Magical Lights & Gentle Giants Await at Draft Gratitude's Holiday Hoof

For many families, taking a slow drive to admire the twinkle of neighborhood holiday lights is a joyful annual tradition. But what if you could enjoy the glow of this experience while also supporting a worthwhile local cause? The annual return of "Holiday Hoof: A Magical Drive-Through Light Show with Gentle Giants," presented by Draft Gratitude in Winchester, gives the public just that opportunity when it welcomes visitors to a heartwarming and eye-pleasing holiday tradition. Holiday Hoof is a drive-through holiday light viewing experience that also offers glimpses of the beloved Draft Gratitude horses, some of whom are also wearing lights to make the season even brighter. Additional event surprises include possible Santa Claus sightings, candy canes for the kids (and the young at heart), and a chance to peruse the BarnFinds gift shop that will be open for last-minute gifts and treasures. "Cruise through our dazzling winter wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays, and of course, the real stars of the show — our gentle giant draft horses! These majestic horses, once hard at work in farm fields, now enjoy safe, peaceful retirement thanks to kind-hearted folks like you," reads the Facebook event page. Located in the rural town of Winchester, Draft Gratitude has rescued and supported nearly 100 senior working horses who deserve a second chance and a loving home. Unfortunately, working farm horses who become unwanted due to age or medical needs can often end up at auction and do not always have a happy ending. Draft Gratitude gives them the Golden Age retirement that they deserve. Founded in 2014 by Becky Roy, the rescue is an all-volunteer nonprofit that ensures the health of the draft horses in a caring and compassionate manner and respects the many years of service that they have provide. Horses that cannot be adopted for any reason live out the rest of their lives in the organization's care and the average cost of daily care is $34 per horse at Draft Gratitude. "This isn't just a light display — it's a celebration that brings our community together, with stunning professional lights, an easy-to-find location, and the gentle presence of our beloved draft horses," reads the Draft Gratitude website. Launched in 2021, the event has been embraced by the community and has become a fundraiser for the organization. The Holiday Hoof 2025 fundraising goal is $20,000, which includes business sponsorship opportunities, and proceeds go directly to care for senior draft horses, providing hay, grain, shelter, pain relief, and vet care. Generous sponsors of the event also allow for every elementary-school student in Winchester, Hinsdale, Ashuelot, Richmond, Swanzey, Warwick and Northfield to receive a free family pass to attend Holiday Hoof. It's an appreciated gift. "Tonight we surprised the kids by bringing them to the Holiday Hoof...," a parent on Facebook wrote after attending a previous year's event. "We had such a great time looking at the lights and the gorgeous horses at Draft Gratitude. What a fun way to help support a local sanctuary. "Our family had no idea this local sanctuary existed till I saw a friend of mine post about it. Places like Draft Gratitude make my heart so happy. If you are local and looking to support a good cause and want to enjoy a cute light show then you should go check Holiday Hoof..." Holiday Hoof is open weekends in December (Dec. 5 to 21) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is $20 per car. Donations are also welcome and directly support the care of the horses. It's worthy to note that the organization suggests for visitors to use the address of 10 Main St., Winchester in their GPS navigation programs, adding that they are located 1/4 mile west on Route 119. So, when the excitement of December holiday celebration arrives, don't forget to visit the horses at Draft Gratitude! Bundle up the kiddos, fill the car with family and Christmas carols, and giddy up over to Winchester to experience a heartwarming and magical holiday tradition. For more information, visit draftgratitude.com/holiday-hoof or find the Facebook event page with updated information at facebook.com/draftgratitude. For sponsorship details, visit draftgratitude.com/holiday-hoof-sponsor or email info@draftgratitude.com.