Virginia Thoroughbred Project
Virginia Thoroughbred Project, which has 39 horses, was recently accredited by the TAA.
Services: Sanctuary, Rehabilitation, Adoption
Location: Montpelier Station, VA
Founded: 2019
Website: virginiathoroughbredproject.org
Social: 
Average Number of Thoroughbreds: 40
When the farm was initially established at James Madison’s Montpelier in November 2003, it was one of many farms managed by a large, national rescue for off-the-track Thoroughbred horses.
It continued under the auspices of that organization until December 2019 when it separated from the group to become the Virginia Thoroughbred Project (VTP), an independent entity dedicated to the care of Thoroughbred horses specifically in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In March of 2020, VTP was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit, thus enabling donors to make financial contributions that may be exempt from taxes. In October 2021, the organization became accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
Currently, VTP has 35 retired Thoroughbred horses on 150 beautiful rolling acres at Montpelier near Orange, VA. All of these horses were adopted from the founding organization in 2019 and all are sanctuary horses. In other words, they are no longer able to be considered for serious equine endeavors. All receive exceptional care and are checked daily by our professional equine farm manager. Regular veterinary, farrier, and dental care are provided when necessary. Many of these horses are featured on our website and may be sponsored. A few are suitable for adoption as companion animals as they are pasture sound only. Anyone interested should contact us.
Although our current herd is sanctuary horses, VTP’s mission includes retraining horses for post racing careers and adoption and we are hoping to bring in some candidates for retraining this year. Additionally, VTP recognizes the value that our horses and facility can add to the community, particularly with local youth. VTP is in the process of working with local youth groups to develop an educational program.
Please call us if you wish to visit so that we can make certain that our farm manager or a board member is there to assist you and answer your questions. As of November 2021, the main gate at the Montpelier estate is open Thursdays through Mondays, so keep in mind that we can only make appointments on those days.
