Elegius Mini Equine Sanctuary

09/02/2026

Well, it’s Wee Wednesday for our Mini Monday post… but when you see these guys you will know we were a bit tied up on Monday.

Meet Octavian (the black) and Dusty. They were well loved little horses who were on our wait list to come to us for an about a year. We were able to pick them up on Monday. They are very sweet boys and we are looking forward to getting to know them. We will introduce each one to you in the coming weeks.

08/31/2026

Sharing for our friends at the VA Partnership for Horses/Direct Placement Program

Marco is registered Spotted Saddlehorse that loves trail riding. His owner needs to downsize, and is looking for a safe, loving home near Wytheville, VA where Marco can continue being doted on.

If you are interested in giving this handsome gelding a reliable forever home, you can find an application on his profile page: https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/48805208-glen-allen-virginia-horse

08/29/2026

We are way behind in posting our Mini Monday post… Will make up for it with some updates and special things to share about the minis. You’ll know we have been busy!

Some of this week’s highlights… see notes below each picture.

08/18/2026

Well, better late than never as never happened last week! 😞

Things have been very busy here at EMES. One of the reasons is Danica aka Danny (previously known as Daisy but with 2 other Daisies here and 3 former ones we thought to give her her own distinctive name. She seems to like and respond to Danny.) Isn’t she beautiful? A silver dapple Grullo, five years old. Danny has some fear aggression that we have been working on. She came in with her mom 3 weeks ago and was a bit of a kicker and biter. She is starting to respect space, not run over people and not be on high alert all of the time (but still is most of the time). We were able to get all of her vet work and half of her farrier work done yesterday with a little help to relax from Dr. Joe. He also did some desensitization work with her for her legs, which worked well on her front feet. The back will be a focus of training for a bit.

08/13/2026

We have been without land-line phone, internet, and cell phone service from yesterday around 1:30 until 12:30 today. When they were mowing along the roads yesterday VDOT cut the temporary line MGW installed two months ago when we lost all service (for 6 days that time). We were not surprised that this happened. The temporary line was strung all over both sides of the road (like even over bushes!). We knew it would happen. MGW just patched the temp line. 😞 So if you have been trying to contact us or the minis please try again in case your messages/calls never reached us. Thanks!

08/03/2026

Happy Monday Everyone!

For this week’s Mini Monday we want to brag a bit on Baby Lorie! Lorie has been proving herself to be one smart little cookie. She is mastering her skills at an amazing pace. At not quite 4 months old, Lorie is halter trained, leads nicely (including stopping and walking without verbal commands just following her handler’s lead), she wears a fly mask, stands calmly while tied and enjoys her grooming. She picks up all 4 hooves and allows their cleaning. She is tolerating wipe on fly spray. You can walk up to her in her paddock to catch her. We are just loving working with this filly.

07/30/2026

Help wanted!
The Elegius Mini Equine Sanctuary is looking to add two to three mature and reliable individuals to our part time paid employee staff. Hours are 9-12. Some additional afternoon hours could be available. Pick the day(s) you would like to work. Duties include help with feeding and grooming the minis, cleaning stalls and stable areas, help with organizing supplies, etc. No experience necessary. If interested, please DM, email us at [email protected] or call 540-396-4720 for more information.

07/29/2026

Sharing for our friends at Freedom and Wh***ey

⭐ Meet Star ⭐

Looking for a special horse to build a partnership with? Meet Star.🌟

Star is a beautiful young mare who has spent the past six months in professional training, where she has developed a solid foundation in groundwork, handling, and the early stages of her riding career. She has been started under saddle and is confidently walking and trotting with a rider in controlled environments.

Star is an intelligent, athletic mare who forms strong bonds with the people she trusts. She is looking for an experienced, patient horse person who enjoys developing a relationship and understands that every horse progresses at their own pace.

Like many sensitive horses, Star thrives with consistency, confidence, and routine. She can become anxious in new or highly stimulating environments and will benefit from an adopter who is willing to continue her training while helping her build confidence. Because of this, she is not suitable for a beginner or novice rider.

Star currently:

⭐ Leads well.
⭐ Lunges nicely.
⭐ Stands for grooming.
⭐ Loads and trailers well.
⭐ Has been started under saddle and is progressing at the walk and trot.
⭐ Has received six months of professional groundwork and handling.

Her ideal home is one that can provide:

⭐ An experienced, confident handler.
⭐ A consistent training program.
⭐ A calm environment where she can continue to mature.
⭐ Someone who appreciates the rewarding journey of helping a sensitive horse gain confidence.

We believe Star has the potential to become an exceptional partner for the right person. She simply needs someone willing to continue the investment already made in her training.

If you're looking for a rewarding project and believe you could be the right match for Star, we'd love to hear from you.

🎥Videos: http://www.youtube.com/ & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os8rBr4ld1s
📸Pictures: https://equinewelfaresociety.smugmug.com

07/29/2026

Well, it’s Wee Wednesday (rather than Mini Monday) this week as things have been crazy busy!

And one (actually 2) small reasons we have been busy are these two little cuties who came to EMES on Friday. Send a welcome to Moochie and Daisy! They are a 10year old mother and 5 year old daughter pair. We are looking forward to getting to know them and introducing them to you all.

If you have been considering adopting a mini horse please contact us. We have 31 minis in at the moment with folks calling every day looking for a place to send their minis they are not able to care for anymore. The need for spaces for unwanted horses (and all companion animals) to go to is great out there! It’s so hard to have to tell an owner in need that we have no room.