
a second chance...
Honoring the legacy of the Friesian breed through rescue, rehabilitation, and relationship.
EIN# 33-1575010
Our Mission
Friesian Legacies operates as a non-profit (501c3) based in Lexington Virginia. Friesian Legacy Rescue is dedicated to the compassionate care of abused, neglected and retired Friesian horses who are no longer able to be ridden, driven, jumped, shown, or bred due to specific injury, disease, neurological damage, and old age.
The Rescue
In recent years, an increasing number of Friesians have found themselves in unsafe and neglectful situations. This extraordinary breed requires specialized care to address a range of potential genetic disorders. At our rescue, our skilled team is able to meet the unique needs of Friesians. Every donation directly supports their healing journey - from rehabilitation and nutrition to medical treatments and the peaceful pastures they call home - one horse at a time.
The Sanctuary
Once a rescue or retiree arrives, they don't just find safety - they find family. With a lifespan that can stretch 20 years or more, these gentle souls deserve a soft place to land, where love is constant and care unwavering. Your support helps write a final chapter filled with peace, dignity, and the quiet joy of finding their forever home.
Support the Legacy
Each of our horses carries a story - of strength, survival, and quiet resilience. Every gift goes directly towards their care: essential medical & hoof care, quality feed & supplements. Whether you offer a one-time donation, opt for the monthly membership or host a fundraiser through our event space, Legacy Charity Events, your generosity becomes part of their healing journey.
Membership Tiers
Platinum Member
$200/mo
Covers Vet, Farrier, Dental, Hay & Feed
Gold Member
$150/mo
Covers Vet, Farrier, Hay & Feed
Bronze Member
$100/mo
Covers Vet & Farrier
Silver Member
$50/mo
Covers Feed & Hay
Economy
$25/mo
Economy support
Base
$10/mo
Base support
Rewrite a Story…
Meet Our Residents
Be a part of the Legacy! Your support makes a real and lasting impact on the ongoing care and upkeep Friesian Horses require.
-
Our founding Fresian.
In 2015, I rescued my first Friesian, Vonder P - Our Founding Friesian. He was 200 pounds underweight and deeply stressed, confined to tight quarters at a boarding facility in Northern Virginia.But everything changed the day he arrived at our 22 acre - rolling hills, open pastures, and quiet skies. the moment his hooves touched the grass we both knew - this was his forever home. From that day on, he became my heart horse, and I became his heart human. He followed me everywhere and I attended him as he needed. I had him fully vetted and made sure he had everything he needed to thrive. With time and care, his weight increased, and so did his spirits. His anxious habits faded. We all fell in love with Vonder, and he, in turn, fell in love with his new family.
Vonder was already 16 when he came to us, and with Friesians typically living into their early 20's, I knew each day was a gift. I threw myself into learning everything I could about the breed so I could give him the happiest, healthiest life possible. Once he regained his strength, we began to ride. He was gentle with children, slowing his pace and lowering his head. With me, he rose to every challenge - ring work, trail rides, lessons. He carried us with care, always attuned to who was on his back.
Before every ride, I'd whisper to him: "You will always have a home with me Vonder P. I will always take care of you." And I believe he heard me, because he would carry me with pride.
Then came a warmish January day in 2021. I was driving down the lane and saw him lying down in the pasture. I knew something was wrong. I ran to him - he was sweating, eyes wide with pain. They looked at me as if to say, "Help me, Please."
I called the vet immediately and kept him walking until help arrived. The diagnosis was what I had feared: Colic. Despite our efforts - pain meds, walking, comfort - it became clear we were losing him. He was blowing through his pain meds every 15 minutes. He was suffering, and the kindest thing we could do was to put him down. We gathered around him, stroking his head, whispering how much we loved him. And then, in the place he had come to call home, he lay down one last time - peacefully, in the open pasture of his forever home.
We placed a headstone to mark where he rests, and we still visit him often. He was 22
A connection with a Friesian is unlike any other. They say "Friesian Dreams" It's True!
-
Aike came to me in 2008, a quiet casualty of divorce and neglect. He had been misplaced for sometime. He was so emotionally shut down, he couldn't even meet my gaze. Stoic and distant, he carried the weight of abandonment in his eyes - eyes that spoke of a deep longing and years without connection. His body bore the marks of neglect: a large hay belly emphasized his swayed back, a physical echo of the emotional strain he had endured. But we began the slow work of healing. Through months of equine massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and gentle conditioning, Aike began to change. His body softened. His eyes grew brighter. He started to look less empty and more like himself.
With quiet dignity, Aike assumed the role of the silent King - overseeing the fields, the hills, and the Friesian herd. He never asserted his leadership out loud, but it was understood by all. His presence carried weight, and the others followed his calm lead. Still it took nearly three years before Aike truly let me in. Earning his trust was not quick - it was sacred. And when that connection finally came, it was unmistakable.
Today, Aike is Friesian Legacy Rescue's steady soul - our "Steady Eddy." Every time I walk to the barn, I am greeted with his soft nicker and a warm neck hug. That's how he says Thank You. And every time, my heart answers "You're home now."Aikers came to me in 2018 as a victim of divorce and neglect. He was so disassociated from me, he couldn’t even look me in the eyes. So stoic. I could see the pain in his eyes from the emotional abuse. He had a huge hay belly accentuating his swayed back. After several months of Equine massage, acupressure, chiropractic and light conditioning, Aike was looking and feeling much better. He became the silent king overlooking his new land and keeper of the Friesian herd. His new herd position was unspoken but known by all. It still took me 3 years to emotionally connect with Aike and earn his trust. He is now my steady eddy. Every time I walk out to the barn, I get a nicker and a neck hug.
-
Armani, lovingly called "Mani," came to us in the summer of 2023 from another rescue. He had been surrendered as he entered early retirement. Before that, Mani had spent his days as a lesson horse, often asked to jump despite his congenital condition known as "over the knee," which affected his front right leg. With that condition, he should have never been asked to jump. Thankfully, he arrived in good shape, a testament to the quality care he received at the previous rescue. He came to us with a bag of feed and on daily pain medication. We slowly began trying natural and herbal alternatives - and to our joy, Mani was eventually able to come off the meds completely. Now he thrives in his forever Friesian pastures, content and pain free.
Around the farm, Mani has become our gentle watchman. We affectionately call him Whiskers, our quiet farm lookout. . You'll often find him standing at the edge of the hill, gazing over the mountain range in his regal, statue-like pose. As if he is watching over all of us- grateful, grounded, and home.
There's stillness in him that speaks of wisdom. And in that stillness, there's peace.
-
Thane is our newest arrival, joining us in the summer of 2024. In his ten years, he hadn't been handled much, nor had he spent much time with other horses. Still, he was loved and cared for by his previous owner as best as they could. Thane came to us after the rented farm where he lived was sold. When he arrived, his feet were badly calloused, his coat was severely sun bleached, and he was nearly 100 pounds underweight. He had little training, poor ground manners, and didn't quite know how to be a horse among horses. But the moment I met him, something clicked. He joined up with me instantly - and me with him. He follows me everywhere now, and he's always the first to greet me at the gate.
Though quiet and stoic, Thane is deeply intelligent and a wonderful listener. After his third hood trim and three months of care, the farrier finally gave him the green light to begin his training: groundwork, manners, and learning to respect the space of both horse and humans.
Around the barn, we call him the "Jester." He's full of silly antics and playful shenanigans that keep us laughing daily. Thane is ready to learn, grow, and most of all - he's ready for a job and a purpose. Beneath his calm eyes is a sensitive, intelligent soul, we recently discovered that he is suffering from ulcers, something all too common in horses who hold their stress inside. A result of long term stress in stoic horses who carry more than they show. Together, we can show Thane - and others like him - that love doesn't end with rescue. It begins there!
Meet Our Team
At the heart of Friesian Legacy Rescue is a small but deeply dedicated team with a shared mission: to give every Friesian a safe, gentle, and loving place to land. From daily hands-on care to behind-the-scenes logistics, we pour our energy into creating a sanctuary where these magnificent horses can truly thrive.
-
Executive Director & FounderKim began her Friesian Dreams in 2015 with her heart horse, Vonder P. She rescued him from a difficult situation where he was 200lbs under weight and a cribber. Once he landed softly on the grounds of her farm, Peony Hill, he gained weight and stopped cribbing! He clearly appreciated his glorious pastures and his appreciation for Kim was immeasurable. From this moment on, she knew that her mission was to form a Friesian rescue! Currently, Kim oversees day-to-day operations, coordinates fundraisers and works with donor relations for Friesian Legacy Rescue.
-
Development DirectorCarolyn manages the technical and administration sides of the rescue. In addition to assisting with media, marketing, events and fundraising, she is behind the scenes to ensure smooth transitions and organization within the rescue.
FAQs
-
Friesian Legacy does not provide riding experiences. But if you request a grooming session when booking your Friesian Experience, we will be happy to accommodate. You must sign a waiver form prior to your grooming session. If you find you adore this experience as much as we do, please inquire about volunteering.
-
Absolutely! Our Friesians are hams for photo ops. We are happy to take photos of you with the Friesians too.
-
Please call (540) 460-6400 as soon as possible if you are running late. If you find you will be more than 15 mins late, we will need to reschedule your Friesian Experience Tour.
-
Friesian Experience Tours will be canceled in the event of inclement weather
-
Each of our Friesians is on a special diet. Your guide can share with you which Friesian can or cannot have snacks. Carrots are always the safest low sugary snack.

make a difference...
I made a promise to him [our first Friesian rescue] at his burial site that I would save more Friesians like him in his honor. Hence, Friesian Legacy Rescue was founded in 2024 in honor of our founding Friesian, Vonder P. God rest his soul.
— Kimberly Osborne, Founder