At a Connecticut ranch, rescued horses and the veterans who heal alongside them

Wren and Baxter arrived at the Preston ranch in Connecticut in September, rescued in Pennsylvania and in need of everything: veterinary examinations, quarantine, feeding plans, hoof care. They are two of six horses now recovering at the Humane Warriors Rescue Ranch, run by Marcy Baker and Jessy Walden as part of the nonprofit Paws of War. The ranch's idea is a pairing: horses recovering from neglect are cared for by veterans and first responders, who are themselves looking for connection and purpose after service. The charity puts veterans at the centre of the rescue work itself — bringing animals to safety, then helping with their daily care — so recovery runs in both directions along the lead rope. Other horses at the farm, including Tobias and Darla, receive the same full programme of veterinary, dental and nutritional care.

SDG 3 · Good health and well-being — Mechanism: community action