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Magazine Articles

Celebrating 25 Years of Hope at The Horse Shelter and Its Impact on Lives in New Mexico

  • Writer: Susan Hemmerle
    Susan Hemmerle
  • Jun 6
  • 4 min read

The Horse Shelter rescues, rehabilitates, trains and rehomes abused, abandoned and neglected horses throughout New Mexico and was founded in 2000. We receive horses mostly from the NM Livestock Board after found as estray and also after cruelty seizure disposition by the courts. We also admit owner surrenders on a case-to-case basis, mostly in hardship situations. Our ranch is located in Cerrillos, NM on 129 acres and we have a total capacity of 100 horses at this time. For the last year we have been averaging 95 horses onsite.


With the help of experienced staff, farrier, and veterinarians we safely refeed and give the necessary veterinary care (vaccinations, worming, dental, gelding and other more specific medical interventions.) We train the horses to have good groundwork skills, to be safe around humans and, if appropriate, we train them as riding horses. During rehabilitation and training we assess the horses for their personality, behavior and training status to determine their adoptability. The Horse Shelter endeavors to help as many horses as possible and provide our community the opportunity to adopt safe and well-behaved companion (non-riding) and riding horses. The more horses we are able to rehome, the more we can admit and help.


An aerial photograph of The Horse Shelter in Cerrillos, New Mexico that rescues Abused, Abandoned & Neglected Horses throughout New Mexico.
The Horse Shelter is located in Cerrillos, NM on 129 acres and has a total capacity of 100 horses at this time.





An excellent video about The Horse Shelter

We are accredited with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and have the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. We work closely with the NM Livestock Board and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including Pueblo law enforcement and animal control.


As we celebrate our 25th year as a horse rescue, we are proud that we have grown from a very small organization that started with three rescue horses, to a formidable presence in the New Mexico horse community and the largest equine rescue in the state. We will continue to expand our programming and services to help more horses in need and create a better standard of care for the horses in New Mexico. 



Red circular logo with a white outline of a horse's head and the text "The Horse Shelter" beneath. Clean and minimalist design.

Rescuing and rehabilitating abused, abandoned and neglected horses since 2000.

Follow and Like The Horse Shelter







Red and white circular logo for "The Horse Shelter Resale Store" featuring an outline of a horse's head at the top.

The Horse Shelter Resale Store is the premier resale store in Santa Fe. We sell art, jewelry, apparel, housewares, furniture, saddles, tack, horse supplies, and much more.


Follow The Horse Shelter Resale Store on Facebook and Instagram




Volunteer at The Horse Shelter


You do not need to have any horse experience to volunteer for us. We will safely train you to be around our horses and you will be able to progress through our online and onsite training classes at your own speed.


Learn About Volunteering at The Horse Shelter

EquuStyle Art & Advocacy Magazine extends sincere appreciation for Executive Director,  Susan Hemmerle's contribution to the Summer 2025 issue. The Horse Shelter and its staff, volunteers, and supporters are doing a remarkable job of making a significant difference in the lives of horses in New Mexico. Please share this article with other equestrians to support rehoming and adoption of rescued horses.


All images Copyright The Horse Shelter, and Evalyn Bemis Photography (evalynbemisphotography.com) -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from The Horse Shelter or Evalyn Bemis Photography.


Colorado Horse Rescue: 
Making Strides in Equine Welfare


  • Writer: Megan Goheen
    Megan Goheen
  • Jun 1, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jan 14


A photograph of galloping rescue horses in a pasture at Colorado Horse Rescue in Longmont, Colorado
Happy horses gallop in a pasture at Colorado Horse Rescue in Longmont, Colorado

In the heart of Colorado, nestled amidst the mountains and sprawling landscapes, exists a haven for creatures that embody grace, strength, and companionship: horses. Since 1986, Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) has been a place of hope, tirelessly working to build a brighter future for horses in need.


CHR's mission is as simple as it is profound: to create safe solutions for every horse, regardless of their past or present circumstances. As a 501(c)(3) impact organization, CHR operates with a clear vision, fueled by passion and dedication.


A photograph of two horses at Colorado Horse Rescue in Longmont, Colorado
Patrick and Mac sharing a moment

Horses from all walks of life find refuge when they enter through CHR’s gate. From private owners seeking responsible rehoming to horses rescued from dire situations, CHR welcomes all those in need. These horses often come with unique challenges, be it medical issues or behavioral complexities. Within the embrace of CHR's dedicated team of equine professionals, each horse is given a chance to heal, grow, and thrive.


On a sprawling 50-acre property, CHR operates at full capacity, providing industry-leading care to 60 horses every day. For CHR, the journey extends to rehabilitation, rehoming, and beyond, as they continue to advocate for the welfare of horses everywhere.



COLORADO HORSE RESCUE -WHO WE ARE




CHR TAKES THE REINS OF THE ANNIE PROJECT, ADVANCING ITS MISSION


Horses at dude and guest ranches create unforgettable memories, yet their retirement often leads to uncertain fates at auctions, risking falling into the slaughter pipeline. To offer a compassionate alternative, The Annie Project was established in 2017 by Drifter’s Hearts of Hope Horse Rescue, C Lazy U Ranch, and The Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association. This initiative provides retiring ranch horses a chance at new beginnings through reputable rescues.


A photograph of horse that was discovered at a livestock auction and became the inspiration for The Annie Project to take care of horses after their retirement.
Gentle horse Annie inspired The Annie Project

The Annie Project was inspired by Annie, a gentle horse from C Lazy U Ranch, discovered in a livestock auction by Drifter’s Hearts of Hope. Annie’s rescue sparked a transformative movement, prompting C Lazy U Ranch to reflect on their responsibility towards their horses’ well-being, even after retirement. Initially nurtured by Drifter’s Hearts of Hope, the project has now been entrusted to Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) to expand its mission.


C Lazy U Ranch remains a supporter of The Annie Project. In fact, they have partnered with Locke + Co Distilling to craft a limited-edition Aspen Aged Rye whiskey. Each bottle sold at the ranch supports Colorado Horse Rescue, honoring Annie’s legacy and funding the care of retired ranch horses like Annie. 


The Annie Project is a heartwarming testament to compassion and collaboration, ensuring a brighter future for horses by granting these animals the dignified retirement they so richly deserve.




Come experience the magic of Colorado Horse Rescue yourself on Saturday, September 21, 2024! As the sun sets over the Colorado horizon, CHR invites you to join them for Mane Event, a celebration of fellowship, fun, and impact.


Set against the backdrop of their picturesque property in Longmont, Mane Event promises an evening of joy and purpose, where guests can experience the CHR mission firsthand. It's an opportunity to become part of a vision-driven community, united in their dedication to making a difference in the lives of horses, today and for generations to come.








There are many ways to join CHR in their mission. Volunteers are essential to the organization, contributing their time and skills to support various aspects of their operation. From barn chores to administrative tasks, every pair of hands makes a difference.


For those unable to volunteer, donating offers another avenue of support. Whether through financial contributions, legacy planning, or heartfelt gifts, every donation fuels CHR's efforts to serve more horses and make a lasting impact.


A photograph of two equine volunteers at Colorado Horse Rescue in Longmont, Colorado
Volunteers making a difference at Colorado Horse Rescue

Businesses, too, can play a vital role in supporting CHR's mission through sponsorship. By aligning with CHR, businesses not only demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility but also gain valuable exposure within the community. It's a partnership that benefits both parties while advancing the cause of equine welfare.




A photograph of HorseAlert which is a free emergency response tool from Colorado Horse Rescue
HorseAlert is a FREE emergency response tool

In keeping with their commitment to serving not only the horses within their gates but also the broader equine community, CHR introduces HorseAlert.


As wildfires increasingly threaten Colorado and beyond, CHR founded HorseAlert after witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of natural disasters on the equine community. Often, horse owners lack trailers, and many facilities have more horses than they can transport during evacuations.

 

HorseAlert, a FREE emergency response tool, connects those needing to evacuate horses with willing volunteers. Just like popular rideshare applications, HorseAlert matches individuals in need with those ready to assist. Join CHR in its mission to safeguard the lives of horses, their caregivers, and fellow evacuees during times of crisis.


Visit HorseAlert.org for more information, to register your horses, and to volunteer as a driver.




Colorado Horse Rescue remains a steadfast ally for horses in need, driven by compassion and commitment. With innovative solutions and the unwavering support of the community, it continues to create safe solutions for horses in need. Join CHR’s mission, as together, strides are made towards a world where all horses know safety, healing, and love.











EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Megan Goheen, Marketing Associate, Colorado Horse Rescue for writing an excellent article and sharing photographs and videos. Our sincere thanks to the staff, volunteers, and board members for using their time, talents, and energy to "build a better world for horses, one life at at time" .


All images Copyright Colorado Horse Rescue -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Colorado Horse Rescue.


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