Together, We Create What’s Possible
Across Colorado, horse owners are facing increasing challenges and limited options for rehoming, emergency assistance, and end-of-life care.
To meet these growing needs, Colorado Horse Rescue has adopted a new strategic plan focused on expanding horse rescue, owner support programs, education, and innovative equine welfare solutions.
“The future for horses isn’t something that happens by chance. It is shaped – intentionally, thoughtfully, and collectively – by the choices we make today.” Katherine Gregory, CEO
Built through conversations with supporters, partners, and leaders across the equine community, this strategic plan is grounded in experience, guided by data, and inspired by what we know is possible when people come together on behalf of horses.
Built for This Moment
As the need for equine services continues to grow, so does our responsibility to evolve. Horses are arriving with more complex needs. Owners are facing increasing challenges. Communities are looking for trusted solutions.
In recent years, Colorado Horse Rescue has seen increasing demand for services ranging from owner support and horse rehoming assistance to emergency response and humane end-of-life options. Rising feed costs, ongoing drought conditions, and economic pressures have created new challenges for horse owners across Colorado.
“Our goal isn’t simply to bring more horses into rescue. It’s to create more pathways to safety, whether that’s helping an owner keep their horse, helping a horse find a new home, or providing support during difficult end-of-life transitions.” Rachel Corbman, Equine Services Director
The strategic plan positions CHR to meet evolving needs – not just by expanding capacity, but by becoming more responsive, more innovative, and more deeply connected to the communities we serve. It is a commitment to deepen our impact, grow forward-thinking programs, and ensure that more horses have access to safety, dignity, and a future.
Three Priorities Guiding the Path Forward
At the heart of this plan are three priorities that will shape the next chapter of Colorado Horse Rescue’s work:
1. Rescue & Response
When horses need help, timing matters. This priority focuses on strengthening CHR’s ability to respond – expanding rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming capacity to meet growing demand.
It also includes growing owner support programs such as Leg Up, which provides critical resources to help owners keep horses safe, and Compassionate Endings, which helps owners provide a peaceful, humane end-of-life when financial barriers make that difficult. These programs create more pathways to safety before horses ever enter the rescue system.
To support this work, CHR is taking a thoughtful approach to growth – using lifecycle tracking and operational improvements to maximize impact within its current footprint while exploring opportunities to expand its capacity and reach, including the possibility of a larger property as community needs continue to evolve.
2. Innovation & Growth
The challenges facing horses are evolving, and so must the solutions. From expanding The Annie Project, which creates safe pathways for retiring guest ranch horses, to growing HorseAlert, which helps people evacuate their horses safely during emergencies, CHR is investing in programs that address real gaps in equine welfare.
These programs extend CHR’s impact beyond traditional rescue by helping prevent crises, supporting horse owners, and creating more safe pathways for horses throughout their lives.
3. Education & Leadership
Lasting change requires more than good intentions. It requires shared knowledge, strong relationships, and a community willing to lead.
Through expanded education programs and deeper collaboration with industry partners, CHR is committed to shaping a future where responsible horse stewardship becomes the norm, not the exception.
By leading with expertise and openness, we can strengthen the entire equine ecosystem and raise the standard of care for horses across Colorado and beyond.
A Shared Vision for Horses
This strategic plan comes to life through partnership. It is built on the belief that real, lasting change happens when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Every supporter, volunteer, and partner plays a role in bringing this vision to life.
The future for horses requires bold ideas – and people willing to stand behind them. Together, we are creating a better world for horses.