East Hampton Horse Rescue Fundraising For New Barn

EAST HAMPTON, CT — The Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue is working to raise funds to build a new barn for horses that were abused, bound for slaughter or neglected. Eversource has pitched in a donation to help the rescue at its new location.

The rescue got news in early 2017 that it could no longer stay at a farm in Haddam Neck. In April the rescue found a plot of land on Chestnut Hill Road in East Hampton available for rent.

“It was nothing but a hayfield and brush,” said CDHR volunteer Kim Weglinski. “All of us came in and started clearing the land and building the fencing and paddocks. It was a lot of work that took hours and hours, but it’s been a labor of love.”

Horses are physically and mentally taken care of when they arrive at the rescue. They are put up for adoption in loving homes when they are recovered and trained. The rescue has placed more than 70 horses since 2011 and is currently taking care of 15 others.

“This has really been a community effort,” said CDHR Founder and Executive Director Dr. Stacey Golub. “It takes an entire village. We couldn’t do this without our volunteers and without sponsors like Eversource. We are able to do what we do because of the support we have in the community.”

“Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue has such a dedicated, passionate group of volunteers who make every effort to help horses in need,” said Eversource Community Relations Specialist Pat Bandzes. “We're committed to serving the neighborhoods where we work and live, and supporting their new endeavor in East Hampton is a great way to give back to our community.”

The rescue is aiming to raise $85,000 for a down payment to purchase land and build a brand new barn.

Image via Eversource