RUBY

 

“The Lion(ess) Sleeps Tonight”

Did you know that chestnut mares have a reputation for being hot and hard to handle? While that is certainly not ALWAYS true, there are many that remind you of the adage! Ruby was one of those mares when she arrived, all fiery and independent and mistrustful of humans. A big red Quarter Horse mare, Ruby had grown up with just her mother, an Appaloosa mare, without training from humans or other horses. When they needed help after the passing of their owner, Rosemary Farm was able to make room.

The pair were welcomed and training began. Ruby's mother, Rosebud, used to be a riding horse and was happy to connect to other horses and humans. Together they joined a herd, which was an astounding change for Ruby, who had never even seen another horse. It took time for her to adjust, but each made their own friends. Rosebud loved riding, and was able to return to it easily, and was later adopted into a loving home. Ruby, however, was just starting her training and was already in her teens, which is very late for a horse. It was an eventful journey that tested the trainers' skills, but for Ruby's sake, it was a success.

What all horses need, but especially a horse like Ruby, is to be able to trust in the strength, protection, and leadership of their human guardians. While difficult to obtain, once earned, this is a very solid foundation for love. In her late teens, Ruby is now a calm and content member of the Rosemary Farm family and tends to connect to horses that look like her. She served as one of the guardians of The Princess Yanaha as she grew up, with her devoted older beau General Snowplow helping. Since his passing in 2020, Ruby has rejoined the main herd and enjoys running the mountain with Bowie, Tyler or Christine, all good friends.

If Ruby has spoken to your heart, please consider providing for her care. You can feed her today or sponsor her with a monthly contribution — it’s easy (and a great gift idea)!

Ruby is:

• a chestnut Quarter Horse and Appaloosa cross mare
• welcomed to The Sanctuary in June 2014
• a member of Molly & Finn’s Herd
• a permanent herd member, seeking Sponsorship
fun fact; those in attendance at the first Navajo Blessing at Rosemary Farm were witness to a unique exchange, as other horses helped to bring Ruby to the sacred fire, where the healer helped her release energy. It's still talked about!