Meet The Herd

Babe

Babe is a sweet 22-year-old senior mare who has been in the rescue world since at least 2021. When she arrived at a prior rescue, she was in rough shape, covered in lice and battling a skin condition.

Before receiving sanctuary status, Babe was adopted out twice. Twice she was returned, and now has her forever home at RES. Babe is the respected boss mare of our “Old Ladies” herd—not through force, but through calm leadership.

Babe keeps a watchful eye over her herd, especially during their frequent sun-soaked naps. With Babe, what you see is what you get – we love to see her watching over her girls, and we’re so glad she’s home at RES.

Beans

Beans is a 13-year-old miniature gelding and one 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 eventually arriving in Virginia in 2020.

Standing at just 32 inches tall, Beans is of small stature, but he’s full of spirit. He’s often seen zipping around his paddock paradise with Frank, showing off his playful energy and 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 size and gentle nature make him a perfect introduction to horses for those who may be timid around full-sized equines. With his bright personality, big heart, and distinguished good looks, Beans is a cherished ambassador of the sanctuary.

Beans is generously sponsored by Dr. Ed Sierra.

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 but returned to rescue in November 2024; and now she has her forever home at RES

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 companionship of her fellow retirees. You’ll often find her prancing around her field, socializing with her herd mates, and seeking out attention from our volunteers and visitors.

Though Emme is nearly blind, she navigates her world with confidence and grace. She’s not easily spooked and adjusts well 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 value that senior horses bring to any herd.

Fiona

Fiona, registered as Silkentown, is a 14-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred mare who joined the rescue world in June 2023 as part of a large-scale 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 briefly left the world of rescue for a home in 2024, but was returned and we are grateful she is part of our herd.

Fiona stands out at the sanctuary as one of our few rideable horses, and her inquisitive and , steady nature has made her a favorite among volunteers. She enjoys grooming sessions and the 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.

Fiona is a kind and calm presence and we’re so glad she’s home at RES.

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 in Virginia 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, and embracing the bond they share with humans.

Frank is generously sponsored by Dr. Ed Sierra.

Happy

Happy is a senior mule mare believed to be around 29. Happy entered the rescue world 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 (and ears), Happy is 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 that sometimes the happiest souls are the ones who look the most unimpressed.

Joy

Joy, registered as Lady Bidmore, is a 25-year-old Standardbred 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 in Virginia.

Blind in her right eye (which has since been removed), Joy faced unique challenges when she transitioned from working life.. She was understandably hesitant about gates and tight spaces, relying heavily on her instincts and the trust she was still learning to rebuild. Thankfully, 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 adaptability is nothing short of inspiring, reminding us that healing is possible and retirement can be full of peace, comfort, and - of course - joy.

Joy is generously sponsored by Mrs. Emily Aylor.

Lizbeth

Lizbeth is a beautiful Morab mare, around 22 years old, who is part of our “Old Ladies” herd. When she first arrived in the rescue world in 2024, Lizbeth was in heartbreaking condition -- severely underweight with a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 1 and clearly in need of urgent and specific 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. If you see her herd mate Emme prancing around, there’s a good chance you’ll see Lizbeth doing the same.

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 walk around the property. Lizbeth reminds us daily that horses of all shapes, sizes and pasts deserve the correct care and attention, and that with those things, they can thrive.

Mireya

Mireya is an 8-year-old off-track Thoroughbred who came into rescue through her connections at Charles Town Track in West Virginia. Though she raced twice, it quickly became clear that life on the track simply wasn’t meant for her.

When Mireya first arrived, she appeared to be a strong candidate for a life beyond sanctuary care. Since the summer, she spent time away from Rapidan Equine Sanctuary working with both Virginia Equine Welfare Society and Equine Welfare Society, where she underwent training, evaluation, and careful assessment. Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of these partners, Mireya was given every opportunity to discover the path best suited for her.

After extensive time, patience, and thoughtful consideration, it became clear that a combination of physical limitations and mental and emotional boundaries make Mireya happiest and safest as a sanctuary horse. At RES, we are committed to doing what is best for every member of our herd, no matter what that looks like, and we are so grateful to welcome Mireya back home.

We owed her the time and the work to truly understand her, and to ensure the life she lives is one where she can feel secure and respected.

Mares are deep, thoughtful, and analytical beings. They often ask us to earn their trust rather than freely giving it, choosing their leaders carefully and intentionally. Mireya embodies this spirit completely, and it’s one of the many reasons we love her.

Her story is a reminder that not all sanctuary equines are elderly or visibly injured. Some, like Mireya, carry experiences that shape who they are in quieter ways. Through the love and care of RES — and with the continued support of our incredible community partners — her future will continue to be shaped with patience, safety, and compassion.

Mireya is generously sponsored by Ms. Amber Hayghe.

Pops

Pops, registered as Infrared, is a 21-year-old Morgan gelding who was bequeathed to rescue 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.

Pops spent his younger years competing in dressage. Even now, his training is evident in the way he carries himself—balanced, 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 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, 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, just spending time together is a healing activity.

Pops is generously sponsored by Ms. Tree Aramburu.

Princesse

Princesse is a 22-year-old Arabian mare that first arrived in rescue in May 2021 and was adopted a few months later In November 2024, she returned to rescue and now, at RES, spends her time with the rest of the beloved “Old Ladies” herd.

Princesse offers 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. While she’s deciding if you’re her person, she may make you think she’s going to run you over, but she won’t – she’s known for putting her humans to the test.

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 movement and very unique personality, Princesse is a reminder that every horse has something special to offer.

Princesse is generously sponsored by Mrs. Donna Dicks.

Tesha

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

Tesha’s transfer from her situation was anything but smooth. During transport, she fell off the trailer, sustaining painful road rash across her back, withers, and legs. Physically battered, she arrived scared, and incredibly guardedIt was clear from the start that this sensitive mare would need time, patience, and understanding to begin her healing journey.

Over the months at RES, with the steady support of our incredible Equine Director, Tesha has begun to change. 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 comes right out and she shows off the power and gracel 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.

Tesha is generously sponsored by Mrs. Kimberly Reid and Ms. Alexis Sandoval.

Forever Home

Rapidan Equine Sanctuary is, first and foremost, a sanctuary. Many of the equine that come into our care have experienced neglect, abuse, or medical conditions that make lifelong sanctuary the most appropriate outcome. For these equines, RES is their forever home.

Occasionally, however, an equine recovers physically and behaviorally to the point where they can safely and successfully transition into a carefully selected adoptive home. When that opportunity exists, we are committed to finding them a family that will provide the love, care, and lifelong commitment they deserve. Nothing brings us greater joy than seeing a once-neglected equine thrive in a loving forever home.

Sonny

Sonny is our youngest resident at just 2 (almost 3) years old.

As a young horse, we’ve seen Sonny grow — a lot. Now standing at an impressive 16 hands high (and still growing!) He's gone from a scrappy colt into a strong, curious, and playful young gelding. There’s 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 patience well beyond his years. Thanks to his good-naturedness (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, all horses and humans can be ready to take on the world.

Gone But Not 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.

Levi

Levi, known in his racing days as Mr. Leader, was 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 bared 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 remained unshaken. He enjoyed 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.

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.