Hands-on program explores soil health, forage production, and grazing management for horse owners
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Rapidan Equine Sanctuary (RES), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing sanctuary to neglected equines while embracing the bond they share with humans, will host PastureWise Equine, a hands-on educational program for horse owners, barn managers, 4-H members, and equine enthusiasts, on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PastureWise Equine is designed to help horse owners understand how soil, forage, and horse management work together to create healthier horses and more sustainable farms. The Fredericksburg session is the third and final stop of a three-part series held across Virginia this year, following sessions at Hoge Farm Stables in Blacksburg on August 27 and Oakdale Equestrian Center in Powhatan on September 18.
The full-day program costs $20 per person, which includes lunch, and will cover three core areas:
· Plant Management — pasture evaluation and conservation practices horse owners can implement on their own farms
· Equine Management — equine nutrition fundamentals, how to evaluate hay, metabolic health, and body condition scoring
· Soil Management — soil health principles and management practices
Registration is open now at tinyurl.com/PastureWise. Questions can be directed to Mackenzie Gunn at [email protected] or 804-561-2481.
PastureWise Equine is supported by a grant through the Virginia Horse Industry Board (VHIB), with additional support from the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council.
Founded on a 40-acre property along the Spotsylvania-Culpeper County line, RES is 100% volunteer-run and distinguishes itself from traditional rescues by focusing on lifetime care rather than rehoming. RES is guided by five core values: Integrity, Courage, Compassion, Education, and Fun. Since beginning operations in March 2025, RES has provided sanctuary to 18 equines and is working with organizations like the Virginia Cooperative Extension to increase education on equine and land stewardship.
About Rapidan Equine Sanctuary
Rapidan Equine Sanctuary is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, providing sanctuary to neglected equines while embracing the bond they share with humans. RES is committed to compassionate care, responsible stewardship, and building meaningful connections between equines, people, communities, and the land. Learn more at rapidanequinesanctuary.org.