

MICAH

Micah was previously unhandled before coming to CHR and is continuing to progress well in training. He has proven himself to be an easy-keeping, athletic guy! At 18 years old, he's looking for a home where he can continue mastering his groundwork skills without the responsibilities of riding.

VOLUNTEER WITH COMPANION CONNECTION

Support the companion herd by volunteering your time. We are looking for experienced equine handlers to take our companion-only horses for walks, work on ground skills, and help these horses realize their full potential while searching for their new home. 

If you have skills and time to offer, we want to meet you! 

Reach out to Grace Degnan at gdegnan@chr.org today to see if you could be a good fit for volunteering with the program.

SPONSOR

Sponsor the care of a companion horse while they continue to search for their permanent home. With this sponsorship, you will have the ability to visit with your sponsor horse and keep up with their progress toward finding their right home.

SPONSOR A HORSE

BE AN ADVOCATE

Have a non-riding horse already? Another way to support the program is by sharing what you are able to do with your horse on the ground! Help people learn that a horse’s value isn’t limited to his or her rideability.

Share your story on social media and tag us @coloradohorserescue today. Be a part of the shift toward valuing all horses, in every stage of life.

SPONSOR A COMPANION HORSE

We understand the commitment that a horse requires. If you’re not ready to foster or adopt, sponsorship is a great option to support the care of a companion-only horse.

FOSTER PROGRAM

If you feel pulled to help a horse in need, our foster program offers flexible foster options that may be right for you.

Hang tight while we go get your horse!