Situated on fourteen acres of green countryside, an equine rescue in Mystic, Connecticut, issues the following plea: “Save a horse; ride a rescue.” This motto belongs to the Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue, a 501c3 non-profit organization that has been active since 2007 and incorporated since 2009. Beech Brook Farm provides a safe haven for horses rescued from dire circumstances, such as auction houses, neglect, abuse, and owner surrenders. Since its initiation Beech Brook Farm has rescued fifty-seven total horses, ten of which were saved this year. The Farm’s mission is to protect, train and prepare its rescues for adoption, as well as to educate the public about equine welfare. Beech Brook Farm has outreach programs with local schools, special needs adults, and children to make their efforts on behalf of the animals a collaborative effort toward healing and new beginnings.
What makes Beech Brook Farm distinctive among other equine rescues in Connecticut? The unique aspect of Beech Brook Farm is that it specializes in saving gaited horses, including registered and unregistered Tennessee Walking Horses, Paso Finos, Rocky Mountain Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, and Missouri Fox Trotters. There are various horses currently available for adoption at Beech Brook this month:
First is Chance, a three-year-old chestnut Missouri Fox Trotter filly, fifteen hands high. She knows basic skills: lunging, picking up her feet, staying on cross ties and lead ropes, and accepting a saddle, bridle, and a rider at the walk. She still requires more training, but her calm disposition will ease the process. Her adoption fee is $200. View a video of Chance here.
Second is a nine-year-old chestnut-and-white registered Spotted Saddle horse named Annie. She is 15.2 hands high and has had four months of training. An experienced, confident rider would suit Annie best to help continue her training. Her adoption fee is currently $400but is subject to change with further training. View a video of Annie under saddle here.
Third is a five-year-old chestnut named Cammy, likely to be a Saddlebred cross. She is fifteen hands high and collects naturally (she shifts her body weight for optimal balance and arches her neck when trotting). Although she is slightly skittish, Cammy has exhibited normal behaviors and is a reserved, well-mannered mare. Her adoption fee is $250.
A companion of Cammy’s is Bella, a ten-year-old bay Morab. Bella is friendly with others and has been ridden a few times; however, she still shows insecurities when her personal space is invaded. She would be best suited with a calm, patient, experienced owner who could guide her into relaxation. Her adoption fee is also $250.
Miakoda, a six-year-old Spotted Saddle Horse is the proud mother of her four-month-old foal, Brooke. Mia is a sweet mare that was saved from auction but is still nervous and inexperienced. She needs a dedicated, determined owner to trust and to continue her training. On the other hand, Mia’s foal, Brooke, is vivacious, sprightly and sociable. She also appears to be gaited. Mia’s adoption fee is $325, and Brooke’s adoption fee is $275. View a video of Mia and Brooke here.
Quinn is a twenty-three-year-old chestnut Tennesee Walker Horse gelding. He is 15.2 hands high and provides an exceptionally smooth ride both on trails and in the ring. Quinn would benefit from light riding two to three times per week. His adoption fee is $200. View a video of Quinn under saddle here.
Angella is a ten-year-old Tennessee Walker Horse mare. At 14.2 hands high and smooth gaits, she is ideal for trail riding and would be best suited with an experienced rider who could continue her training and build confidence. Her adoption fee is $300. View a video of Angella at the walk here.
Merlin, a twelve-year-old miniature horse gelding, is one of the most recent additions to Beech Brook Farm. Although he has a sustained knee injury, he moves well at the trot, despite a slight limp. Merlin is sociable with other horses; in fact, he acts as a surrogate parent to a recently weaned foal. His adoption fee is $250.
Interested in a free horse? Consider George, a twenty-three-year-old chestnut Saddlebred cross. Although he suffers from arthritis in his rear hocks, he would make a wonderful companion and lead line mount for children.
How can Connecticut equine enthusiasts become involved in the Beech Brook mission? Beech Brook has a strong volunteer community; volunteers assist in mucking stalls, grooming, riding, and training the horses if they have appropriate experience. The Farm has a particular need for more volunteers in grant writing, public relations, fundraising, and in the barn. If you have an interest in fulfilling one of these positions, learn more here.
This August Beech Brook Farm will have a booth at the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival on August 13 and 14 in Historic Downtown Mystic. Merchandise will be sold during the festival and is now available for purchase on the Farm’s online store.
For more information, Beech Brook Farm has a wealth of resources online. Visit Beech Brook Farm's website, “like” its Facebook page, and subscribe to its YouTube channel. Beech Brook Farm may be contacted directly at (860) 705-8456 or via e-mail at beechbrookfarm@yahoo.com.
Deborah Finco, founder and owner of Beech Brook Farm, faces the financial burden of maintaining an active equine rescue. “It costs over $500 dollars to rescue a horse from the slaughter auction, and once rescued it cost $200 plus dollars per horse per month to support that horse. Donations are the only way we can continue to save more horses. We also do fundraisers to bring in money, but donations support about 70% of our operating budget,” she said. To make a donation to the Farm, click here.
Chief Seattle once said, “If all the animals were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit.” Beech Brook Farm grants a second chance to horses that could provide fulfillment to any lover of horses. If you are able to accommodate a neighing companion into your life, please consider saving a horse and riding a rescue from Beech Brook Farm.
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