Our Approach to Horse Rescue
Drifter's Hearts of Hope rescues horses from impending slaughter, primarily in the State of Colorado. At DHOH, we are working to circumvent the slaughter pipeline and seek out the unwanted horse population. Our horses have come to us through owner surrenders, dude ranches (The Annie Project), and auction saves. We have worked with, rehabilitated, and re-homed a diverse group of horses as we are not a breed specific rescue. Drifter's rescued 500+ horses as of July 2020, and has found forever loving homes for nearly all of those horses.
Rehabilitation
Our horses often come to us with special health care requirements due to illness, hoof problems and more commonly, a lack of proper diet. With the help of the DHOH volunteers we work together to care for, love, and provide excellent health care to these wonderful horses who hold a special place in our hearts.
Once a horse is in good health, we evaluate the over-all condition of the horse to determine if training is appropriate (when necessary). If the horse is rideable and healthy, our riders will work with the horse to determine what kind of work the horse will be able to do. Sometimes green horses go away to school where they are trained under saddle and on ground manners before we ever place them for adoption.
Re-homing
Want to give the gift of a forever loving home to a special horse who needs you? View our current available horses and apply for adoption today!
Drifter's Hearts of Hope rescues horses from impending slaughter, primarily in the State of Colorado. At DHOH, we are working to circumvent the slaughter pipeline and seek out the unwanted horse population. Our horses have come to us through owner surrenders, dude ranches (The Annie Project), and auction saves. We have worked with, rehabilitated, and re-homed a diverse group of horses as we are not a breed specific rescue. Drifter's rescued 500+ horses as of July 2020, and has found forever loving homes for nearly all of those horses.
Rehabilitation
Our horses often come to us with special health care requirements due to illness, hoof problems and more commonly, a lack of proper diet. With the help of the DHOH volunteers we work together to care for, love, and provide excellent health care to these wonderful horses who hold a special place in our hearts.
Once a horse is in good health, we evaluate the over-all condition of the horse to determine if training is appropriate (when necessary). If the horse is rideable and healthy, our riders will work with the horse to determine what kind of work the horse will be able to do. Sometimes green horses go away to school where they are trained under saddle and on ground manners before we ever place them for adoption.
Re-homing
Want to give the gift of a forever loving home to a special horse who needs you? View our current available horses and apply for adoption today!
A Match Made in Pasture
The Kuttrus's Latest Herd Addition - Cole
Our DHOH Herd - The Kuttrus's & DHOH "Cole"
"Thunder, our 16y OTTB was our first horse from Drifter’s and although he was meant for me, he chose my daughter Emily and watching the two of them grow together over the last two years is every mom’s dream. Thunder takes care of her and she adores him. They have the best relationship ever.
Miss Tiggy Winkle was our next horse and she was only 6 mos old when we brought her home. She was born at Drifter’s and was truly the best foal ever and we are truly not biased as every vet, farrier and trainer agrees that she is an impressive coming 2year old now. Drifter’s raises their babies right and we cannot wait to see what her future holds.
St. Nick (formerly Butterball) is a beautiful palomino who is phased by nothing. He was a Christmas morning surprise and this horse is worth his weight in gold and is our go to for any new riders who visit our farm.
Then came my dream horse, Jeweled Warrior. I had worked with this horse from the minute she arrived at DHOH as a sick, terrified and untrusting horse. To have watched her journey to a smart, athletic and willing girl has been amazing and most days I still cannot believe she is mine.
Bolt was our next adoption that started out as a foster. Pretty sure we all knew that was never really a possibility. He is an older mule who had incredibly overgrown feet and was scared of everything and everyone We have just given him constant love and let him learn to trust us each day.
Waffles, our mini from DHOH came with a six month old baby by her side and we met her in quarantine and knew we wanted to make her part of our family. She is the calmest mini I have ever met and she literally lays in your lap.
And then just last week, we adopted Cole. He is also a dream come true as I have wanted a Tennessee Walker since I started riding again as an adult ten years ago. We are still getting to know him but he is incredibly kind and has already become a fierce protector of our 29 year old mare who lost her daughter of 18 years last summer.
This DHOH herd of 7 along with Coco our 29 year old mare is truly what dreams are made of and we are so grateful that Drifter’s saves and makes perfect matches for their horses as it has changed our family’s lives. Each one plays an incredibly special and distinct role in our family and life has never been better for anyone, horse and human." - Gina and Family
"Thunder, our 16y OTTB was our first horse from Drifter’s and although he was meant for me, he chose my daughter Emily and watching the two of them grow together over the last two years is every mom’s dream. Thunder takes care of her and she adores him. They have the best relationship ever.
Miss Tiggy Winkle was our next horse and she was only 6 mos old when we brought her home. She was born at Drifter’s and was truly the best foal ever and we are truly not biased as every vet, farrier and trainer agrees that she is an impressive coming 2year old now. Drifter’s raises their babies right and we cannot wait to see what her future holds.
St. Nick (formerly Butterball) is a beautiful palomino who is phased by nothing. He was a Christmas morning surprise and this horse is worth his weight in gold and is our go to for any new riders who visit our farm.
Then came my dream horse, Jeweled Warrior. I had worked with this horse from the minute she arrived at DHOH as a sick, terrified and untrusting horse. To have watched her journey to a smart, athletic and willing girl has been amazing and most days I still cannot believe she is mine.
Bolt was our next adoption that started out as a foster. Pretty sure we all knew that was never really a possibility. He is an older mule who had incredibly overgrown feet and was scared of everything and everyone We have just given him constant love and let him learn to trust us each day.
Waffles, our mini from DHOH came with a six month old baby by her side and we met her in quarantine and knew we wanted to make her part of our family. She is the calmest mini I have ever met and she literally lays in your lap.
And then just last week, we adopted Cole. He is also a dream come true as I have wanted a Tennessee Walker since I started riding again as an adult ten years ago. We are still getting to know him but he is incredibly kind and has already become a fierce protector of our 29 year old mare who lost her daughter of 18 years last summer.
This DHOH herd of 7 along with Coco our 29 year old mare is truly what dreams are made of and we are so grateful that Drifter’s saves and makes perfect matches for their horses as it has changed our family’s lives. Each one plays an incredibly special and distinct role in our family and life has never been better for anyone, horse and human." - Gina and Family
Hailey & DHOH "Willow"
"When I was a little girl I always dreamed about growing up and owning my own horse. Of course, like every other pony obsessed kid I had many toy horses and the thought of owning a horse was only a dream. In High School I met a life long best friend who was leasing a horse which really pushed me more into the horse world. I was able to ride with her all the time and at that point I realized that my life long dream of owning a horse could actually become and obtainable goal.
Once I graduated college the search for a horse began. I started searching on Craigslist, reaching out with my horse connections and getting leads on horses at different rescues. I'd have to say I probably looked at over 100 horse listings and rode a handful of horse until I found the perfect one, Willow.
With Willow being my first horse I wasn't sure what to expect. Yes I have ridden horses for a few years, but never to where I felt that I was more than a beginner. From the moment I reached out to Drifters Hearts of Hope I felt as if they really were trying to find me the perfect match. They were honest with me in what they thought would be fitting for my riding level. They not only showed me a few horses that matched what I was looking for but also matched me to a horse that would allow me to grow into a better rider. A horse that would push me go out of my comfort zone and advance in different stages of riding. When they introduced me to Willow we instantly clicked an I just knew she was the right horse.
My first ride on Willow was of course at the rescue. Colleen, one of the trainers working at Drifters, pulled her out and tacked her up for me. I swung a leg over Willow and asked her to move out and I almost instantly knew she was the one I was taking home. She had the "in your pocket" type personality and she was willing to do anything I asked of her. Within a few days we did a home check and went through the adoption application and I was loading my very first horse into the trailer. Since adopting Willow I have learned so much about riding. In our 8 months together we have rounded up cattle over hundreds of acres, we have competed in a few shows including Battle on The Rockies at the National Western Complex. We have completed dozens of trail rides from Larkspur, Elizabeth, Franktown, Parker and more. We have met handfuls of new horses and have been immersed into so many new experiences. Willow has humbled me, has taught me more than I ever knew and has pushed me as a rider. Adopting a rescue horse was by far one of the best, life changing decisions I will ever make."
"When I was a little girl I always dreamed about growing up and owning my own horse. Of course, like every other pony obsessed kid I had many toy horses and the thought of owning a horse was only a dream. In High School I met a life long best friend who was leasing a horse which really pushed me more into the horse world. I was able to ride with her all the time and at that point I realized that my life long dream of owning a horse could actually become and obtainable goal.
Once I graduated college the search for a horse began. I started searching on Craigslist, reaching out with my horse connections and getting leads on horses at different rescues. I'd have to say I probably looked at over 100 horse listings and rode a handful of horse until I found the perfect one, Willow.
With Willow being my first horse I wasn't sure what to expect. Yes I have ridden horses for a few years, but never to where I felt that I was more than a beginner. From the moment I reached out to Drifters Hearts of Hope I felt as if they really were trying to find me the perfect match. They were honest with me in what they thought would be fitting for my riding level. They not only showed me a few horses that matched what I was looking for but also matched me to a horse that would allow me to grow into a better rider. A horse that would push me go out of my comfort zone and advance in different stages of riding. When they introduced me to Willow we instantly clicked an I just knew she was the right horse.
My first ride on Willow was of course at the rescue. Colleen, one of the trainers working at Drifters, pulled her out and tacked her up for me. I swung a leg over Willow and asked her to move out and I almost instantly knew she was the one I was taking home. She had the "in your pocket" type personality and she was willing to do anything I asked of her. Within a few days we did a home check and went through the adoption application and I was loading my very first horse into the trailer. Since adopting Willow I have learned so much about riding. In our 8 months together we have rounded up cattle over hundreds of acres, we have competed in a few shows including Battle on The Rockies at the National Western Complex. We have completed dozens of trail rides from Larkspur, Elizabeth, Franktown, Parker and more. We have met handfuls of new horses and have been immersed into so many new experiences. Willow has humbled me, has taught me more than I ever knew and has pushed me as a rider. Adopting a rescue horse was by far one of the best, life changing decisions I will ever make."
Danna & DHOH "Uptown"
"Uptown came trotting into my life at the Battle on the Rockies horse show. As I watched him move, something stirred inside me that had been asleep for awhile. A little voice said, "He's the one! That might just be your horse!" Well, a couple weeks later I was bringing him home! Since then, the whole Taylor family has fallen in love with this amazingly sweet boy! From the moment he walked off the trailor at our barn, he's felt at home. He's changed in his western saddle for English gear without a hitch. I'm working on new things almost every day, and Uptown meets each challenge with a calm attitude and a kind eye. He's becoming quite a good little English Pleasure horse. He really is a quick learner. He's shown special affection for my son, Travis, who is just learning to ride. Uptown is being especially calm when he knows Travis has the reins. We could not be more pleased with our Drifter's Hearts of Hope rescue horse! We can't believe we were the lucky family who got to adopt this fantastic new friend. Thank you, Drifter's, from the bottom of our hearts! We love Uptown so much!"
"Uptown came trotting into my life at the Battle on the Rockies horse show. As I watched him move, something stirred inside me that had been asleep for awhile. A little voice said, "He's the one! That might just be your horse!" Well, a couple weeks later I was bringing him home! Since then, the whole Taylor family has fallen in love with this amazingly sweet boy! From the moment he walked off the trailor at our barn, he's felt at home. He's changed in his western saddle for English gear without a hitch. I'm working on new things almost every day, and Uptown meets each challenge with a calm attitude and a kind eye. He's becoming quite a good little English Pleasure horse. He really is a quick learner. He's shown special affection for my son, Travis, who is just learning to ride. Uptown is being especially calm when he knows Travis has the reins. We could not be more pleased with our Drifter's Hearts of Hope rescue horse! We can't believe we were the lucky family who got to adopt this fantastic new friend. Thank you, Drifter's, from the bottom of our hearts! We love Uptown so much!"
Samantha, Cowboy Carter & DHOH "Penny" & "Sonny"
"I cannot thank the girls at DHOH enough for every thing they have done for us- from the adoption of Penny to our sweet Sonny boy. Dani, Colleen and Jacqui (plus all the others) were absolutely amazing. From start to finish and every where inbetween, these ladies were there. They worked with Carter to make sure he found “the one”, lended an extra helping hand when I had questions about Penny and allowed me to vent when I was frustrated and feeling a little defeated! I wouldn’t think twice about recommending them to friends, family or anyone else looking for the right horse! DHOH will always have a special place in our hearts! Everyone is so helpful and knowledge. They are doing great things for the horse community."
"I cannot thank the girls at DHOH enough for every thing they have done for us- from the adoption of Penny to our sweet Sonny boy. Dani, Colleen and Jacqui (plus all the others) were absolutely amazing. From start to finish and every where inbetween, these ladies were there. They worked with Carter to make sure he found “the one”, lended an extra helping hand when I had questions about Penny and allowed me to vent when I was frustrated and feeling a little defeated! I wouldn’t think twice about recommending them to friends, family or anyone else looking for the right horse! DHOH will always have a special place in our hearts! Everyone is so helpful and knowledge. They are doing great things for the horse community."
Sally & DHOH "Phantom"
This is the sweetest mare ever, DHOH Phantom(2). Phantom was an Annie's Project horse retired from the C Lazy U due to a stifle injury. I fell in love with her while volunteering at DHOH and while Phantom was still on pasture rest. I took her home in October 2018 not knowing or caring if she would be sound. Fortunately she is doing fine and we have enjoyed many trail rides this summer.
This is the sweetest mare ever, DHOH Phantom(2). Phantom was an Annie's Project horse retired from the C Lazy U due to a stifle injury. I fell in love with her while volunteering at DHOH and while Phantom was still on pasture rest. I took her home in October 2018 not knowing or caring if she would be sound. Fortunately she is doing fine and we have enjoyed many trail rides this summer.
Amanda & DHOH "Chrome" & "Fergus"
Here are my DHOH kids, DHOH Fergus & DHOH Chrome. Both went from being a bit standoffish to being in my pocket and I love them both so much! We moved from Colorado to PA and they are settling in well.
READ FERGUS'S BLOG HERE
Here are my DHOH kids, DHOH Fergus & DHOH Chrome. Both went from being a bit standoffish to being in my pocket and I love them both so much! We moved from Colorado to PA and they are settling in well.
READ FERGUS'S BLOG HERE
Ashley & DHOH "Ace"
DHOH Ace-He has been with us for about a year and a half now and I truly can’t remember a life without him. He has become my best friend. He teaches me something new every day. He has learned trust and respect and has come light years from that pushy horse that he used to be. He becomes a completely different horse around little kids-calm, careful and sweet. This horse is a real gem and I can’t thank DHOH and Jacqui Avis enough for him.
DHOH Ace-He has been with us for about a year and a half now and I truly can’t remember a life without him. He has become my best friend. He teaches me something new every day. He has learned trust and respect and has come light years from that pushy horse that he used to be. He becomes a completely different horse around little kids-calm, careful and sweet. This horse is a real gem and I can’t thank DHOH and Jacqui Avis enough for him.
Courtney & DHOH "Payback"
Samwise the Brave (aka DHOH Payback). Samwise is a 7 year old QH red dun gelding, who loves laughter, being silly, long walks in the sand, deep talks, and eating cookies. From the first moment I saw his picture on the DHOH adoptable horses list, I knew he had to come live with me and my other DHOH horse, Solas. He earns his keep by being hilarious and working hard as a therapy horse (mental health). Everyone at my barn loves him, and he is the most trustworthy young man! Our only hiccup was when it was discovered that he had an old coffin bone fracture in his right foot, rendering him lame without shoes and wedges... but I found an incredible farrier and get to keep him sound and comfortable without issue! He is 1400 pounds of in-your-pocket LOVE! This horse has changed so many lives and helped his human partners to believe in their own strengths (and teaches all of us how to take ourselves much less seriously!). I love my Samwise boy!
Samwise the Brave (aka DHOH Payback). Samwise is a 7 year old QH red dun gelding, who loves laughter, being silly, long walks in the sand, deep talks, and eating cookies. From the first moment I saw his picture on the DHOH adoptable horses list, I knew he had to come live with me and my other DHOH horse, Solas. He earns his keep by being hilarious and working hard as a therapy horse (mental health). Everyone at my barn loves him, and he is the most trustworthy young man! Our only hiccup was when it was discovered that he had an old coffin bone fracture in his right foot, rendering him lame without shoes and wedges... but I found an incredible farrier and get to keep him sound and comfortable without issue! He is 1400 pounds of in-your-pocket LOVE! This horse has changed so many lives and helped his human partners to believe in their own strengths (and teaches all of us how to take ourselves much less seriously!). I love my Samwise boy!
Debbie & DHOH "Waylon"
I love this guy so much! I named him Waylon and we’ve had so many amazing adventures in our two years together. We’ve explored beautiful trails, played and competed on obstacles, rode in our first parade, and much more. I’m looking forward to many more years!
I love this guy so much! I named him Waylon and we’ve had so many amazing adventures in our two years together. We’ve explored beautiful trails, played and competed on obstacles, rode in our first parade, and much more. I’m looking forward to many more years!
Courtney & DHOH "Phantom"
Solas (previously Phantom) came into my life when I needed her most (3 years ago this summer) - I was looking for a horse that could build my confidence after having had several horse-related accidents. Solas was not yet available for adoption, so after waiting an agonizing several weeks, I was invited to come ride her and adopted her on the spot after having a fantastic first ride! Those first few months were the hardest - knowing she finally had a soft place to land, began showing how despondent she was and was close to giving up on life (she had colicked several times due to sand from her past life and ulcers from stress); with lots of love, vet care, patience, and experimentation, she blossomed into the most incredible being I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting! She stepped into her role as a therapy horse, and I even ended up naming my counseling practice after her (“Solas Counseling: Healing Through Horses”). She is now semi-retired, enjoying a life of luxury without being ridden anymore due to a long, hard life prior to coming to live with me. Solas is so adept at letting me love her, holding my joy and my tears, being gentle and solid. I am so blessed to have her in my life, and to see how profoundly she has touched others.🌈
Solas (previously Phantom) came into my life when I needed her most (3 years ago this summer) - I was looking for a horse that could build my confidence after having had several horse-related accidents. Solas was not yet available for adoption, so after waiting an agonizing several weeks, I was invited to come ride her and adopted her on the spot after having a fantastic first ride! Those first few months were the hardest - knowing she finally had a soft place to land, began showing how despondent she was and was close to giving up on life (she had colicked several times due to sand from her past life and ulcers from stress); with lots of love, vet care, patience, and experimentation, she blossomed into the most incredible being I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting! She stepped into her role as a therapy horse, and I even ended up naming my counseling practice after her (“Solas Counseling: Healing Through Horses”). She is now semi-retired, enjoying a life of luxury without being ridden anymore due to a long, hard life prior to coming to live with me. Solas is so adept at letting me love her, holding my joy and my tears, being gentle and solid. I am so blessed to have her in my life, and to see how profoundly she has touched others.🌈
Diane
This girl is my guardian angel. After losing my 2 horses within 4 months of each other, she has filled my heart and put my smile back on my face. Thank you DHOH! 💕🐴
This girl is my guardian angel. After losing my 2 horses within 4 months of each other, she has filled my heart and put my smile back on my face. Thank you DHOH! 💕🐴
Hannah & DHOH "Easy Street"
On October 31, 2015 I adopted the wonderful Easy Street from DHOH. Easy is 16hh and is now 14 years old. She is the first horse i have ever owned, although i took riding lessons for 5 years prior to adopting her. Like any mare, especially a chestnut mare, she can be a stubborn brat, but shes my stubborn brat and even though she has her mood swings she's still the best horse a girl could ask for.
It's been a but of a rough ride, especially the first year, but I couldn't be happier and I am so glad i decided to take a chance on a rescue horse. Easy still doesn't particularly like new people or children, but she's made so much progress from the spooky and distrusting mare she was. Rescues may take a little more time and effort, but the reward outweighs any price. In Easy I have found a best friend. She may be crazy, lazy and stubborn but she has so much personality and ive loved finding all her little quirks. Such as, when she wants attention and youre not giving it to her, she will a: hit you with her head or b: hit you with the nearest object she can grab in her mouth. Or that when she feels tired she likes to press her head into your arm. Or maybe that she loves peppermints but when they get stuck in her teeth she makes the weirdest faces trying to lick it out. Easy might be a bit of a challenge, but shes all i could ever ask for and more. I love my rescue, and i can't thank Drifter's Hearts of Hope enough for seeing her potential and snagging her away from the awful fate she was facing. Since her adoption little miss Easy has become quite the jack of all trades. We've done dressage, jumping, barrel racing, and even tried out for elbert county fair queen last summer. She's a jumping, trail riding, barrel racing, dressage horse, but most of all she's Easy Street and no other horse can even compare to her.
On October 31, 2015 I adopted the wonderful Easy Street from DHOH. Easy is 16hh and is now 14 years old. She is the first horse i have ever owned, although i took riding lessons for 5 years prior to adopting her. Like any mare, especially a chestnut mare, she can be a stubborn brat, but shes my stubborn brat and even though she has her mood swings she's still the best horse a girl could ask for.
It's been a but of a rough ride, especially the first year, but I couldn't be happier and I am so glad i decided to take a chance on a rescue horse. Easy still doesn't particularly like new people or children, but she's made so much progress from the spooky and distrusting mare she was. Rescues may take a little more time and effort, but the reward outweighs any price. In Easy I have found a best friend. She may be crazy, lazy and stubborn but she has so much personality and ive loved finding all her little quirks. Such as, when she wants attention and youre not giving it to her, she will a: hit you with her head or b: hit you with the nearest object she can grab in her mouth. Or that when she feels tired she likes to press her head into your arm. Or maybe that she loves peppermints but when they get stuck in her teeth she makes the weirdest faces trying to lick it out. Easy might be a bit of a challenge, but shes all i could ever ask for and more. I love my rescue, and i can't thank Drifter's Hearts of Hope enough for seeing her potential and snagging her away from the awful fate she was facing. Since her adoption little miss Easy has become quite the jack of all trades. We've done dressage, jumping, barrel racing, and even tried out for elbert county fair queen last summer. She's a jumping, trail riding, barrel racing, dressage horse, but most of all she's Easy Street and no other horse can even compare to her.
James & DHOH "Miss Teapot"
This is Teapot and my son James. We adopted our Tea girl 2 years ago after my mom unexpectedly passed away and my son's horse tragically died 2 weeks later. We were broken, especially James. Teapot healed our hearts. She has truly been the most amazing horse I have ever been around. We adore her with all of hearts. I don't know how anyone could ever let her go, but I'm so thankful they did. She is my son's best friend, and to be totally honest, she is mine too. So thankful that she is part of our family!
This is Teapot and my son James. We adopted our Tea girl 2 years ago after my mom unexpectedly passed away and my son's horse tragically died 2 weeks later. We were broken, especially James. Teapot healed our hearts. She has truly been the most amazing horse I have ever been around. We adore her with all of hearts. I don't know how anyone could ever let her go, but I'm so thankful they did. She is my son's best friend, and to be totally honest, she is mine too. So thankful that she is part of our family!
Katie & DHOH "Skippy"
Skippy is doing great!! Katie is spoiling him of course. He has been a good all around horse for Katie. She spent the summer participating in English and western fun shows, as well as going on several trail rides. She rounded out the show season by taking him to an iJump show which was a blast. He was the only quarter horse there and represented himself well. He and Katie also went to a Halloween show where they dressed as “Skippy” peanut butter and jelly. They won cutest costume!
Skippy is doing great!! Katie is spoiling him of course. He has been a good all around horse for Katie. She spent the summer participating in English and western fun shows, as well as going on several trail rides. She rounded out the show season by taking him to an iJump show which was a blast. He was the only quarter horse there and represented himself well. He and Katie also went to a Halloween show where they dressed as “Skippy” peanut butter and jelly. They won cutest costume!
