On July 4th, 2015, three special horses arrived at CDHR. This is the story of two of them. This is the story of Oliver and Spencer. This is an emotional story, a bittersweet story, a story of triumph, a story of loss, a story of healing, and the incredible spirit of horses. Most importantly, this is a story of what is at the heart of what we do—the story of the rescue of two horses that desperately needed our help.

Oliver and Spencer’s owner passed away in 2014. As a result, the level of care they once received began to decline significantly. After discovering the horrendous condition of the horses, a CDHR volunteer sprang into action, negotiated a sale, raised funds needed to purchase them, and transported them to our farm.

Upon arrival at CDHR, the situation was even worse than the pictures depicted. Our volunteers were shocked and brought to tears as two skeletal draft horses unloaded from the trailer. Dr. Golub performed an exam and noted their body condition scores of 1.5-2 on a scale of 1-9, indicating they were very thin/emaciated and needed to gain at least 700 lbs. each.

In just 3 ½ months, they each gained hundreds of pounds. Through your generous support, the commitment of our volunteers, and under the guidance and medical care of Dr. Golub, Oliver and Spencer were well on their way to becoming healthy horses.

Bigger surprises were still in store. We knew the pair was once a team. After years of not being hitched and now back to a healthy weight, Dr. Golub and our trainer, Davinia, decided the team was healthy, and it was time to see how they would do. Oliver and Spencer rose to the occasion; these two strong, proud, and healthy horses were hitched and rode out into our field in perfect unison. It was a sight to see.

Oliver and Spencer became the official “spokes-horses” for CDHR. As the official ambassadors, they traveled throughout New England, demonstrating how gentle, intelligent, and essential draft horses are. Posing for photos, ground driving, giving carriage rides, and helping spread the word about CDHR, were a sight to see. They loved their job and the attention. It was clear they found a special purpose.

Sadly and suddenly, in December of 2019, Oliver passed. While we mourned the loss of our beloved Oliver, we were extremely concerned about Spencer’s mental and physical health. These two horses were bonded and inseparable. As Spencer mourned the loss of his best friend, it broke our hearts. Watching a horse’s heart break brings you to your knees. We made sure Spencer was looked after 24 hours a day—notating even the slightest behavior change.

Enter Bob, our draft mule.

Animals never cease to amaze, and Spencer did just that. In time, Spencer slowly healed. We watched on as Bob gradually became closer to Spencer. They spent more time together. Soon, wherever Spencer was, Bob was right there, next to him. And vice versa. Today these two are inseparable. Spencer remains our official ambassador, but his duties look a little different than they did a few years ago, and that’s quite ok. He is loved, he has a new buddy, and he is healthy.

This is what we do. 24|7. 365 days a year.

We care for draft horses that need us the most.

Spencer is in need of sponsors to help provide for his care. You can sponsor Spencer by clicking here.