2024 VEWS ALUMNI

Hallie arrived at VEWS as a rescue to rescue transfer in June 2024.  She spent time at Ashland Stables for a tune up and was originally adopted by a trail riding family.  However, Hallie didn't seem to be a fan of the trails and her family felt it wasn't a good fit.  We sent Hallie to our friends at Equine Welfare Society in August for additional training and Hallie discovered her love of dressage!  Hallie competed in a couple lower-level dressage competitions while at EWS and performed spectacularly!  Now Hallie is in her forever home with an owner who also enjoys lower-level competitions.  It's a perfect fit!  Congratulations Hallie and family!!

Pretty Paint mare Moon, although a VEWS resident for just a couple weeks, left a lasting, beautiful impression on volunteers before heading to her new home.  This sweet girl endured years of neglect before coming to VEWS as part of a large owner surrender.  She seemed to thrive on the care and attention volunteers lavished on her.  And how about this for a happy ending?  Moon and Britt, her buddy from the owner surrender, are now living their happily ever after's in the same home!  We could not be happier for them and their forever family!

Our sweet girl Hope arrived at VEWS as an owner surrender in March 2024 with some serious health issues.  Suffering from Chronic Progressive Lymphedema as well as Chronic Proliferative Pastern Dermatitis, Hope also brought her puppy dog and gentle manners. Always a lady during the exams, washes and treatments for her leg, Hope became our first VEWS Permanent Resident.  This gentle giant reminded us of the importance of "Hope" and a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity.  Hope was a warrior, but in the end, her body could no longer battle the health issues she faced. We lovingly helped her cross the Rainbow Bridge July 19, 2024.  We love and miss you Hope.  Run free now and help watch over your friends at VEWS

Handsome and sweet Domino arrived at VEWS in March 2024 as an owner surrender in need of TLC.  And TLC is exactly what this good boy received during his time at VEWS....that, and a lot of hugs and affection.  Quickly earning volunteers' extra snuggles, Domino was originally fostered and went home with Duke to serve as Duke's companion.  But it didn't take very long for his foster family to fall in love with Domino too; and realize they didn't want him to ever leave their farm.  Domino and Duke now enjoy their days along with another VEWS' alumni, CJ, and Johnny,  a fourth gelding.  The boys are safe now with a loving, knowledgeable family who will love them forever.  Congrats to all!!

Our sweet Miso arrived at VEWS in Feb 2024 with a body condition score of 1.5.  Enduring years of neglect, Miso had a fighting spirit, but calm and gentle ways that quickly made him a volunteer favorite.  We are grateful that Miso's last few months were spent with VEWS, surrounded by love, kindness, and care.  He loved his pasture mates and his grazing time in the sun. Miso died at VEWS, knowing his last race was done and he was among friends.  Rest in Peace Miso.  We will never forget you, sweet boy.

Beautiful, kind, and sweet Tina arrived at VEWS as an owner surrender and quickly won the hearts of VEWS volunteers.  This gorgeous OTTB mare, last raced in 2017, quickly showed her training under saddle with just a couple rides!  Easy to handle and quick to please, Tina is now living her best life with her adopter who absolutely adores her and has amazing plans for their future together.  What a journey this mare has had!  All the best to you Tina!

Ellie was an owner surrender who quickly captured hearts with her gorgeous coloring and kind eyes. She proved to be a mare who had many layers to her personality:  she was a rockstar with children in our after-school program but could also be a handful at times for volunteers.  Ellie found her perfect home with an adopter who loves ground work and has lots of patience, experience,  and love to give Ellie.  We know they have a great future together and we can't wait to watch what happens!

This gorgeous hunk of a Thoroughbred gelding was an owner surrender.  He spent his time with our partners, Equine Welfare Society, learning and refreshing the basics. Under EWS' expert care, LB thrived with consistent work and handling. He learned to relax and "enjoy the ride." Now, he is living his best days in a caring, knowledgeable home with humans who understand him and will always look out for him. Best of luck LB!  We are so happy for you!

In January 2024, after much discussion with, and thorough examinations by our vet, we made the decision to humanely help Yoshi cross the Rainbow Bridge.  An owner surrender, Yoshi displayed symptoms of neurological issues, as well as behavorial issues. As winter progressed it became clear that the chances of Yoshi surviving the winter and finding a home were very low. Rescue life was very stressful for Yoshi with the frequent arrivals and departures of herdmates and we needed to let Yoshi go with dignity and respect.  We will remember Yoshi and his quirky ways, making us laugh at his excitement to come to his dinner and the way he would suck on his tongue when he was bored.  Run free Yoshi.  We will miss you and never forget you. Rest in Peace.

Pretty pony Dolly came to VEWS' quarantine barn in August 2024 .  This little beauty arrived with several serious health issues.  After many serious discussions with our vet, and lots and lots of care and love, the decision was made to help her peacefully cross the Rainbow Bridge.  Dolly's quality of life was severely impacted by her numerous medical issues and there was no way to make her comfortable and happy.  Rest in Peace now Dolly; free from pain and worldly discomforts.  We love and miss you.

Our big man Ramsey, who arrived at VEWS Sept 1 as part of an owner-surrender case, didn't take long to find his forever home.  Ramsey adjusted well to the VEWS' routine. He even showed his skills in the obstacle course during a volunteer training just 6 days after his arrival at the rescue!

   Ramsey is now living a life of love, care, and attention with human and horse friends.  We are so happy for this gelding who deserves a beautiful final chapter in a forever home.  Take care Ramsey!  And all the best to you and your new family!

Hallie arrived as a rescue to rescue transfer from Wings of Hope in early June 2024.  The daily grind of lessons just wasn't Hallie's thing, but with a tune up under saddle, Hallie was quickly riding around the ring at Ashland Stables with our training partner, very well!  A big, beautiful mare, Hallie found her forever home when her new family came out to meet and ride her!  Now Hallie is in the next chapter of her life, toting family members on peaceful, enjoyable trail rides.  Best of luck and all good things to Hallie and her new family!

Duncan and his buddy Domino came to VEWS as owner surrenders in March 2024.  These friends lived a harsh life until they arrived at VEWS.  Duncan, as the elder statesman at our rescue, loved watching the activity, as well as grazing quietly in the sun, and getting lots of attention. In June 2024, he was adopted by a loving and experienced family who treat him like a king!  Duncan and his new horse friend look forward to many days of grazing and soaking up lots of attention.  Congrats sweet boy!  We will miss you but we are so happy for you and your family!

This handsome TB gelding arrived at VEWS as a rescue to rescue transfer.  Outlaw's good looks and charming manners quickly won over volunteers.  Outlaw was easy to handle and loved to run to volunteers when it was time to eat!  He showed excellent potential as a riding horse too and it wasn't long until he found his forever home.  Even better?  He will live with former VEWS residents Belle and Clyde!  All the best Outlaw; we are so happy for you!

Tucker may own the VEWS record for quickest to find a home, but on his second try.  This kind, sweet and gentle Rocky Mountain Horse Cross originally left VEWS for a home in 2022.  Although his family adored him, their situation changed, and they were unable to keep him, so Tucker returned to VEWS.  Once back at the rescue, Tucker quickly won the hearts of volunteers...and his new family.  Less than 24 hours after being listed as adoptable, Tucker found his forever home and best of all?  He will be living with his VEWS' friend Izzy, new mare friend Candy, and humans who love him!  Best of luck to all!!

Izzy arrived at VEWS as an owner surrender, looking defeated and uncomfortable.  After good care by our vet, farrier, and volunteers, Izzy was feeling much better and looking much brighter.  Loved by everyone, Izzy was sweet and easy to handle, even on those days when we knew she wasn't feeling her best.  Imagine our excitement when a wonderful family came to meet Izzy, and looking past her medical challenges, saw only her kind and gentle personality.  Izzy is now living with that family and her new friend, another mare.  How wonderful that Izzy will live out her days surrounded by love and care.  

Dahlia may have been the first Appaloosa resident at VEWS and what a beautiful representative of the breed!  An owner surrender, Dahlia wasn't with us very long.  She captured tons of interest with her beautiful coloring, conformation, and kind and willing personality.  Although green broke, Dahlia was very calm and quiet under saddle.  Now, she lives with Major and Miracle with a wonderful family who plan to ride the trails with Dahlia. We are so happy for this gentle and beautiful mare. 

The world's cutest pony, Britt, moved with his buddy, Moon, to their forever home in September 2024 after just a couple weeks with VEWS.  Britt, like the others in a large owner surrender, suffered years of neglect before arriving at VEWS.  He became an instant favorite with volunteers with his adorable face and strong spirit.  Britt was easy to handle and quite the charmer!  Now he and Moon have a wonderful family of humans and other critters and spend their days on a beautiful farm.  We are so happy for everyone!

Pretty and petite Molly arrived at VEWS in May 2024 very underweight and depressed, after years of neglect.  It didn't take long before VEWS' TLC and  good food helped Molly blossom beautifully.  A volunteer favorite who was easy to handle, Molly's gorgeous looks and soft, calm demeanor caught the eye of her new family.  Molly now goes on relaxing trail rides and is looking forward to years of working with grandchildren as they learn horsemanship and riding skills. We wish you all the best Molly and family!  Happy trails!

  Lacey first came to VEWS in 2023 as an owner surrender.  She was adopted out in the summer of 2023, with her BFF Belle and lived in a wonderful home. All was well until another VEWS alumni, Clyde, joined the family, and the herd dynamics changed dramatically.  Lacey was returned in Spring 2024 when her family could not solve the issue with separate/adjoining pastures, and Lacey's bossiness got the best of her.  Fast forward to June 2024 when her adopter drove 3 hours to meet and ride Lacey.  Love at first sight is real!  Now Lacey lives in the mountains of western Virginia as a trail horse and loving partner.  All the best to Lacey and her family!

Our handsome young man Duke was pulled from a kill pen underweight, sick, and scared.  Fast forward a couple months and this boy stands 15.1 at a year old and is active, curious, and friendly.  He received vet care for his respiratory illness, which cleared, as well as good food and attention.  Now thriving, Duke moved to his forever home with another VEWS alumni, Domino.  These 2 will share a beautiful home with a loving and big hearted VEWS volunteer and her family, which includes another VEWS alumni and his buddy.  We couldn't be happier for them and we cannot wait to see how Duke progresses with his training.

Our little Clydesdale-looking Beck found his forever home as a lead line pony in April 2024.  Beck arrived at VEWS as an owner surrender who survived a harsh life with his buddy Miso.  Beck charmed everyone at VEWS with his beginner safe manners and frequent shenanigans trying to be the big man in a world of bigger horses.  So cute and loveable, it didn't take Beck long to find his family.  We are thrilled he will be living his best life as a lead line pony with a family who adores him.

This 21 year old Mountain Pleasure Cross mare was an owner surrender who reportedly was ridden previously by children.  Bonnie proved to be beginner safe for most everything on the ground and was easy to get going back under saddle.  Bonnie's new BFF is a young rider who easily handles her under Western and English tack and felt an immediate connection with this mare.  This pair will be working together in future 4-H competitions and we know they will have a great time!  Best of luck to Bonnie and her new family!

Our sweet gentleman Clyde came to VEWS as an owner surrender.  A volunteer favorite for his good looks and gentle manner, Clyde proved to be easy to handle for most everything. Although Clyde lost vision in his left eye at some point in his life, he did not let that hold him back.  Clyde didn't need much time to find his forever home with two other VEWS adopted horses: Lacey and Belle.  Clyde's new BFF plans to ride him with her 4-H Club and learn about horsemanship and riding.  We are so happy that these 3 horses will live out their lives together with a wonderful family.  Happy trails Clyde!

Sweet and kind Miracle, who came to us as an owner surrender with her buddy Major, has the greatest happy ending!  The same family who adopted Major several months prior, decided to add Miracle and Dahlia to their family!  We are so happy for this good-hearted mare who loves to give her all to her person.  Miracle will live out her life with her VEWS buddies Major and Dahlia, while learning more about trails, dressage, and maybe even cross country!  We know that Miracle will blossom into an awesome riding horse with her new family.  Happy trails Miracle!