Colorado Horse Rescue

We are Colorado Horse Rescue, and we are building a better future for horses. We see it. We believe in it. And we are here to make it happen. As a 501(c)(3) impact organization operating in Colorado since 1986, we work to continuously reimagine what’s possible and create a reality where safe solutions exist for every horse.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1-2 Year Strategic Response: CHR will respond to ensure all horses have a safe solution.
Marketing/Brand Refresh:
*As our vision for CHR evolves, our capabilities expand, and our impact grows, our logo needs to be able to adapt with us. We want our logo, branding, and messaging to not only reflect our Rocky Mountain roots, but also differentiate us from other organizations. We have created a simple, iconic identity for CHR as a leader in our industry and a champion for horses. Our new branding is optimistic, modern, and forward-looking… just like Colorado Horse Rescue. new branding is being rolled out for increased impact, marketing across all programs is being improved (includes website overhaul)
*Devising a plan to fight the stigma of “rescues” through marketing

Process & Systems Improvement:
*Strengthening our fundamentals - across all areas - to be a best-in-class horse rescue
* Devising systems to manage donors, volunteers, and the life cycle of horses is essential to effectively and efficiently manage, new systems either built via add-ons to an existing solution or creation of new EMS

Facility Redesign:
*CHR built for long-term stays, revised facility plan will increase throughput of horses into adoptive homes
*Optimize for training, higher throughput
*Intake/quarantine area insufficient
Two options – modify the existing location to cover all needs or move to a new location

3-5 Year Strategic Response: CHR will use education as a tool to solve the unwanted horse issue.
*Critical information resource for the horse community:
Examples:
I can’t afford to feed my horse
I can’t afford to euthanize my horse
What are my options for euthanasia
I need to sell my horse quickly

*Partner with Universities:
Add unwanted horse issue to curriculum
Build an intern program across functions

*Create certification programs:
Horse rescue – or some other name
Farriers, acupuncture, chiropractor
Partner with schools to use our horses
Right Horse – are they thinking about this?

*Increase clinic offerings:
On site at CHR
Other locations

3-5 Year Strategic Response: CHR will advocate for equine protection and support.
*Partner with AQHA Foundation:
End of life services
Welfare support for quarter horses in transition

*Investigate a protected class for equines:
Change to “companion” has significant $ implications
Livestock proves to be too broad of a category
Equines not bred specifically for human consumption

*Create state/national equine standards of abuse:
Has this helped in states that have done it?
What was the cost?
Who supported it?
What would they do differently?

With a talented staff of 8, an invested Board of Directors, a volunteer base of nearly 100 dedicated community members, and a strong donor base, CHR is home to a diverse family of passionate equine welfare advocates. We also partner with a number of local vendors to achieve and implement excellent operational and equine care standards.

The Right Horse Initiative has identified CHR as an official Right Horse Partner. The Right Horse Initiative is funded by the WaterShed Animal Fund, a division of the Arnall Family Foundation and is dedicated to massively increase the number of successful horse adoptions in the United States. We are now part of a collective of horse industry professionals and equine welfare advocates leading the industry toward positive solutions through collaboration, education, training, and public awareness on a national level. We are pioneering innovative processes and programs, as well as upholding the highest standards for care. We are reframing equine adoption and the fate of horses in transition.

Accomplishments include maintaining a steady donor base for funding basic operations and operating in a fiscally conservative and responsible manner. Our adoption rate doubled this year, assist disadvantaged horse owners, implement equine training and educational programs, and slowly but surely improve the overall facility set-up. All the while, we are seeing an upswing in public awareness of the organization through a myriad of fundraising, special event, and PR efforts.

The Field Rescue Program has been extremely successful. As resources allow, CHR purchases horses at public auctions and rehabilitates them. These are the horses that have no human advocate otherwise and have found themselves in dangerous and at-risk situations. They are also extremely viable animals, and we have a 100% adoption success rate with this program including rideable and companion horses.