Estate planning for our horses can be a difficult topic to ponder, but it is essential. All too often we see equines falling through the cracks when an owner dies, left with family members unfamiliar with horse care and responsibilities who take the easy solution of selling at auction, unaware of the dangerous consequences.

The story of our latest herd addition, Gonandunit, illustrates what happens to horses when there is no plan in place.

In the early afternoon of September 2022, the Virginia Thoroughbred Project was contacted about a Virginia-bred mare in New York that was scheduled to go on the Unadilla auction block that evening. Former racehorse Gonandunit (aka Noni) was foaled in 2008 and had 25 starts with $12,037 in winnings. It was believed that she had been a broodmare after her last race in 2014. Noni and 43 other Thoroughbreds found themselves at Unadilla – a very far cry from the Keeneland September Sale she was sold at as a yearling – as a result of an estate battle between the deceased owner’s family and previous partner. From what is known, Noni and the others received minimal care for the past three years.

Gonandunit in quarantine after the Unadilla auction.

Once word got out about the horses, a village of wonderful people in New York and Virginia hit the ground running to try to locate potential safe buyers and homes. Upon being informed that Gonandunit would be going on the auction block at 7pm, our board members had only six hours to arrange a safe quarantine situation, veterinary care, and transportation to Virginia once she was out of quarantine. It was a scramble to say the least, but with the help of a network of dedicated individuals, a suitable place for quarantine was found. We were able to bid on Noni, going up against a known meat buyer.

Thankfully, we were able to secure the purchase of the mare and save her from certain death by slaughter.

After the auction, Noni spent a month at a New York farm; at the end of her quarantine period, we shipped her to VTP and finally got to meet our girl. While we gave her veterinary, dental and hoof care, we noted that she had a very sweet disposition. We immediately knew Noni would fit in perfectly at her VTP sanctuary home, or better yet at an adoptive home as an equine companion.

Sure enough, Noni’s good luck continued and she was adopted in mid-January.

While we love happy endings, we don’t want any horse’s fate left to chance. Noni’s story could have just as easily been a tragic one without the actions and resources of a group of compassionate people.

We urge everyone to create a formal, legal plan for their horses’ and animals’ ownership and care upon death.

VTP board president Sally Hamlin with Gonandunit.

Gonandunit with her adopters at VTP.