In April of 2014, a fellow rescuer spotted a 7-month-old Gypsy cross at an auction in Pennsylvania and immediately reached out to CDHR about saving him. In true CDHR fashion, miracles fell into place for this sweet boy. Our friend bid on this little guy on behalf of CDHR, and he was safely removed from the auction.

We often say it takes a village of caring, responsible people to make these rescues work. We simply could not do this work without our volunteers and supporters coming together. And Tom and Cindy Noll are shining examples of this village. The Nolls often help transport horses to CDHR from auctions, and as luck would have it, they just happened to be in the area at that time with an empty trailer. They graciously agreed to take the newly rescued boy back to their home until CDHR could get everything in place for him.

This little 7-month-old gelding arrived at CDHR safely and in need of a name. We took to Facebook, and for a $5 donation, our followers could submit a name. The winning name was selected, and our little gelding was affectionately named “Tinker.” ❤️ Everyone was in love with Tinker, he was a hysterical ball of playfulness on the farm that we often don’t see, as most of the horses coming out of auctions and kill pens are older. His nickname at CDHR quickly became “Stinker”. He was a source of endless entertainment for us all. Kai and Tinker were best of buds. Tinker’s favorite hobbies were stepping on the hose so you could not fill his trough and playing in the snow. ❤️

After two years, under CDHR’s care and training, Tinker was adopted in 2016 and found his forever home. We are happy to report that he is thriving with his new owner, Elizabeth, and Tinker just celebrated his 7th birthday.

So many people contributed to Tinker’s rescue and his development as a fine, well-mannered horse. In particular, we’d like to thank Kelly Conner for spotting this little guy at auction and immediately calling us, the Nolls for stepping up and transporting Tinker from PA to CT, Amy Gardner Anderson and Davinia Saglio for putting in many hours of training, his foster mom, Cari Bulmer Jansen, for opening her home and heart, and our dedicated volunteers for the care and love Tinker received while at CDHR. We owe an enormous debt of thanks to everyone who made this rescue possible. Thank you!❤️