2025 VEWS ALUMNI

Cole's status happily changed from "fostered" to "adopted" in June, when his foster family became his adopters.  Cole arrived at VEWS in 2024 as an owner surrender.  He was a laid back, quiet guy who happily did everything we asked.  He settled into VEWS quickly and soon moved to his now-forever home as a companion. After about a year in foster care, his family adopted him.  Congrats Cole!  We are so very happy for you!

Outlaw's journey to a forever home has been a bumpy one, so we are especially happy to see him in a loving family now.  Originally, Outlaw arrived at VEWS as a rescue to rescue transfer after spending some years alone in a pasture.  He fit right into VEWS, and became a volunteer favorite with his handsome good looks and beginner safe personality.  When the herd dynamics at his original adopter's home didn't work out, he was returned.  He once again settled into the VEWS routine and began his new search for a forever family.  It didn't take long before his family met, and fell in love with him.  Now Outlaw is a trusted riding partner who is very loved by two little girls and mom and dad.  Congrats Outlaw!  You deserve this!  Happy trails!

Gorgeous OTTB mare Piper arrived at VEWS as an owner surrender in the Fall of 2024.  With her strikingly-good looks and kind eye, Piper soon won the hearts of VEWS volunteers.  Like most rescue horses, Piper came with some baggage.  Not a fan of grooming and petting, Piper was at home, calm, and relaxed under saddle.  She rode well and demonstrated her proficiency as a riding horse.  Now with her own person and a routine she can count on for the rest of her days, Piper is living out her life surrounded by love, care, and friends.  We will miss you Piper!

Sweet and pretty Ginger found her forever home!  This loving mare spent a good amount of time with us as we worked with vets and farriers to overcome her challenges with laminitis.  Now sound and comfortable, Ginger is happily spending her days as a companion to a very cute pony.  Ginger's new mom is also planning to do some light trail riding with Ginger in the future.  Best of luck Ginger, to you and your new family!  We will miss you!

Beautiful Firefly arrived in the summer of 2024 with her fellow OTTB mare Helena. through VEWS' partnership with ACT.  Both mares spent let-down time at the rehab barn before moving to one of our training partners for more under saddle work.  Helena was adopted by the trainer and Firefly moved to our partners at Equine Welfare Society to continue her training.  An intelligent and kind mare, Firefly excelled and showed how calm and thoughtfully she can approach all new situations.  She now spends her days hacking out on her family's farm and enjoying lots of attention.

JoJo arrived at VEWS in November 2024. She was thin but had a beautiful spark in her eyes. Her gorgeous coloring and quiet ways really endeared her to volunteers who pitched in to make this senior mare feel the TLC she needed.  JoJo was diagnosed with several health issues to include EPM and Cushings but with the help of our vet and VEWS volunteers, soon began a course of treatment to help this good ole girl feel better.  JoJo moved to a retirement sanctuary in February 2025. Now she lives out her days in the comfort and quiet of care and attention that she always deserved.  Best of luck JoJo and enjoy your new home.  We will miss you!

Our sweet Frankie came to us as an owner surrender with Navicular disease.  With the help of our vets and farrier, we did our best to help Frankie feel comfortable but it wasn't enough. How we wish the humans in his earlier days had tried to help him. The changes in his once-goofy and happy personality, as well as the obvious changes in his walk told us it was time.  The progression of his disease was causing him unbearable pain and the vets agreed there was nothing else we could do.  We gave him the gift of peace on May 2, 2025 after giving volunteers the opportunity to say goodbye.

Aloha Frankie...love, peace, and compassion. We will miss you and love you always.

Dixie's journey to a forever home has been a long one, filled with loss and stress.  Arriving at our quarantine barn in summer 2024 with her pony pal, Dixie displayed the emotional effects of a difficult past, finding it hard to trust humans. Having already lost her right eye to cancer, our vet removed her third eyelid on her remaining eye as a precaution. When her pony friend had to be humanely euthanized, Dixie moved alone to our rehab barn.  Adopted out in the fall, Dixie was returned to VEWS for behavior issues, often seen as a result of ulcers. Back in VEWS' care, she was seen by a vet and diagnosed with ulcers. She completed her ulcer treatment while waiting for her happily ever after.  She found it when she was adopted by VEWS' Adoption and Marketing Director.  Dixie will live out her days as a trail horse and beloved family member.

   "My troubles are all over and I am at home."  -- Black Beauty

Pearl moved to the same sanctuary as her pal JoJo!  The two mares arrived together as owner surrenders in November 2024; both very thin and ill.  Now the two besties can live out their lives on the same farm!  What a lovely ending for two sweet, senior mares.  JoJo moved to the sanctuary in February, and was waiting for the arrival of Pearl. We couldn't be happier for these two and wish them all good things in their twilight years.