Compassionate
Endings
There are few things as difficult as saying goodbye to your horse. At CHR, we believe every horse deserves kindness - both in life and in their final moments.
IN HARD TIMES
CHR CAN HELP
Euthanizing your horse at home is the kindest option.
Horses feel deeply. A trailer ride or an unfamiliar environment in their final days causes stress and unnecessary suffering.
Compassionate Endings was created to ensure that compassion, not financial hardship, guides end-of-life decisions. If money is the issue, CHR can:
- cover the expense of humane euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian
- pay for body retrieval via a professional transportation service
- provide referrals to trusted veterinary partners, if needed
With Compassionate Endings, CHR helps you honor your horse’s final chapter with the dignity, respect, and peace they deserve. Choosing a gentle goodbye is not just an option, it’s the responsibility that comes with loving them.
Please email info@chr.org for assistance. A member of our team will connect with you confidentially to discuss your horse’s situation. Together, we’ll ensure your horse experiences a peaceful, dignified goodbye.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when it’s time?
Knowing when to say goodbye to your horse can feel overwhelming. Owners are encouraged to use the sample questions below and research The Five Domains to help objectively gauge their horse’s quality of life. It’s recommended to consult your veterinarian to confirm any end-of-life decisions.
- Nutrition – Has your horse’s appetite changed significantly? Is your horse able to chew and swallow?
- Environment – Can your horse comfortably navigate and interact with their environment?
- Health – Does your horse require daily pain medication with minimal improvement? Does your horse have difficulty gaining or maintaining weight despite a nourishing diet? Have any known health issues continued to get worse, even with treatment?
- Behavior – Does your horse regularly exhibit pain-driven behaviors (biting, kicking, reluctance to move, constantly shifting weight, frequent or constant tail swishing or muscle twitching, etc.)?
- Mental State – Does your horse seem distressed, restless, or withdrawn?
Is this resource only for horses adopted through CHR?
No. Compassionate Endings is available to any horse in need, regardless of adoption history, age, breed, or background.
How do I request support for Compassionate Endings?
Simply reach out! Please email info@chr.org. A member of our team will connect with you confidentially to discuss your horse’s situation. Together, we’ll ensure your horse experiences a peaceful, dignified goodbye.