Microburst Damages Wilton, CT Horse Rescue Farm: Storm Hits Sanctuary

A Torrential Wind Through Fairfield County: How Wilton’s Rising Starr Horse Rescue Faced Down a Storm

This past week, Connecticut felt nature’s power again when a sudden, violent storm ripped through Wilton. No lives were lost, but Rising Starr Horse Rescue took the hardest hit.

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While the storm left a mess in its wake, the days that followed showed just how much people care. Let’s take a closer look at what happened, how folks jumped in to help, and what’s next for this sanctuary that so many rely on.

The Fury Unleashed on Rising Starr

The storm that slammed Wilton was nothing like your average summer rain. Kelly Stackpole, who founded and runs Rising Starr, called it a “rapidly intensifying blast”—a warning of the wild winds and pounding rain that swept down from the north.

The wind’s force was honestly shocking, way beyond what we’re used to around here. What could’ve been a minor headache for the farm quickly became a full-blown crisis.

Devastating Tree Damage and Immediate Concerns

Trees took the brunt of it. Across the Rising Starr property, at least eight mature trees toppled over completely.

Several others lost big limbs, and four massive trees—each about 100 feet tall—now hang dangerously and probably need pros to take them down. It’s tough seeing those old trees go, after they’ve watched over the place for so long.

The rescue is a beacon for horses from all over, not just Wilton. They care for 38 horses at their Connecticut facility, and there’s another sanctuary in Virginia looking after more. Towns like Ridgefield and Redding have sent horses here, too, which really shows just how far their work reaches.

Community Rallies in the Face of Adversity

After the storm, something amazing happened. Volunteers and local tree crews showed up fast, ready to pitch in.

They cleared fallen trees and debris from fences, walkways, and pastures, making things safe again for the horses and anyone else on the property. People didn’t hesitate—they just got to work, and it was clear how much Rising Starr means to this community.

A Mission of Second Chances

Rising Starr Horse Rescue isn’t just a shelter. It’s a place where horses get a real shot at a new life.

They rescue, rehabilitate, and retrain all kinds of horses—from thoroughbreds and quarter horses to mustangs, miniatures, and Dutch warmbloods. Each horse gets care that fits its needs, whether it’s healing, learning, or just getting used to being around people again.

Many of these horses, once they’re healthy and confident, find new homes with families who love them. That’s the best part, honestly.

Last year, Rising Starr took in 45 horses and found homes for 39 of them. For those who can’t be ridden because of age or injury, the Virginia sanctuary offers a forever home. The staff and volunteers work like crazy to give these animals another chance, and their dedication reaches well beyond just New Canaan or Darien.

The Road to Recovery and Lingering Challenges

The immediate danger has passed, but for Rising Starr, the road to full recovery is just starting. Cleanup costs aren’t clear yet, and that’s a big financial hurdle for the non-profit.

One of the tree companies that kindly offered help had to leave for other emergency calls in nearby places—maybe Stamford or Norwalk. That kind of thing really complicates matters.

This whole ordeal reminds us just how tough it can get for organizations like Rising Starr. The property had already gone through a lot of tree work before Rising Starr even arrived, since it sat empty for six years. They did that restoration to make the grounds safe and insurable, which honestly shows a lot of foresight—especially before a disaster like this hit in places like Greenwich.

The staff feels lucky, all things considered. The storm mostly hit the landscape and infrastructure, leaving the horses and buildings unharmed. That’s a relief. And with the community rallying behind them, there’s at least a bit of hope as Rising Starr Horse Rescue pushes through this tough stretch, trying to keep helping horses in Connecticut and beyond.

Here is the source article for this story: Wilton horse rescue farm damaged in possible microburst

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