The Colorado Horse Rescue was founded in 1986 by two horsewomen, Sharon Jackson and Jill Pratt. According to CHR’S website, it is “the longest-standing horse rescue in the state.” Once local communities realized what the women were doing — helping horses suffering from neglect and outright cruelty — boarding stables and farmers donated space for the rescued horses.
Saving at-risk horses resonated with horse lovers throughout the area, and two years later, CHR received 5019(c)(3) nonprofit status and had acquired a facility in Arvada. But needy horses kept coming, and in 2001, they moved to 50 acres in Longmont where they could accommodate up to 60 horses. Bolstered by knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, CHR increased its outreach to nearby communities.
Then catastrophe struck…