Support Rapidan Equine Sanctuary
At Rapidan Equine Sanctuary, every gift makes a difference. Your support provides rescued horses with the safety, care, and dignity they deserve. From feed and veterinary care to safe shelter and pasture maintenance, donations directly sustain the herd and ensure our mission continues.
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To discuss donations please email: donations@rapidanequinesanctuary.org
Thank You to Our Donors
Rapidan Equine Sanctuary exists because of the generosity, compassion, and trust of our supporters. Every donor—whether part of our Founders’ Circle or a Friend of RES—plays an essential role in giving horses the safe, permanent home they deserve. Your gifts of time, resources, and service sustain our mission and inspire our work every day. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in creating a sanctuary built on hope, care, and community.
Founders' Circle ($25,000+)
The Founders’ Circle honors those whose extraordinary generosity has laid the foundation for Rapidan Equine Sanctuary. Their vision and leadership make it possible for RES to provide not only safe refuge, but also lasting dignity and care for every horse who enters our gates. These donors represent the cornerstone of our mission and the legacy we are building together.
Ms. Susan Smith
Susan Smith began volunteering with equines in 2021, and she quickly grew a love for horses. She adopted Rose, her energetic and sometimes petulant red thoroughbred mare in 2023. When the opportunity arose at the beginning of 2025 to purchase the property where RES resides, she jumped on the chance and has worked diligently with the transition of the property and start of RES. Susan has a strong background in volunteer work having served with the Fredericksburg Service League, Friends of the Rappahannock, and is currently on the Board of the Fredericksburg SPCA. Susan grew up in Carroll County, Maryland and graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Microbiology. Susan and her husband of 35 years, Chuck, have raised 5 children in the Fredericksburg area. Susan is excited about the opportunity to serve on the Board and committed to the mission of the Sanctuary.
Mr. Robert Hyland
Bob Hyland is a longtime resident of Fredericksburg, moving to the area at a young age and living there in retirement following a career in law enforcement. Bob has always been an advocate of animals, both large and small, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Fredericksburg SPCA for the past 7 years, and adopting greyhounds for the past 15 years. A number of years ago, Bob and some friends made a trip to Lexington, Kentucky. The friends ventured to the bourbon trail, and Bob made visits to a number of horse farms, including Claiborne Farm to pay respects to Secretariat. While there, Bob was inspired to become involved with a rescue or sanctuary in the Fredericksburg area. Fast forward to Rapidan Equine Sanctuary: Bob is delighted to be a part of this organization, looking forward to providing a place where horses can live a healthy and enjoyable existence that’s beneficial to them and those who care for them.
Sanctuary Circle ($10,000 - $24,999)
The Sanctuary Circle represents donors whose generosity sustains the very heart of RES. Their commitment provides safe pastures, reliable care, and the resources needed to protect our resident herd. These supporters ensure the sanctuary remains a place of refuge and healing for every horse who calls it home.
Herd Circle ($5,000 - $9,999)
The Herd Circle recognizes donors whose gifts strengthen our ability to care for horses day in and day out. Their support helps provide the feed, veterinary care, and shelter that allow each member of the herd to thrive.
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Resolute Racing
Ms. Jenna Calcaterra
Barn Circle ($2,500 - $4,999)
The Barn Circle is made up of donors whose generosity directly supports the daily work of the sanctuary. From maintaining safe barns and pastures to ensuring each horse has a warm meal and clean water, these donors play a vital role in the well-being of the RES herd.
Pasture Circle ($1,000 - $2,499)
The Pasture Circle honors those who contribute in meaningful ways to the ongoing care of our horses. Their kindness ensures that even the smallest acts of giving grow into a wide field of compassion and hope.
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Mr. Jeff Irrgang
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Friend of RES (up to $999)
Friends of RES are the many caring individuals whose generosity—at every level—makes our mission possible. Each gift, whether large or small, helps provide feed, shelter, and compassionate care for the horses who call our sanctuary home. Together, these donors form the community of support that keeps RES strong.
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Ms. Tree Aramburu
Ms. Sharon Dennis
Ms. Beth Craig
Newcomers & Friends
Ms. Cher Morey
Ms. Sheila Dennis
Ms. Cathy Pleines
Mr. Paul Covill
Mr. Mark and Mrs. Kim Reid
Ms. Carly Pleines
Dr. Ed Sierra
Ms. Emily Aylor
Mr. Bryan Hargett
Mr. Kazimieras and Mrs. Lucy Prapuolenis
Ms. Karen Hearon
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