Maria's Community
Shed
Neighbors helping neighbors' horses in need
​Open to the public, and to other equine welfare organizations, Maria's Community Shed provides free horse supplies, feed, and medical items to those caring for their own herds. It also offers educational materials and will host future events to help current and prospective horse owners understand the responsibilities of horse care—reducing the number of horses in need of rescue or sanctuary. Maria's Community Shed is dedicated to the memory of Maria Denise Booker—a passionate horsewoman, dedicated rescuer, and community leader whose life was defined by compassion and service.
Maria's Story
Maria’s love of horses began in childhood, taking riding lessons near her home in Alexandria, Virginia, alongside her brother, Matt. That early connection sparked a lifelong passion for animals and a deep commitment to helping those in need—whether human or horse.
​
Maria gave generously of her heart and her time. She served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine, supported youth through AmeriCorps and local nonprofits, fed families through the Capital Area Food Bank, led childhood cancer fundraising efforts, and brought her leadership and kindness to at-risk youth at Rocky Mountain Pathways Ranch in Colorado. She was also a loving foster mom, opening her home and heart to a foster daughter who needed care.
​
Maria joined the board of Central Virginia Horse Rescue in 2020 and played a key role in the future of Rapidan Equine Sanctuary (RES), by helping secure the purchase of Eagle Hill in 2022 for CVHR. She also cared for two rescue horses of her own—Dream (also known as Girlie’s Dream, above left), a retired thoroughbred racehorse saved from a kill pen, and Belle, her beloved Belgian mare (below, left).
​
Tragically, Maria died in a car accident at the age of 35 while driving back to Virginia after completing her sabbatical working with youth and horses in Colorado. Her loss is deeply felt, but her legacy lives on in the values and vision she helped shape here at RES.
​
Maria’s Community Shed honors that legacy. Maria believed in neighbors helping neighbors, and she lived that belief every day. Maria's Community Shed stands as a living tribute to her love, her leadership, and her unwavering kindness.
Contact Maria's Community Shed
Need supplies or have extras to share? Maria’s Community Shed helps connect neighbors who love and care for horses. Give what you can, take what you need — it’s all for the good of the herd.