H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut holding horse parade

WASHINGTON — Residents interested in adopting or caring for rescued horses are invited this weekend to H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut’s annual summer horse parade, which provides a chance to meet the many equines who need support.

The parade will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the farm at 43 Wilbur Road in Washington, off Route 202 near the Devereux Glenholme School. The farm is set up for social distancing, including hand sanitizer and wipes. Horses between the ages of 6 and 29 and miniature to draft breeds can be seen. Horses can be adopted, leased or sponsored, and volunteer opportunities are also available for people interested in helping H.O.R.S.E. with its ongoing mission to rescue neglected and abused animals.

The farm’s leasing program is for people over 18 who ride regularly and want to find out what is involved in caring for a horse. Adoption is for the experienced horse owner looking for a lifetime companion. Sponsoring is an introductory option for those that would simply like to groom and hand walk a horse.

Some of the horses visitors can meet Saturday include Gus, a 9-year-old thoroughbred gelding, “who loves working the trails and will go for miles,” according to the rescue’s founder, Patti Wahlers. “He is traffic safe, happy to lead, follow or go solo, and loves water.” Gus is available for free off-farm lease, sponsor or adoption, and requires an intermediate rider under 150 pounds.

Legend, 17, is an appendix gelding that rides English and requires an experienced rider. “He is a very handsome boy that loves to go for strolls and get lots of attention,” Walhers wrote. Legend will be shown under saddle and is available for sponsor and lease.

Star, 15, is a registered Morgan/ Arab cross gelding that rides English or Western and loves to ride for miles on the trails, Wahlers said. “He is easy to load, happy to lead or follow and loves water.” Star is available for lease, sponsor or adoption, and needs an intermediate rider under 150 pounds.

Guests can also meet some of the farm’s many volunteers and learn about grooming and cleaning stalls to helping at fundraisers For those interested in a career in the equine industry, a volunteer can gain valuable hands-on experience working with the many rescues.

H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization funded only by charitable contributions. All funds raised go directly to the horses; from feed and blankets to farrier, dental and veterinary expenses.

For more information, go to www.horseofct.org, call 860-8681960 or email horsectinfo@gmail.com.