Serenity Equine Rescue is for the Horses
Written by Emerson Leger | Photos by Sherri Holdridge
Doing what’s best for the horses is what Serenity Equine Rescue lives by. Located in Leesburg, the center was founded in 2022 by Kyra Campbell and her dad, Joe Campbell. Kyra says the vision started when she met a horse named Bernie.
Kyra grew up in Loudoun County and in high school, became very sick. Her mother suggested she try equine therapy, such as riding lessons. Kyra has always been an animal person, so she thought she’d give it a try.
“I loved a challenge and I loved figuring out what I can do best for an animal. As I got more into riding, I kind of fell in love with horses,” she recalls.
When she was 18, she met Bernie. “Then I was like, this is how I can apply my love for animals, my love for rehabilitation, supporting animals, and my passion for doing what’s best.”
That led Kyra to form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit: Serenity Equine Rescue. Since founding, they have rescued eight horses. The center is run on the Campbells’ property, and even with the limited space, they try to help as many horses as possible. They collaborate with other properties in the area to home more horses and work with a vet to make sure the health of every horse is properly addressed.
“I loved a challenge and I loved figuring out what I can do best for an animal. As I got more into riding, I kind of fell in love with horses.” –Campbell
Serenity’s process is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehouse. However, some horses cannot be rehoused due to age, an illness, or special emotional or physical needs. There are currently three horses that are part of the center’s sanctuary program. The Campbells believe horses deserve the best care, whether they’re in the prime of their life or at the end. With the center’s compassionate end-of-life care, they and a vet make sure horses are pain-free during their final days, providing a haven for horses that aren’t able to be adopted.
One of their rescue stories is a mini mule named Moe, who is now a sanctuary resident. When he was surrendered to the center, he was feral and didn’t like to be around people. In the past couple months, with the constant support of the equine center, his personality has blossomed as he’s learned to trust. “There are countless hours that my father and I have just sat outside and interacted with the other horses. He watched us interact with the other horses and he’s seen how trusting they are. And then he slowly interacted with us,” Kyra explains of Moe’s progress.
A common problem for the horses they have taken in is the need to gain weight. When a horse first arrives, it usually needs vaccinations as well, so it is quarantined before it enters the herd. The center also works with a farrier for any corrective shoeing a horse might need. On top of that, all horses see a dentist and a vet.
This process of getting a horse ready for adoption, Kyra explains, is not a quick one. It takes at least 90 days and can last up to two years. “Our top priority is ensuring that when our horses are adopted, they’re not going to return either to unsafe conditions or to a kill pen or an auction.”
When a horse is ready for adoption, the center runs a background check on the potential owner, asks for references, and schedules 30-, 60-, and 90-day check-ins. “I’m a very morally and ethically driven person,” Kyra says, “so doing what is best for the animal has always been [at the] center” of her mission.
“Our top priority is ensuring that when our horses are adopted, they’re not going to return either to unsafe conditions or to a kill pen or an auction.” –Campbell
Serenity Equine Rescue’s aid extends to the community as a whole — helping humans, too. For aging owners, the Campbells make sure they have the resources they need to surrender their animals when they are no longer able to care for them.
Additionally, they’ve organized an equine feed bank. If owners aren’t able to afford equine feed, the center works with them to provide feed for 90 days. “A lot of people that reach out about that service are either facing job transitions or substantial life changes, but they still want to have their animals — they just need support temporarily,” Kyra says.
Looking ahead, the center is focused on building partnerships within the community, fundraising money for the horses, and continuing to work on the individual goals set for each horse. Serenity Equine Rescue will host a fundraiser, Ponies, Pigments & Pinot, on September 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Walsh Family Wine in Purcellville.
For Kyra, her dad, and everyone on the board, the horses always remain their top focus. “[The] reward of seeing how happy and comfortable the animals become is the thing we all seek out and what keeps us coming back,” she says. ML
Published in the September 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.