Welcome to our horse rescue and retirement farm! We are located at Bear Paw Barn, LLC on the historic Daniels Farm property in Middletown, CT. Below you will find a few videos for a first hand look at what we do for horses in need of rescue or retirement and why we do this work. Thank you for stopping in!
Our most recent documentary by Joel Bergeron
Watch our documentary videos created by film student Sylvie Moran.
Sumner Brook Farm, Inc. is a registered non-profit organization (EIN 82-3698445) dedicated to reducing the number of horses being sent to auction or slaughter. We rehabilitate, retrain, and re-home horses that have been abandoned, neglected, or mistreated, and provide care for horses unable to work due to illness, injury, or age. We offer education to the community about proper equine care and management throughout the lifetime of the horse.
Who We Serve
We serve the local horse community of Middletown, CT and the surrounding areas. Horses surrendered due to personal hardship or family members who need to place horses whose owners are ill, injured, or have passed away and horse owners seeking a quiet, healthy environment for their horses retiring from performance careers. We have also taken severely starved and neglected horses in several cases.
Why We Do It
The state of Connecticut has a very dense horse population, among the highest per (human) capita in the country! Over the last 25 years, our founder has seen the need, right here in our state, for rescue and rehabilitation of severely neglected horses and for safe retirement of seniors. Many horses are abandoned due to behavior issues that put the horse at risk for abuse. Horses may go to auction and slaughter because the owner cannot see any other options. Senior horses who’s owners can longer afford their costly veterinary care. Meeting the needs of senior horses is not easy and can be very labor intensive and expensive. Horses routinely live into their mid to late 20s and even 30’s!With community outreach early intervention, we prevent potential suffering and neglect. With proper nutrition, vet care and training, many horses can have a new life as companions or riding horses.
How We Do It
After the horses arrive at our facility, they are evaluated for veterinary care and dietary needs. After any necessary treatment, a rehabilitation and training plan is developed and carried out by our staff and volunteers. Once the horse has been evaluated for training suitability, they are placed on the adoption list. Interested adopters must fill out an application, pay a $20 application fee, submit pictures and information regarding stabling and care for the horse, supply references, and schedule a visit with the horse if approved.