“My Pony” Holiday Vacation Camp now available! Check it out

Welcome to US Horse Welfare & Rescue

High atop Nod Hill in Avon, CT you will find a magical place where horses – many once at risk of going to slaughter – now happily live their lives in beautiful surroundings, cared for by loving and dedicated volunteers.

Help feed the horses this winter!

  • Saving Horses

    We strive to keep America's horses out of slaughter by providing support to horse owners in peril, nationwide education and advocacy, and providing the best healthcare, nutrition and compassion for our rescued horses to ensure they are happy, healthy and strong.

  • Make an Impact

    Join us for fun events, educational programs, youth camps, riding lessons, volunteer opportunities, and so much more. Become part of our caring community, fulfilled by the sense of belonging and working together to make a difference.

  • Programs and Lessons

    We offer programs for ages 6 and up, including professional riding lessons, horse care, after-school programs, equine therapy and healing experiences, and so much more. Whether on a horse, or on the ground, time with our horses is time well spent.

Horses and People Living Life in Balance

The connection with a horse is unlike any other experience, whether on the ground or riding the horse. There is no other feeling like it. Our horses are partners. They are never used as tools or overworked. At US Horse Welfare and Rescue, we offer community-based equine wellness and enrichment programs, along with riding lessons for children and adults.

Throughout the year USHWR also provides opportunities to join our caring community, from events that get you up close and personal with our horses, to carefully crafted programs designed by credentialed individuals and facilitated by highly skilled instructors. These programs are designed to support the diverse needs of our local community.

At USHWR we teach others how to listen and connect, so the horse can become their teacher.

“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

- Winston Churchill

  • Great place! My oldest volunteers and I think my little one is on the same track. Everyone there is so nice! Love the horses.

    - Robert F

  • Truly an organization with heart and skill.

    - Deborah P

  • Best kept secret in town! Nonprofit horse rescue with amazing therapeutic and community programs run by volunteers, so you know your money is going to take care of the horses. Fun events and riding lessons that the kids love too.

    - Susan M

  • Beautiful property and all the horses are spoiled. Great mission and you can tell the owner/volunteers all care deeply about giving these precious animals a second chance!

    - Krista R

  • If you have time to volunteer or a small amount of money ($8/month) it really does matter. I spent today mulching the paddocks so the horses wouldn't be mucking about in 8" of mud. Great for the horses and I met a lot of really nice people! Then there's the exercise and fresh air.

    - Chip C

  • When I first met Susan, I was overwhelmingly impressed with her passion and commitment to our equine friends. Her mission and continued tenacity is inspirational. She shares in a vision we can all embrace. If we can all align ourselves to amplify Susan's voice, we can change the world for horses!

    - Rob C

Make an impact today

Donations and proceeds from our programs go to saving abused, neglected, at-risk, & slaughter-bound horses across the country and providing top-notch care for the horses here at our sanctuary and rescue.