Let's Make a Difference

At Dominion Equine Welfare, we believe every horse deserves a second chance at a safe and loving home. We are committed to providing compassionate care, advocating for responsible ownership, and educating the community on equine welfare.

JOIN THE MISSION

100% of your donation goes to the horses and our programs.

Take Part in Something Great

The mission of Dominion Equine Welfare – an all-volunteer organization - is to ensure the welfare of equine, both domestic and wild, through direct action, education, advocacy and strategic collaboration.

Within our mission are the following goals:

Provide for equine under our direct care
Education through community events
Find solutions for at-risk equines
Promote responsible horse ownership, from birth to death
Provide support to individual horse owners in the Commonwealth of Virginia

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SUCCESS STORIES

OUR STORY

From Passion to Purpose

Dominion Equine Welfare began in 2012 when three individuals from different backgrounds connected through a shared passion for protecting horses and ending horse slaughter. What started as a grassroots advocacy effort quickly grew into something more.

Maria, a dedicated equine advocate since 2006, left the corporate world to focus full-time on horse rescue and education. Alongside her were Tim and Terri, both retired from veterinary medicine, who brought deep knowledge and compassion to the mission. (Terri later stepped away from the organization in 2014.)

Together, they began by educating legislators and the public, advocating for stronger equine protections and better policies. Their consistent presence in local offices, state houses, and on Capitol Hill helped build momentum for change.

In 2014, Dominion Equine Welfare officially became a nonprofit. Since then, the organization has expanded its focus to include community outreach, rescue work, and support for horse owners—always guided by the belief that every horse deserves respect, compassion, and a chance at a safe future.

Our Core Values

Responsibility
Our foremost commitment is to the horses directly in our care. We take this responsibility seriously, ensuring their safety, health, and overall well-being remain our top priority.

Education
We believe in the power of education to create lasting change. Through community engagement and outreach, we share knowledge, encourage responsible ownership, and inspire others to become advocates for equine welfare.

Lifelong Stewardship
Responsible horse ownership is a lifelong commitment—from birth through to end-of-life care. We promote compassionate and informed decision-making at every stage of a horse’s life.

Collaboration
We recognize the strength in partnerships. By working with other organizations, sharing resources, and exchanging best practices, we can make a greater impact and extend support to more horses and horse owners in need.

Integrity
We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability. We are committed to continuous improvement, learning from our experiences, and upholding the trust placed in us by our supporters and the community.