At Colorado Horse Rescue, we are always proud to collaborate with professionals who are at the forefront of advancing equine care, and Dr. Bruce Connally is an exceptional example. Celebrating a decade of service to our organization, Dr. Connally’s expertise and compassion have made a profound impact on the horses in our care, and we’re thrilled to commemorate his ten-year anniversary.
Dr. Connally’s journey to CHR has been one of evolution, from years of education and clinical experience to a deep commitment to improving the welfare of horses. His professional trajectory and personal connection to horses provide him with a unique perspective that has shaped his approach to veterinary care.
A Lifelong Commitment to Horses
Dr. Connally spent three years at Michigan State University Veterinary School, earning a master’s degree in Large Animal Clinical Sciences. After working in private practice, he spent seven years as an assistant professor at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His time at CSU helped refine his skills and provided him the opportunity to study the best diagnostic and treatment protocols available. Now, he has returned to private practice, working with CHR and multiple other clients. This advanced training, combined with his 30 years of clinical experience, enables Dr. Connally to care for all kinds of horses.
His passion for horses extends beyond his profession, allowing him to connect deeply with every horse he treats. He feels fortunate that his vocation and avocation are one and the same.
Joining the CHR Team: A Decision to Give Back
Dr. Connally had not originally planned to work for CHR. He said, “I had worked for several rescues over the years with sometimes frustrating outcomes.” But when CHR reached out about the opportunity to join the team as the prior veterinarian transitioned out, he saw it as a chance to give back to the horse world.
His focus was initially on the horse itself, but as he became part of the CHR team, he realized that his experience here would be different than expected. He didn’t just treat individual cases, he became part of a collective effort to improve the lives of horses through a team-based approach. At CHR, success isn’t measured only by horses being rehomed; it’s about providing compassionate care to every horse, from those recovering from injuries to those who sadly must be euthanized to end their suffering.
Recognition for His Impact
Dr. Connally’s work in equine welfare have been recognized on a national level. In 2019, he received one of three national awards from the Right Horse Coalition, announced at the national meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the leading organization for equine veterinarians in the US. In 2021, he was again recognized by AAEP for his work with rescue and unwanted horses. While these accolades were a great honor, Dr. Connally sees them as a reflection of the success of the CHR program as a whole. He said, “These awards came to me, but are really a recognition of the success of the CHR program.”
One of the most significant contributions to equine welfare has been his work in developing euthanasia protocols. He co-authored a textbook that is used in veterinary schools to teach euthanasia techniques, and recently, the book was revised for a new edition. Dr. Connally had the opportunity to bring Dr. Cooney, the main author/editor of the textbook, to CHR to witness firsthand how the team makes difficult decisions when euthanasia is the most compassionate choice for a horse.
The Real Reward: The CHR Family
Dr. Connally’s most important takeaway from his decade at CHR isn’t the awards or recognition, but the family of friends and coworkers he has gained through this work. While he came to CHR to help horses, the relationships he’s built with the CHR team have enriched his life in ways he never expected. His commitment to the horses has been supported and amplified by the collective efforts of the CHR team, and he is deeply grateful for the support and camaraderie that has made his last ten years at CHR so fulfilling.
“I started working at CHR for the horses, but the family of friends and coworkers at CHR has become the most important benefit I have from my last decade at CHR. My life is better because of the people at CHR. I am very grateful for all of them.” – Dr. Bruce Connally
