Idylwood Farm Equine Sanctuary

10/21/2026

Sometimes Belle gets her species mixed up. 🐶🐾

10/01/2026

We said goodbye to Rey yesterday. She was eleven years old and was with us for all but the first six or so months. She came to us with her mother and three others from a donkey rescue in southwest Virginia. They had been running wild on an abandoned farm for years. Despite having battled serious hoof issues for half her life Rey was always a sweetheart who took all her treatments in stride. She took a turn for the worst two weeks ago and we made the hard decision to give her peace. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jay Joyce for his compassionate help for Rey's peaceful crossing of the Rainbow Bridge. She leaves a huge empty place in our barn and in our hearts.
Rest Easy Little Friend

09/05/2026

Lerix left us suddenly early this morning. The cards were stacked against him for a long time but he stayed a sweet good natured horse. He had unsuccessful surgery for an injury years ago and was retired to a farm across the mountain. He lived there for 10 years on pasture and hay because he would choke on feed due to a throat defect. The cancer took his caretaker and the farm was being sold, leaving Lerix homeless. A nice lady in Long Island reached out to us desperate to find him a home. We look him in and although he looked fine when he arrived we noticed some worrisome issues. He tested positive for EPM. He probably had it for years and the stress of moving turned it loose. Later he tested positive for leptospirosis and has been undergoing treatment for both ever since. We figured out he could have feed without choking if we made it soup. Lerix was only 22, middle aged by our standards and although we only knew him for 13 months to the day, I am happy that he got to eat lots of nice feed and treats in his last months. He was also quite fond of cut up apples.
Rest Easy Old Friend

08/05/2026

Hard to see, but Jona and Paulie at the end of the rainbow

07/16/2026

Shayna says you scratch my belly, I'll scratch Solo

07/03/2026

Despite our best efforts, Fantasy left us suddenly today. I think this heat wave was just too much for her at 29. She was a sweetheart. She'd just stand untied for a clip, for the vet, for the farrier. We will miss her, as will her buddy, Jona.
Rest Easy, Old Friend.

07/02/2026

With the heat wave, Fantasy was getting miserable. Cora Swain to the rescue!

06/04/2026

Lerix came to the sanctuary after his caretaker passed away, and the farm he lived at for many years was sold. It was discovered that he contracted EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis) which attacks his nervous system. The meds for him are extremely expensive. We could use your help in the purchase of more meds for this sweet boy.

Thank you from the Idylwood Farm family and Lerix! ❤️🐴

https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-idylwood-farms-mission?attribution_id=sl%3A9d58e6d4-9e3b-44a5-9884-0cbec17bc5e3&lang=en_US&ts=1780564918&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp17_tb-amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwT01FWASOy5ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6oiyjdyfSBIyAlguy0b5sUEc9KROynpWSrmVKZ2RTNvRbA_sVpYJFkUrX3TQ_aem_3GwN50iwcDJwpIkreN3QQg

Lerix has had a tumultuous life. He was an eventer, retired years ago due to unsuccessful surgery for a… Rusty Russell needs your support for Lerix needs help

06/03/2026

05/06/2026

Enola and Rey doing a little mutual grooming. Enola's convinced Rey is her baby.