“My First Horse” Planner now available!

Hello, Horse Lovers and Supporters of Central Virginia Horse Rescue!

We are beyond excited to share some wonderful news with our community. Our Executive Director, Stacy Franklin, has poured her heart and decades of experience into creating a special resource for all aspiring horse owners. We proudly announce the publication of “My First Horse Planner,” a comprehensive guide designed to support you on your journey into horse ownership.

This planner is not just a collection of pages; it’s a treasure trove of wisdom, insights, and practical advice. Whether you’re dreaming of owning a horse or are in the process of making that dream a reality, this guide is your perfect companion.

Why “My First Horse Planner”?

Our mission at Central Virginia Horse Rescue is not only to rescue and rehabilitate horses but also to educate and empower the equestrian community. “My First Horse Planner” aligns perfectly with this goal, offering guidance on everything from selecting the right horse to understanding their daily care needs, health management, and much more.

What’s Inside the Planner?

  • Tips on choosing the right horse for your lifestyle and goals
  • Monthly budget planning for horse care
  • Health and wellness tracking tools
  • Insights into feeding, grooming, and training
  • Checklists for horse supplies and equipment
  • And other essential horse ownership topics

Stacy Franklin’s expertise shines through every page, making complex topics accessible and engaging. Her passion for horses and commitment to their welfare is evident in this thorough and thoughtful guide.

Get Your Copy Today!

We’ve made “My First Horse Planner” available in two convenient formats:

  1. Digital PDF (Immediate Download): Perfect for those who prefer a digital copy for quick and easy access. Purchase it on Etsy for immediate download: https://etsy.me/3S9NXld.
  2. Physical Book Copy: For those who love the feel of a physical book, we’ve got you covered! You can purchase a copy on Amazon: https://bit.ly/myfirsthorse.

Your purchase not only equips you with invaluable knowledge but also supports the ongoing efforts of Central Virginia Horse Rescue.

We can’t wait for you to dive into this planner and embark on your horse ownership journey with confidence and joy. Thank you for your unwavering support, and here’s to many more successful equine partnerships!

Central Virginia Horse Rescue Receives Generous Donation from Fredericksburg Nationals and Amy Cherry Taylor & Associates

Central Virginia Horse Rescue (CVHR), a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of equines, is excited to announce the receipt of a significant donation from the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball team and Amy Cherry Taylor & Associates. The generous donation of $14,852.40, presented on December 13th, is the proceeds from the FredNats Jersey Auction, an annual FredNats event sponsored by Amy Cherry Taylor & Associates.

During Fan Appreciation night in September, the Fredericksburg Nationals wear special jerseys that are auctioned off to support local charities. This year, CVHR was selected as the beneficiary of this wonderful charitable event by Amy Cherry Taylor & Associates who sponsors the Jersey Auction annually. The funds raised will crucially assist in purchasing hay and feed for the 34+ horses currently in the care of CVHR, ensuring these rescued animals receive the necessary nutrition and care.

Stacy Franklin, the Executive Director of Central Virginia Horse Rescue, warmly expressed her thanks: “We are immensely grateful for this donation. It is a significant contribution to our ongoing efforts in providing quality care for our horses. The Fredericksburg Nationals, Amy Cherry Taylor & Associates, and everyone involved in the auction have shown remarkable support for our cause, for which we are deeply appreciative.”

About Central Virginia Horse Rescue:

Central Virginia Horse Rescue, located in Fredericksburg, VA, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of horses in need. Established with a vision to create a safe haven for neglected, abused, and abandoned horses, CVHR has grown into a respected rescue organization. Through tireless efforts and community support, CVHR not only provides immediate care for these animals but also educates the public on responsible horse ownership and welfare. As a resource for horses and a beacon of hope in the equine community, CVHR continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of horses and horse enthusiasts alike.

Support the 25 Shenandoah Seizure Horses

The morning of Thursday June 15th, 2023, the Central Virginia Horse Rescue team received a phone call from the Virginia State Task Force that our team was needed at a seizure in Shenandoah County. During the initial call, our team was told that we were expecting there to be 130+ thoroughbreds on a breeding farm located in Mount Jackson.

CVHR mobilized our seizure response team and pulled volunteers from across multiple farms who were able to provide assistance to law enforcement and veterinary teams in horse handling and horse transport. The total number of horses examined at the farm was close to 100 making it the second largest seizure in the state of Virginia next to Peaceable Farms in 2015.

CVHR took 25 horses from the seizure and the horses are spread out between the CVHR rescue farm in Fredericksburg and our 3 foster farms. Item donations can be sent to the 4 farms using the following Amazon wish lists:

Equivalent Exchange Equestrian Academy: Amazon Wish List

Secret Spring Farm, LLC: Amazon Wish List

EKG Stables: Amazon Wish List

Central Virginia Horse Rescue Farm: Amazon Wish List or Chewy Wish List

Monetary donations to go towards Veterinary and feed expenses can be made here:

Rehoming Your Horse: Some best practices

Finding the perfect home for your rehomed horse is a top priority. As a responsible horse owner, it’s crucial to take certain precautions to ensure your beloved equine companion ends up in a safe and loving environment. By following these recommendations, you can minimize the risk of your horse falling into the wrong hands.

1. Request References:

When considering potential buyers, ask for references from reliable sources, such as their vet and farrier, previous horse owners, or reputable trainers. Contacting these references can provide valuable insights into the buyer’s experience, knowledge, and overall suitability as a horse owner.

2. Speak with Their Vet and Farrier:

Reach out to the prospective buyer’s veterinarian and farrier to discuss the quality of care they provide to their current horses. These professionals can provide valuable information about the buyer’s commitment to equine health and welfare.  If you are having difficulty getting a reference from the vet or farrier, consider the potential reasons why.

3. Request Photos of the Horse’s New Home:

Ask the buyer to share recent photographs of the facility where your horse will be kept. Assess the condition of the pastures, stables, fencing, and other relevant aspects. Ensure that the environment is safe, clean, and well-maintained, with ample space and appropriate amenities.

4. Examine their Social Media Pages:

Social media can provide useful insights into a potential buyer’s current horse-keeping practices. Browse their social media profiles to get a glimpse of how they care for their horses and their farm. Look for signs of responsible horse ownership, including regular veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and a positive environment.  Are they posting the same photos of their horses repeatedly but nothing current?  Search their name on Facebook and see what kind of posts they have made.  Are they constantly searching for horses or trying to sell them?

5. Perform a Google Search:

Conduct a thorough online search of the buyer’s name to uncover any negative information or red flags. Look for any past disputes, complaints, or legal issues that may suggest a potential risk for your horse’s well-being. While this step should not be the sole basis for decision-making, it can help you gather additional information.

Rehoming your horse is a significant decision, and ensuring their safety and well-being in their new home is paramount. By taking these essential precautions, such as checking references, speaking with their veterinarian and farrier, requesting photos, examining their social media presence, and performing a Google search, you can significantly reduce the chances of your horse ending up in a bad home. Remember, it’s your responsibility as a caring horse owner to take all necessary measures to secure a loving and suitable environment for your equine friend.

CVHR Recipient of Aune Sturdy Animal Protection Fund Grant

In fall 2022, Central Virginia Horse Rescue aided Spotsylvania County and the Virginia State Task Force in the seizure of eight horses from a property where they had not had food or water for at least the two weeks prior to the seizure. The urgency of removing the horses increased the longer they lived in the unseasonably warmer weather, and CVHR was requested to aide in the seizure of the horses that remained alive on the property.

It was 130 days before all the appeals were exhausted, and CVHR received ownership of the horses from the county, 130 days of care of which most of the cost of care fell directly on CVHR and its donors. The total cost of care calculated using the average daily cost of care per equine for each horse amounted to $2,484.30. This care was made possible with support from the Aune Sturdy Animal Protection Fund of The Community Foundation.

When an investigation begins into a neglect and cruelty of an equine, most counties do not have the facilities to house an animal of that size, and in this case, there were numerous horses that were in varying degrees of health.

The horses were transported to the CVHR farm where they were given a full examination by the CVHR vet, Dr. Kate Moga. The horses were found to be stressed ,malnourished and clinically dehydrated upon arrival. Three of the five mares were later determined to be pregnant including one senior mare who was not only underweight but at an age where foaling was high risk.

These horses were all initially saved from being sent to slaughter by unknowing people with the best of intentions who thought they were sending the horses to a happy retirement farm where they would be cared for and not made to suffer. It is doubly cruel to save a horse from slaughter only to send it to an uncertain future where it will be cruelly treated, neglected and starved.

We are grateful to those who support CVHR through donations and volunteerism in order to make this partnership with our local animal control divisions possible. In 2022, CVHR brought in a total of twenty-seven horses through cruelty, neglect and abandonment. This number is up from nine of these cases the previous year. Already in 2023, CVHR has aided local animal control divisions in the intake of nineteen horses who were neglected and treated cruelly.

Central Virginia Horse Rescue’s Soil and Water Conservation Project

Central Virginia Horse Rescue has been working with the team at Soil and Water Conservation and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality on a project that will have a long lasting impact on the environment and the health of the Rapidan River.

The total cost of this project is $117,672.95 making it a significantly large project that will be partially funded by Soil and Water Conservation and the Department of Environmental Quality.  Central Virginia Horse Rescue will need to raise one third of the total project cost making our share a total of $39,224.

What is the CVHR Soil and Water Conservation Project?

The CVHR Soil and Water Conservation Project is comprised of three different projects with each one having an impact on the environment allowing CVHR to be good stewards of the land and resources available.

The first project is the stream exclusion fencing that will fence off two streams that run through our pastures with water flowing into the Rapidan River.  As part of this project, CVHR will be putting up 1,920 feet of fencing that will be 50 feet from either side of the streams.  The fenced off area of the pastures will total approximately 2 acres.

The second project will install 5 automatic waterers into our 7 pastures providing constant clean drinking water for the horses in those fields while providing CVHR the ability to conserve water across the farm.

The third project will provide management for pasture grazing and ensure that the fields are maintained adequately each year through soil testing, spraying and fertilizing.

Why is this project so important to the environment?

Historically, it has been found that the farm that CVHR now inhabits has a history of producing large amounts of e. coli that are flowing from the streams in our pastures to the Rapidan River.  The area of the river adjacent to our property is a popular recreational area for kayaking and fishing enthusiasts who travel to the area to enjoy these sports.  Additionally, the Rapidan River is a tributary river to the Rappahannock which is a Chesapeake Bay watershed.

CVHR is one of the 104,000 farms located within the watershed area. These farms combined are estimated to produce 42% of the Nitrogen load, 58% of the Phosphorus load, and 58% of the sediment load in the Chesapeake Bay. Due to the overwhelming concentration of these three materials, the Chesapeake Bay is a hypoxic zone. More information on this can be found at the Conservation Partners LLC website.

By fencing off the two streams running through our pasture, we will lesson the negative impact that the CVHR farm has on the Rapidan River and thus also lessoning the impact on the Chesapeake Bay.

The installation of the automatic water troughs will significantly reduce the amount of water that is consumed through daily farm operations. On average, CVHR uses approximately 1,000 – 1,500 gallons of water a day! By installing the automatic water troughs, we anticipate that our farm’s total water consumption will be reduced by nearly 75%. The automatic water troughs will still be cleaned daily but will not require the dumping and cleaning of 200 gallon tanks across our 7 pasture fields.

Your contribution to the project will provide sustainability to the Central Virginia Horse Rescue farm and prevent further contamination of the Rapidan River by the CVHR rescue farm.

Jack’s Story: From Starvation to Adoption

Jack is the second of our June 2022 seizure horses to have found his home! Jack, then a stallion, came to CVHR in June after being starved and after 238 days we finally had authorization to geld him and find him a home. Jack had little to no handling experience before arriving with Team CVHR and it would be months before he was healthy enough for our trainers to do any extensive work with him

Jack at Intake

While Jack’s case made it’s way through the courts, the CVHR team spent time focused on his rehabilitation and ground training.

It was 338 days before CVHR received the news that the judge had ordered the horses surrendered to the county and ownership was thus transferred to CVHR. Upon hearing that news, we made the appointment to have Jack gelded in hopes that he would find a loving home that would finish out his training and provide him the care that he lacked in the early part of his life.

Jack found his forever home 352 days after arriving in the care of Central Virginia Horse Rescue in June of 2022.

Jack’s Total Cost of Care: $8,514.32