The Herd

At Rapidan Equine Sanctuary, our herd is the heart of who we are. Each horse has a unique story—many have come to us from neglect, abandonment, or simply because they needed a safe retirement home. Today, they live together in spacious fields where they can form natural bonds, graze freely, and enjoy the care they deserve. Our herd includes a mix of ages, breeds, and personalities, reflecting the resilience and spirit of horses everywhere.

Babe

Babe is a sweet 22 year old senior mare who first arrived at the property in April 2021. When she came, she was in rough shape, covered in lice and battling a skin condition.

Before receiving sanctuary status, Babe was adopted out twice. Life brought her back to us, and it’s clear now that this is where she truly belongs. She’s become the respected boss mare of our “Old Ladies” herd—not through force, but through calm leadership.

Babe may not seek the spotlight, but her role is vital. She keeps a watchful eye over her herd, especially during their frequent sun soaked naps. Her steady, protective nature has made her a quiet cornerstone of the sanctuary. Babe’s story is one of resilience, kindness, and quiet dignity. A true testament to the power of second chances and the strength found in gentle souls.

Beans

Beans is a 13 year old miniature gelding and the other half of our much loved “Frank and Beans” duo. The pair originally came from the same farm in Ohio and later found themselves at the Tar Heel Auction in North Carolina before arriving at the property in September 2020.

Standing at just 32 inches tall, Beans may be small in size, but he’s full of spirit. He’s often seen zipping around his paddock paradise with Frank, showing off his playful energy and even leaping over ground poles with impressive enthusiasm. Beans is deeply bonded to Frank and prefers having his companion close by. Whether they’re out for a walk with volunteers or getting groomed together in the barn.

Friendly, curious, and irresistibly adorable, Beans loves attention from visitors of all ages. His petite stature and gentle nature make him a perfect introduction to horses for those who may be timid around full-sized equines. With his bright personality and big heart, Beans is a cherished ambassador of the sanctuary.

Emme

Emme is a beautiful senior Arabian mare who came into the rescue world in 2016 after a large seizure. She was blind in one eye and estimated to be in her mid-20s. She was adopted in 2019 and returned in November 2024. We’ve been lucky to have her ever since.

Now 33, Emme proves every day that age is just a number. She’s a proud member of our “Old Ladies” herd, where she enjoys the calm and quiet companionship of her fellow retirees. You’ll often find her stretched out in the sun for an afternoon nap or sharing quiet moments with her favorite herd mate, River, the lone gelding among the ladies.

Though Emme is nearly blind, she navigates her world with confidence and grace. She’s not easily spooked and adjusts beautifully to her surroundings. Emme especially enjoys being groomed and spoiled by our dedicated volunteers, soaking up every bit of attention. Emme is a kind soul and a perfect reminder of the strength and resilience that senior horses bring to our lives.

Fiona

Fiona, registered as Silkentown, is a 14-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred mare who joined the sanctuary in June 2023 as part of the large-scale Shenandoah Thoroughbred seizure. At the time of her rescue, Fiona was found in the mare and foal field, and while her history remains a mystery, there’s a possibility that fellow herd member Sonny may be her offspring.

Fiona stands out at the sanctuary as one of our few rideable horses, and her calm, steady nature has made her a favorite among volunteers. She enjoys grooming sessions and the gentle companionship of people, but she always keeps a close eye on her herd and doesn’t like to stray too far from them. Her bond with the other horses is strong, and she finds comfort in their presence.

In March 2024, Fiona was adopted into a new home, but by September, she returned to reasons unknown to us. Since coming back, she’s slipped right back into herd life with grace and confidence, as if she never left.

She’s a reminder that sometimes, the best healing comes from simply being with those who make you feel safe and that home isn’t always a place you find once, but one that’s always here when you need it.

Frank

Frank is a 19 year old miniature gelding and a beloved member of our sanctuary family. He is one half of the charming duo affectionately known as “Frank and Beans.” The pair originally came from the same farm in Ohio and later found themselves at the Tar Heel Auction in North Carolina before arriving at the property in September 2020.

While Frank isn’t quite as attached to Beans as one might expect,, he still enjoys accompanying his pal on walks around the property with our dedicated volunteers. Frank’s calm demeanor and love of attention make him a favorite among visitors and a natural ambassador for our sanctuary.

Whether he's greeting guests, going for a stroll, or simply soaking up affection, Frank represents the heart of what we do at RES- providing a peaceful, loving home for animals in need.

Happy

Happy is a senior mule mare believed to be around 29 who joined our sanctuary family in late 2023 after her elderly owner could no longer care for her. While her name might suggest sunshine and smiles, Happy is known for something a little different, her iconic side-eye and perpetually unamused expression that keeps everyone laughing.

With her unique coloring and unmistakable attitude, Happy quickly became a favorite among visitors and volunteers. She might not look thrilled to see you, but don’t be fooled, she absolutely enjoys her peaceful, retired life and the attention she gets (even if she pretends otherwise).

Happy has embraced sanctuary life in her own delightfully grumpy way, reminding us daily that appearances can be deceiving, and at sometimes the happiest souls are the ones who look the most unimpressed.

Joy

Joy, registered as Lady Bidmore, is a 25 year old Standardbred bay mare with a remarkable past and an even more inspiring present. With an incredible 232 starts in her racing career, she gave everything she had on the track before likely transitioning into life as an Amish buggy horse in Pennsylvania. Eventually, she was found at the Tar Heel feed lot in North Carolina. In October 2022, Joy arrived at the property.

Blind in her right eye (which has since been removed), Joy faced unique challenges when she first came. She was understandably hesitant about gates and tight spaces, relying heavily on her instincts and the trust she was still learning to rebuild. But true to her name, Joy has made leaps and bounds in her progress. With patience, love, and time, she’s gained confidence. Now, she not only navigates the property with ease but also greets volunteers with warmth and affection. If you want to be her best friend, be sure to give her neck scratches as those are her favorite!

Despite her long career and advancing age, Joy is in great health and truly thriving in sanctuary life. Her resilience and transformation are nothing short of inspiring, reminding us that healing is possible and retirement can be full of peace, comfort, and of course-joy.

Levi

Levi, known in his racing days as Mr. Leader, is a 24 year old registered bay Standardbred gelding with a story as powerful as his presence. With 99 starts on the track, followed by years as an Amish buggy horse, Levi’s body bares the marks of a hard working life-relaxed tendons and all.

Levi first entered the rescue world in 2016 and, like many horses with long careers behind them, was adopted out a few times before ultimately finding his forever home with us. He was a striking horse, both in looks and in spirit, and while he may may have been our self-proclaimed “problem child” due to his tendency to pick up random (but non-serious) ailments, he kept us on our toes and kept the vet busy!

Despite the wear and tear of his past, Levi’s spirit remains unshaken. He enjoys the slower pace of sanctuary life and is deeply loved by staff and volunteers alike, even when he gave us a scare or two. Levi is a reminder of the incredible resilience of horses and the importance of providing a safe landing for those who’ve given their all.

Lizbeth

Lizbeth is a beautiful bay Morab mare, around 22 years old, who joined our sanctuary in November 2024 with the “Old Ladies” herd. When she first arrived, Lizbeth was in heartbreaking condition. Severely underweight with a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 1 and clearly in need of urgent care.

With proper veterinary attention, including much needed dental work, and a carefully tailored diet, Lizbeth began to thrive. Today, she’s healthy, happy, and absolutely a true testament to the power of compassion and second chances.

Lizbeth is as sweet as they come, with a bright, affectionate personality that quickly wins over both her herd mates and human friends. She’s known for her cheerful nickers and talkative nature.

She adores being pampered, whether it’s a relaxing bath, a good grooming session, or a peaceful walk around the property. Lizbeth reminds us daily that even the most fragile beginnings can lead to strong, joyful lives with the right care and love.

Pops

Pops, registered as Infrared, is a 21-year-old chestnut Morgan gelding who arrived at the property in August of 2022 alongside his lifelong companion, Rocky. The two were inseparable… a pair of aging gentlemen finding peace in each other’s presence. Sadly, Rocky passed away only a few months later due to the challenges that come with advanced age.

Before arriving here, Pops spent his younger years competing in dressage. Even now, traces of his training are evident in the way he carries himself—balanced, intentional, and elegant. Though he’s long retired from the show ring, he still enjoys the little rituals that once shaped his daily routine: a good stretch, a nice bath, and gentle grooming.

Pops has a patient, grounded presence that draws people in. He plays an important role in our sanctuary as a “training horse” for new volunteers, calmly guiding them as they learn the basics of horse care.

Now, Pops spends his days roaming the fields with his herd, soaking up sunshine and attention in equal measure. Volunteers adore him, not just for his handsome looks and kind eyes, but for the way he seems to understand that sometimes, all anyone needs is to feel safe and seen.

Princesse

Princesse is a 22-year-old Arabian mare that first arrived at the property in May 2021 and was adopted a few months later in July. However, in November 2024, she returned to us with the rest of the beloved “Old Ladies” herd and we’re so glad to have her back.

Though Princesse was never broke to ride, she offers something even more valuable: quiet companionship and unwavering loyalty. She’s known for being selective about her people, but once you’ve earned her trust, you’ve gained a friend for life.

Princesse has fully embraced sanctuary living, especially when it comes to relaxation. She delights in basking in the sun and can often be found stretched out for one of her frequent naps—fondly nicknamed “carcass time” by volunteers.

With her graceful demeanor and unique personality, Princesse is a gentle reminder that every horse has something special to offer, even if it’s not under saddle.

Sonny

Sonny is our youngest resident at just 2 years old. He arrived in June 2023 as part of the massive Shenandoah Thoroughbred seizure and was estimated to be just around 6 months old at the time.

Since then, Sonny has grown—a lot. Now standing at an impressive 16 hands high (and still growing!) He's grown from a scrappy colt into a strong, curious, and playful young gelding. There’s even a chance that Fiona, another member of the sanctuary herd, may be his dam, as they were rescued from the same mare/foal field.

In 2025, Sonny underwent surgery on his right hock for a hereditary condition called OCD (osteochondritis dissecans). While this condition could have been a serious setback, Sonny has handled his rehab with grace and patience well beyond his years. Thanks to his good natured temperament (and lots of love and dedication from the RES team) he’s making an excellent recovery and is expected to go on to live a full, healthy, and active life.

As part of his rehab, Sonny has added hand-walking to his daily routine and is thriving with a structured environment, enrichment, and lots of interaction. His days are filled with companionship, grooming, varied hay feeding stations, and even calming music, all thoughtfully provided to keep his mind and body engaged while he heals.

With his bright future ahead, Sonny continues to amaze us with his resilience, curiosity, and sweet personality. He’s a reminder that with the right care, even the youngest lives touched by trauma can grow into strong, confident individuals ready to take on the world.

Tesha

Tesha, registered as RVF River Rainbow, is an 8 year old Thoroughbred mare with a story marked by both trauma and resilience. She arrived at the property in June 2023 as part of the large-scale Shenandoah Thoroughbred seizure.

Tesha’s arrival was anything but smooth. During transport, she tragically fell off the trailer, sustaining painful road rash across her back, withers, and legs. Physically battered and emotionally shaken, she arrived scared, guarded, and unsure what she had just entered. It was clear from the start that this sensitive mare would need time, patience, and understanding to begin her healing journey.

Over the months, with the steady support of our incredible trainer, Tesha has begun to trust again. While still cautious in some moments, she now allows herself to be handled for basic care and is learning that not all human contact brings fear—sometimes, it brings comfort.

Tesha is often found stretched out peacefully in the pasture, soaking up the sun and enjoying long naps in the safety of her herd. But don’t let her calm demeanor fool you. When she decides it’s time to move, her Thoroughbred fire shines bright, and she shows off with powerful, graceful movement that reminds us of the athlete she is.

Her journey is still unfolding, but Tesha’s courage and progress are a testament to the strength of a horse learning to trust again. She may have had a rough start, but her future is filled with safety, love, and the freedom to just be herself.

Our Resident Mousers: Houdini & Boots

Rapidan Equine Sanctuary is not just home to equine—our barns are also protected by two hard-working feline guardians. Houdini, true to his name, is an escape artist who always manages to turn up where you least expect him. Boots, with her signature white paws, is the steady patrol officer, keeping a watchful eye on every corner of the property.

Together, Houdini and Boots are our official “resident mousers,” making sure the barns stay safe, cozy, and free of unwanted visitors. They’re beloved members of the RES family, greeting volunteers, lounging in the sun between shifts, and reminding us that every creature—large or small—has a role to play in sanctuary life.

Gone But Never Forgotten

At Rapidan Equine Sanctuary, every horse becomes part of our family. Though some of our beloved herd members have passed on, their spirit continues to inspire us every day. This section is dedicated to honoring their lives, remembering the joy they brought, and carrying forward their legacy of resilience, love, and connection.

River

River was our first official horse to join the herd in July 2025. River fit our sanctuary mission perfectly, and were so glad to have him home. River was named after RES’ namesake, the Rapidan River. The Rapidan is the largest tributary of the Rappahannock River, which is a critical part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

River was a tall, curious, and friendly senior (25+) gelding, likely a Quarter Horse cross. He was a beautiful palomino color, reminiscent of the color of the Rapidan a few days after a summer rainstorm. River joined one of our pasture groups of older female horses. We were so grateful for the short time that we spent with River before his passing in September 2025.