By Stacey Randall, Volunteer & CDHR Farm Manager

In September of 2020, a friend of CDHR asked if we could help with a pair of Belgian geldings in their late 20's, Budd and Rex. As most know, many of our stories at CDHR usually start with a heartbreaking beginning. It's often a heartbreaking story of a horse being "thrown away," a horse severely abused, or maybe a horse neglected and starving. 

Bud and Rex's story does not lack heartache, but it's a different kind of heartache. You see, Budd and Rex had not been abused. They weren't left in a pasture and forgotten. Their heartache is that life changes happen—changes out of their owner's control, age, and health. 

An elderly couple owned Budd and Rex for around 20 years. The owners were heartbroken, but they were both in poor health and could not care for Budd and Rex any longer. They contacted a friend of CDHR about options because they knew they needed help. Our friend connected the owners with us here at CDHR. We were happy to help. 

Since they arrived here with us in September, they have been living the dream! Surrounded by many volunteers who love them dearly, fitted for blankets, hooves done, teeth floated, immunizations updated unlimited hay and grain that keeps increasing. They are two happy senior boys that have brought so much happiness to Autumn Ridge.

In December of 2020, we had a potential adopter visit the farm. She had recently lost her two Belgian mares and was ready to look for two bonded horses that she could give a forever home to. Not to work, not to ride but to love, care for, and allow to live out the rest of their days in comfort and peace. She had one requirement, a pair not "too old" because she had just gone through such significant losses losing her two mares. She met every horse on the farm multiple times.

Budd and Rex were older, but we introduced them anyway, and we are so glad we did. When the potential adopter called us back about her decision, this is what we heard, "I can not discriminate based on age. It's not fair to Budd and Rex. They are both so precious. I also feel like the younger pair I met has a better chance of being adopted. I want to bring Budd and Rex home!"

On January 2, 2020, Budd and Rex were adopted and have gone to their forever home in Massachusetts. They are joining a farm that's full of life! A farm with other horses, minis, and even a pig! We thank Budd and Rex owners, who turned them over to us. We thank them for knowing they needed help before things got really bad. We thank them for giving them a chance they deserved. Once again, a story that started with such heartache still ended with the "happily ever after." 

Happy trails Budd and Rex. You will be so missed at Autumn Ridge, but we are so excited you've found your person, your home, and you'll remain together for the rest of your days.