The Virginia Thoroughbred Project is deeply saddened by the loss of Peggy Augustus, VTP board member emeritus. Peggy served for many years on the board of Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Montpelier Farm, which became the Virginia Thoroughbred Project in 2019. Her loyalty and dedication were a constant motivation and asset to the founding and development of both programs.

Peggy’s accolades in Thoroughbred breeding and racing and in the hunter ring are legendary. As a successful owner and breeder, Peggy bred 48 stakes winners, and Eclipse Award winners Stella Wind and Johnny D. Peggy also had great success at the sales including selling of a yearling colt for $4 million. She is the only person in Saratoga history to breed five yearlings that went on to win over a million dollars.

Peggy was as successful in the world of horse showing as she was in Thoroughbred breeding and racing. Peggy’s achievements in the hunter world include major championships at National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden, Devon, Royal Winter Fair and Pennsylvania National Horse Show, to name a few.

Peggy Augustus (1932-2023) was a renowned Thoroughbred owner and breeder.

Peggy Augustus competing aboard Little Sailor in Washington D.C., 1959.

Peggy was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame, Virginia Horse Show Hall of fame and was named a Living Legend at the National Horse Show in 1996. Her most famous mount was Waiting Home, a Thoroughbred of course!

Peggy’s attributes that made her so special were many. She was loyal to her friends and employees, intelligent and witty. She did everything with class, integrity, and persistence. She was an exceptional businesswoman and horsewoman. But what also should be celebrated is her dedication to the wellbeing of animals; her loyalty to horses and dogs was especially admirable.

Peggy wanted to ensure that the horses she rode, bred and raced were cared for in retirement, and set an example for others to follow.

The Virginia Thoroughbred Project would not be here today if it were not for Peggy. The story goes that two of Peggy’s friends, Peter Bance and John Stewart, worked for the Estate of Paul Mellon which was a strong supporter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). The TRF suggested that Montpelier might be a suitable place for one of their satellite farms.

Although they did not think Montpelier would be interested in bringing horses back to the property, Peggy said “Leave it to me.” Upon Peggy’s suggestion, the Montpelier board was approached, and an agreement was struck for TRF to bring retired horses to Montpelier. She created the first board of directors in her kitchen, and although people came and went on the board through the years, Peggy was a constant presence. In 2019, the board, which included Peggy decided to adopt the horses from TRF and form the Virginia Thoroughbred Project, celebrating the unique history of Montpelier and Virginia.

Peggy served on the VTP board until her health would not allow. She was smart as a whip, witty, wise, and kind, which was obvious from her love of animals in need.

Not much would get past Peggy. At board meetings, when Peggy spoke, everyone listened. She was never without an opinion, and most of the time she was right. Although she had not actively participated the past two years, Peggy was still an integral part of VTP in spirit and provided occasional input.

Peggy also loved dogs and adopted many rescues, some with special needs.

It was a privilege and honor to work with Peggy through the years. To remember Peggy and her commitment and vision for bringing Thoroughbred aftercare to Montpelier, we are dedicating the black barn to Peggy’s memory. We will be forever indebted to her.