2026 VEWS ALUMNI

Handsome Cassidy found his perfect forever home with our own Lisa B., Equine Director, Volunteer Educator, and Volunteer Director! This sweet gelding really went full circle in finding his forever. First rescued by VEWS as a 2-year-old colt from an auction, adopted out, and 13 years later, surrendered to VEWS when his owner fell upon hard times, Cassidy now has the perfect home. He will be with his fellow VEWS alumni Renegade, Cisco, and Freya. Cassidy is looking forward to the rest of his life as a companion in a loving home! We could not be happier for Cassidy and his new family! 

It’s two days before the massive snow and ice storm hits Virginia in late January 2026. A welfare check reveals that a property owner has died at home. Responding personnel  see a VERY skinny, old chestnut gelding alone on the property. No food. No water. This gelding won’t survive the next few days without immediate intervention. 

Our amazing vet called us immediately after she was called by Animal Control. While we didn’t have space at the time, our amazing Adoption Director, Bonnie, offered to feed and water him twice a day until transport could be arranged to safely get the newly-named Josey to her property. 

Bonnie went twice a day everyday for two weeks in bitter cold temperatures, bringing him hot soaked feed to help keep his strength and body temperature up. She made sure he was warm and dry under the blanket she brought him. Keep in mind that the back roads she was traveling were still frozen sheets of ice. She took a big risk every time she went to him, even falling on the ice and breaking a finger on one of the visits. 

The roads finally cleared enough for animal control to transport Josey to Bonnie’s property, where she had set up a cozy quarantine spot for him.  Under Bonnie’s care, Josey positively flourished! The life came back into his eyes and he started to gain weight. Bonnie found that Josey loves apple cider donuts! This quickly became their daily ritual - Josey enjoyed a Dunkin donut while Bonnie enjoyed her Dunkin coffee! Josey also benefitted from daily grooming and hoof care while at Bonnie’s house.Now safely settled into a retirement sancutary, Josey will live out his life with friends, food, and care. 

Jasmine, one of the kindest, sweetest mares ever, arrived at VEWS as an owner surrender looking for a safe place to land. Jasmine's laid-back personality surprised many when research into her previous life as an OTTB revealed she ran more than 70 races and earned a pile of money! Jasmine was beginner safe for volunteers, and really shined as our Christmas equine model in pictures with Santa. Adopted by VEWS Board Member/Advisor Kathleen and family, Jasmine can now look forward to quiet and comfortable days as a beloved companion and family member. 

Noah and his bff Rex arrived at VEWS as owner surrenders; sadly, after their owners' death. Both geldings were sweet but unsure of their new surroundings initially. It didn't take long though, before Noah and Rex were soon settled into the VEWS routine and winning volunteers' hearts. Noah was found to be a nice riding horse who won't win any races but will be safe and reliable. His adopter, the adopter's daughter, and the adopter's unborn grandchild all met with Noah and Rex several times to ensure the match was perfect and it was! The best part? Noah and Rex were adopted by the same family!  All the best to Noah, his buddy Rex and their new family.

Almond came to us from Rapidan Equine Sanctuary (RES). She spent time with us learning the routine and helping volunteers learn how to groom and handle a horse. Almond met with several potential adopters while at VEWS but didn't find her match. We moved her to our partners at Equine Welfare Society for additional training and assessments in the Fall. After several months, and several vet visits, the decision was made to retire Almond back to RES where she will live out her life and heal her body and mind. We are happy for this opportunity for Almond to just be a horse. All the best sweet girl!

Rex and his best friend Noah arrived as owner surrenders after the death of their owner. These buddies had been together many years and we knew keeping them together was a primary concern. While Rex's buddy was cleared for riding, Rex needed to spend his remaining years as a companion. When their future family met both geldings, they loved both boys immediately and knew that keeping them together forever was the only thing to do! We are so happy for Rex, Noah, and their forever family. What a perfect love story!

Our sweet older gentleman, Sage, will live out his days at the Evelyn Alexander Home for Animals. Sage arrived at VEWS with extensive dental and medical concerns but quickly settled in.  He won the hearts of volunteers with his kind eyes and his willingness to do whatever was asked, even if he wasn't feeling his best.  After some good old TLC, Sage was often observed running around with pasture mates and living his best life.  Now he will be in his forever, safe, and caring home with plenty of other senior equines as buddies.