On February 14, 2026, the Grand Valley Horse Rescue (GVHR) in Grand Junction, Colorado, hosted its inaugural “Hug a Horse” event, inviting the community to celebrate the unique bond between humans and horses. This open house allowed families and residents to engage with the rescue’s mission while enjoying direct interactions with the animals.
Visitors participated in various activities such as grooming horses and exploring the property, gaining insight into the meaningful work carried out by the organization. Heather Thom, Treasurer for GVHR, emphasized the event’s dual purpose, stating, “This is our first annual Hug a Horse event. Families and people in the valley came to see what we do, hug a horse, groom a horse, and just spend some time with them.”
Therapeutic Benefits of Equine Interaction
The event showcased not only the joy of interacting with horses but also their therapeutic benefits. Research indicates that spending time with horses can lead to measurable improvements in emotional well-being. “Just spending time with a horse, your heart rate and the horse’s heart rate kind of sync,” Thom explained. “It helps with calmness and calms your emotions, lowering your heart rate.” This aspect of equine therapy highlights the profound human connections that can arise from the rescue’s work.
While events like Hug a Horse foster community engagement, GVHR’s primary mission focuses on the rehabilitation of horses and finding them permanent homes. “Once they come to us, we rehabilitate them however we need to, whatever the horse needs,” said Thom. “The ultimate goal is to adopt them out to a family so they can continue to love and enjoy the horse.”
Financial Support and Community Involvement
Supporting the rescue’s efforts is a significant challenge. Each horse costs approximately $525 per month on average, which covers critical expenses such as boarding, hay, veterinary care, and hoof care. “We don’t own the property, so we pay board,” Thom noted. This financial burden underscores the importance of community support in maintaining the rescue’s operations.
GVHR is a volunteer-run organization that relies heavily on donations and community involvement. “All of us are volunteers, and it takes quite a bit of money to support all of our horses,” Thom stressed.
The event provided various opportunities for community members to engage with the rescue, whether through hands-on experiences, financial contributions, or learning more about its mission. For those interested in volunteering or supporting the Grand Valley Horse Rescue, information can be found on their website.
As the community came together for this heartwarming event, it not only highlighted the joy of equine interaction but also reinforced the vital role that organizations like GVHR play in supporting both horses and people in need.
