Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue, Inc.

Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue, located in central Virginia, is an all-breed rescue working to save equines from a variety of situations including abuse, abandonment, neglect, slaughter, or lack of care.  We work with Animal Control agencies in equine seizures, and with private citizens who, due to age, illness, financial or personal crises, can no longer care for their animal.

Hope's Legacy strives to give equines, like Fidget and Dottie, pictured here, a second chance at life and being loved. Fidget and Dottie came to us with 22 other horses as part of a severe neglect case, many of them unhandled and unsure of the world around them. These two petite Arabian mares—often described as looking like Disney ponies—arrived carrying fear, uncertainty, and a deep need for patience. What they’ve shown us since the true power of kindness.

Fidget has undergone a beautiful transformation. Thanks to the steady dedication of a volunteer who earned her trust, she now seeks out human connection, shows curiosity about children, and is learning important skills like picking up her feet for the farrier— each step a huge victory.

Dottie, the older and more seasoned of the pair, found her footing a bit faster. She brings personality and flair to the pasture, complete with her signature “dragon breath” snorting at squirrels and anything else she deems suspicious.

Both mares arrived pregnant and, while in our care, gave birth to healthy foals. Fidget and Dottie are living proof of resilience and healing—and they’re ready for a future with families who will treasure them for the remarkable horses they are. 

We can't do this work without our volunteers and donors. Thank you for considering supporting Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue!

More About Us

You are a critical part of Hope's Legacy growth this year as we continue to experience increased demand for our rescue services.

This year we are celebrating over 900 equines rescued through our nonprofit since 2008. In 2024, we successfully completed construction on our Intake Barn which has expanded our response capacity during law enforcement seizures while also addressing the rise that we have seen in individual owner surrenders due to financial crisis, health changes, or other hardships. This new barn provides spaces for horses requiring round-the-clock monitored care including a foaling stall. The need for our services has grown exponentially. We became ASPCA Right Horse Partners in 2025, adding another accreditation to our current roster of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries certifications.

Your past support has helped make all the difference for equines in need.

Testimonials

From Anne: “You all definitely were a blessing. Given only a month to place [my horses] was a nightmare. It truly means a lot. Thank you.”

From Katie: "One day working with the volunteers at Hope's Legacy is enough to connect you to their community and their cause. They are a passionate, driven group, and I am in awe of everything they have and continue to accomplish. Taking in surrendered and seized equines is a critically needed and highly specialized service, and oftentimes Hope's Legacy is the only safety net available. But it is the community of empathy and education that really sets them apart. You come away not only knowing you've helped with something really important, but also inspired to stay involved."