Plainfield Equine Sanctuary Seeks Help After Roof Collapse

Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary lost thousands of pounds of hay and a grain-transport car in the blizzard.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, a nonprofit sanctuary for abused and disabled horses in Plainfield, Connecticut, is urgently seeking $30,000 and volunteer help to rebuild its hay house after the roof collapsed under the weight of Monday's heavy snow. The collapse buried thousands of pounds of hay and a grain-transport car, leaving the sanctuary in desperate need of food and supplies for the 14 horses, two donkeys, and one mule in its care.

Why it matters

Hay Burr Inn is a vital resource for rescuing and rehabilitating horses that would otherwise face slaughter, providing a safe haven for abused, neglected, and disabled equines. The loss of the hay house and food supply puts the sanctuary's ability to care for its animals at risk, highlighting the challenges small nonprofits face in maintaining operations during extreme weather events.

The details

The roof of Hay Burr Inn's hay house caved in on Monday evening, leaving thousands of pounds of hay and a grain-transport car buried under the collapsed structure. The nonprofit is now seeking monetary donations, as well as material and volunteer support, to quickly rebuild the hay house and restore the food supply for the animals in its care.

  • The roof collapsed on Monday evening during the blizzard.
  • Hay Burr Inn launched an online fundraiser on Tuesday to support the restoration efforts.

The players

Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary

A nonprofit sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates abused and disabled horses, providing a safe haven for 14 horses, two donkeys, and one mule.

Melissa Sayers

A volunteer at Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary.

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What they’re saying

“Hay is like gold to us. If you lose any of it, it's tough. … We need to act fast to rebuild, so we can get the hay, store the hay and continue caring for our equines as they deserve to be cared for.”

— Melissa Sayers, Volunteer (theday.com)

What’s next

Hay Burr Inn is seeking monetary donations, as well as material and volunteer support, to quickly rebuild the hay house and restore the food supply for the animals in its care.

The takeaway

The collapse of the hay house at Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary highlights the critical role that small nonprofits play in providing safe havens for abused and neglected horses, and the challenges they face in maintaining operations during extreme weather events. The sanctuary's urgent need for support underscores the importance of community-based efforts to protect and care for vulnerable animals.