Virginia Equine Welfare Society (VEWS)

Virginia Equine Welfare Society (VEWS) Virginia Equine Welfare Society (VEWS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping horses in need. Thank you for supporting horses in need!

By partnering with us, you help save at-risk horses. 100% of donations go toward the ongoing feed and care of our rescues. To contribute, please visit our website or you can find us via PayPal / Venmo. PayPal: PayPal.Me/VEWS
Venmo: -WelfareSociety

Thank you to the Science Museum of Virginia for donating tickets to the epic film, "HorsePower" showing at its IMAX Thea...
09/04/2026

Thank you to the Science Museum of Virginia for donating tickets to the epic film, "HorsePower" showing at its IMAX Theater until Dec 31. VEWS volunteers have the opportunity to view this epic film which looks at horses, wild and domesticated, from around the world. "HorsePower" is a visually breathtaking celebration of horses and their courage, intuition, and loyalty. How fitting our volunteers can enjoy a film that celebrates horses and their inseparable bond with humans! Many thanks to the Science Museum of Virginia. If you or your fellow horse lovers would like more information on "HorsePower" and its showtimes, please visit the Science Museum of Virginia's website.

🌟 Where Are They Now? Jack & Wh***ey — Adopted 4/11/23 🌟Post three in our series brings you an update that radiates pure...
09/03/2026

🌟 Where Are They Now? Jack & Wh***ey — Adopted 4/11/23 🌟

Post three in our series brings you an update that radiates pure joy. Jack and Wh***ey have been home for over three years now, and their adopter shared a beautiful glimpse into the life these two boys are living — a life filled with love, laughter, and family.

💛 Their family still can’t believe how seamlessly Jack and Wh***ey settled in. It feels as though they were always meant to be there. Happy, healthy, and deeply loved, they’ve become an irreplaceable part of the household. One of the photos their adopter sent — Wh***ey and Jack with her granddaughter — captures the heart of it all: these horses bring joy to everyone around them.

🤎 Wh***ey has been comfortable from day one. He’s the “in your face” attention‑seeker who wants to be part of everything. He’s also the resident clown — grabbing empty feed bags or buckets, waving them around proudly, and making everyone laugh. His playful spirit keeps the whole family entertained.

🖤 Jack arrived more reserved and cautious, always a gentleman. Over the past year, he’s truly opened up. Now he walks right over for scratches, affection, and connection. Watching him grow more confident and eager to interact has been one of the most rewarding parts of their journey together.

🩺 Their vet and farrier often comment on how well‑behaved Jack and Wh***ey are — something their family is incredibly proud of. These boys have settled into a life where they can relax, feel safe, and simply be horses.

🙏 Their adopter shared how blessed they feel to have Jack and Wh***ey in their lives and how grateful they are to VEWS for trusting them with the boys’ future. It’s clear these two horses are cherished beyond measure.

Here’s to Jack and Wh***ey — thriving, loved, and bringing joy to everyone around them. Their story is a reminder of what rescue makes possible.

Please join us in celebrating Becky Adams, VEWS Volunteer of the Month for September!Becky has been a VEWS volunteer sin...
09/01/2026

Please join us in celebrating Becky Adams, VEWS Volunteer of the Month for September!

Becky has been a VEWS volunteer since February 2022 and currently serves on our Wednesday morning shift.

Becky's shift lead shared the following comments: "One of the true gems of the Wednesday morning crew is Becky Adams. Becky is, of course, willing to do whatever is needed (she can fling with the best of them!). She has good judgment with horses – both about what they are communicating and whether they seem comfortable or skittish, and clearly loves being around them and caring for them. She also is gifted in working with the humans in the barn: When the shift lead or others might benefit from thinking about a different method or approach, Becky has a quiet and thoughtful way of offering guidance that is invariably on the mark. And there have been a few times when a crew member has been going through a challenging time. It is always Becky who knows how best to check in and be there for someone when needed, with intelligence and a kind heart."

Thank you, Becky, for all you do for VEWS and VEWS horses!

In Becky's words: "I am: a native Richmonder; retired licensed clinical social worker; in love with nature, the arts, people and animals of every ilk; love to dance; and not easily bored.

When our colleague Bill Spitzer told me VEWS would accept me as a volunteer with no experience, I was thrilled. And my love for these beautiful, honest creatures has overcome my anxiety. I tell my friends that I start smiling the minute I arrive for my shift and continue until I leave. There is something about looking eye to eye with our precious charges that is beyond words. And, the teamwork of my now friends on Wed mornings is an additional treasure. Thanks for the privilege."

09/01/2026

🐴TOOTSIE🐴 is available for adoption!

Breed: AQHA mare
Age: 23 years old
Height: 15h
Great for: Trail riding, lessons, pleasure
Adoption Fee: $1,000
Location: Glen Allen, VA

She's the one! Tootsie is the horse we get asked for all the time! Gentle, safe, not spooky, rides well for an advanced beginner, and sweeter than your grandma's blueberry pie. She is beginner safe for leading, grooming, hoof cleaning, vet and farrier visits, in-hand work, fly spray and baths. We just began riding her and so far she rides like a seasoned lesson horse who listens to her rider and won't scare you.

Got grandchildren or children who need a safe mare to learn grooming, handling, and riding? Tootsie is your girl. We feel like she will only get better the more rides we put on her.

Yes; she's 23 but that means she is experienced and wise. Yes, she has Cushings, but she gobbles her daily pill without a problem and is well worth it.

Submit an application to meet Tootsie and see if she’s your perfect match!

https://www.virginiaequinewelfare.org/team-6

VEWS' trainer, Ashley Oliver, led a small group education event for volunteers on Sunday, concentrating on ground work. ...
08/31/2026

VEWS' trainer, Ashley Oliver, led a small group education event for volunteers on Sunday, concentrating on ground work. Volunteers worked on various games and basic handling with all our rescue horses. Hand-on education events like this are vital to reinforcing and refreshing our volunteers' horse handling skills. Many thanks to Ashley and all our attendees.

08/30/2026

Tootsie is a woman on a mission. Whether it's channeling her inner Dolly, walking through a wardrobe malfunction or a hoof abscess, Tootsie knows what she wants. And she wants a forever family of her own. Stay tuned! Tootsie is on a mission to be adopted soon!

🐴BILLY🐴 is somehow still in need of his forever home!If we had a contest to crown the sweetest, kindest horse who ever g...
08/29/2026

🐴BILLY🐴 is somehow still in need of his forever home!

If we had a contest to crown the sweetest, kindest horse who ever graced the VEWS' rehab barn it would be Billy. 🤗 But shhhh. We love all our rescues. It's just that Billy is so dang loveable, affectionate, and gentle.

Billy came to us with obvious heel pain in his fronts. After wearing front shoes and pads, in mid-August, our farrier determined he had grown enough heel to not need the wedges or the shoes. Shoes were pulled and he is currently pasture sound.

Billy is a dream in a herd, stands like an angel for the farrier, vet, grooming, fly spray, you name it. He is, in fact, the bomb.

Breed: Paint gelding
Age: 20 years old
Height: 16.1
Available as: Non-riding Companion
Adoption Fee: $500

Please complete an Adoption Application to meet this handsome gentleman with the most beautiful blue eyes. You will fall in love! https://www.virginiaequinewelfare.org/team-6

🌟 Where Are They Now? Rosebud & Fireball — Adopted 2/5/22🌟If you need a smile today, Rosebud and Fireball are here to de...
08/28/2026

🌟 Where Are They Now? Rosebud & Fireball — Adopted 2/5/22🌟

If you need a smile today, Rosebud and Fireball are here to deliver. Their adopter shared the sweetest update, and it’s safe to say these two miniature horses are living their very best lives.

Since settling in, they’ve become full‑fledged neighborhood celebrities — charming the farrier, the vet, and anyone lucky enough to meet them. Fireball, in particular, has earned the unofficial title of cutest pony alive, and honestly… we believe it.

✨ When she first arrived, Rosebud was shy and unsure, especially about being approached from behind. Now she’s blossomed into a confident, affectionate little mare who handles beautifully. She’s the calm, thoughtful counterbalance to Fireball’s boundless enthusiasm — the quiet voice of reason in their tiny duo.

🔥 Fireball knows he’s adorable and fully leans into it. He loves everyone, loves attention, and loves playing — especially with his big horse best friend, Casper. The two romp, run, and have the best time together. Fireball also has a passion for soccer and tag, zooming around his adopter while she tries to catch him.

🎉 One of their adopter’s favorite things? Belly scratches. Rosebud and Fireball adore them — all while “grooming” her head in return. Rosebud joins in the games from the sidelines, while Fireball is the star athlete, but both bring endless laughter and love.

🩺 They’ve become model patients. The farrier adores them, the vet sings their praises, and the minis soak up every bit of attention. They’ve settled beautifully into their routine and continue to thrive.

💛 Their adopter summed it up perfectly: “I just love them so much.”
And we do too. Seeing these two tiny rescues grow into confident, affectionate, joyful ponies is exactly why rescue work matters.

Here’s to Rosebud and Fireball — charming hearts, spreading joy, and proving that minis have major magic.

✨ Where Are They Now? — Duke ✨Adopted June 1, 2024If you’ve ever wondered what life looks like after adoption, Duke is h...
08/26/2026

✨ Where Are They Now? — Duke ✨
Adopted June 1, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered what life looks like after adoption, Duke is here to kick off our new series in the best way possible — because this gentle giant is thriving.

Duke has grown into the sweetest 18.2‑hand partner, both in hand and under saddle. He’s learning his walk–trot–canter with all the enthusiasm in the world, figuring out where to place those big, beautiful feet as he goes.

And when he’s not working? He’s playing kickball. Yes… kickball. Duke loves a good game with his people or a solo match, often sending “field goals” right over the fence. He’s also become a bit of an escape artist — he’s learned how to open stall doors from the outside, so his family has gotten creative with their locking strategies.

Vet and farrier visits are a breeze these days. Duke has mastered the art of standing on three legs for trims, and he absolutely loves his vet appointments.

One of his funniest milestones? His adopter once worked him in hand while wearing an inflatable chicken costume — and Duke didn’t bat an eye. He’s also become fast friends with their new donkey, Jean Claude Van Donkey, despite towering over him like a skyscraper.

Duke is deeply loved, endlessly entertaining, and exactly why we do what we do. 💛

Stay tuned for more “Where Are They Now?” stories — we can’t wait to share them.

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Ashland, VA
23005

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