“You can’t change the world by rescuing one horse, but for that one horse, its world is changed forever”—that’s the premise for the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue (CDHR). To raise money for the cause, CDHR is hosting its second annual Art for Horses fundraiser on Thursday, Aug. 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Carriage House in Deep River.

With a mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing work horses, CDHR has been rescuing these massive horses from abusive situations, kill buyers, feedlots, starvation, slaughter auctions, or owners who can no longer care for them, since 2011. The group was founded by equine veterinarian Stacey Golub.

“These are the gentle giants of the horse world and historically they have done so much work for us, over the years, that it just seems right to help them now and do what we can to save them and give them the opportunity for better lives,” said Brenda Vynalek, a CDHR volunteer, foster mom, and fundraiser committee member.

The Art for Horses art show will help fund this endeavor by offering artwork from many different genres, including original pieces from area potters, artists, photographers, fiber artists, and more. This event is a major fundraiser for the rescue and at least 30 percent of every sale will go directly to CDHR.

“Some artists have generously chosen to donate 100 percent of all proceeds from the sales of their goods, which is wonderful,” said Vynalek. “There will be a wide variety of art offerings, not all will be horse themed, so there will be something for everyone.”

Last year’s show raised $5,000, all of which went to cover the cost of feeding, caring for, and providing veterinary care for the CDHR herd of rescues, which up until recently also included a mascot goat named Gordy, who received emergency surgery for his kidney stones while in the care of CDHR.

“There are always horses in need,” said Vynalek. “The faster we can get our horses back on their feet and ready for adoption, the faster we can help more of them. Because these guys are so big, not every horse rescue can care for them properly, so many of these horses have nowhere else to go, which is why our rescue work is so important. Drafts eat more, they have unique health problems, because they are so large, and sometimes they have special training needs. We know how to care for these guys so we take in as many as we can.”

Currently CDHR, which is nestled on 68 pastoral acres over the bridge in Haddam Neck, is home to 15 horses of all ages, shapes, breeds, and sizes who have been rescued from unsavory situations. One of these special equines is Kia, a spritely, young pinto gelding born at the rescue to a Clydesdale mother named Annie. A sweet natured guy, Kia, who’s name means “bravely seeking sight” in Hawaiian, was born with cataracts. Since his first induction into the world, Kia has undergone several surgeries at Tufts Veterinarian School to help with his sight and alleviate the pain associated with cataracts. He is still experiencing some challenges, but is expected to live a long, happy fulfilling life, thanks to the efforts of CDHR.

Two years ago, the rescue took in five feral Clydesdale mares after their owner passed away suddenly. This mini herd of giants had lived a life with little to no human contact, which made their future grim. Folding these five girls into the rescue was a large undertaking for CDHR, however, the team of volunteers embraced these beautiful, towering equines. They spent countless hours patiently getting the horses used to being handled by humans and trained them not only to wear halters, but to be comfortable wearing saddles and bridles and being ridden. Now, these horses have a chance at a better life and loving forever homes.

“We try to train all the horses that we rescue to be ridden. It gives them a better chance of being adopted and we truly feel that all horses should have a job—it keeps them in shape and keeps their minds working. So as long as they are physically able to work, they should have some kind of job,” said Vynalek. “In all honesty, most of the draft horses we get here have been worked so hard in the harness pulling that they enjoy being used for riding—it’s easier for them and it still gives them a purpose.”

She adds, “This Art or Horses fundraiser is not just a way for us to raise needed funds, but also a way for us to bring awareness to our rescue, to people outside of our usual circle. We are always in need of more volunteers, people don’t have to have horse knowledge, we will teach them what they need to know, they just have to have willingness to help out.”

For more information about CDHR, visit www.ctdraftrescue.com.