VIOLET
“Queen of the Mules”
Violet Ruth Beaujolais is not, in fact, a mule. Rumored to be an adult "sport horse" when she was rescued from the kill pens, she was actually a young Percheron, not even fully grown, and at that awkward stage where her head was her largest feature. Sport horses are considered to be more valuable, so she was described as such in order to get more money for her.
She was rescued in the spring of 2010, with a large group of sick horses, including the palomino gelding Remy, who is still a close friends of hers. It took time for that group of horses to get well. Her full Percheron body followed later, a deep dark grey when she was young! Violet is a very pale grey color today, almost white, and it is common for many grey horses to turn pure white with age.
Initially, Violet hung out with other draft horses at Rosemary Farm, and then she moved pastures within the campus, and met the senior mule Alice. The beauty Alice was a classic dark bay mule, and there is just something about mules and draft horses that goes together like peanut butter and jelly. It may be due to a long heritage shared working alongside humans, or some special common language that is different than other horses, but whatever it is, it’s a strong, instinctive bond. Violet appointed herself as Alice’s guardian, and they were side by side for years, until Alice crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2024.
Early in Violet’s time here, she did experience some serious illness, but with the help of great vet care, she lived through it. This care is part of the promise to all Rosemary Farm horses. Violet was also one of many who had a foster to adopt contract, but without success, and she is ensconced now with her friends. Violet has the honor of being the first, and the longest Staydopted Equine at the Sanctuary, a beautiful distinction for a beautiful mare. In fact, her middle name, “Ruth” was added to honor the memory of the mother of her Staydopter. And now, in addition to her horse crew, Vi has a group of mules that are devoted to her, including Junebug, Madeline, and Popcorn Charlie. They are often found in the Medical Wing, either in the heat of midday, or the cold of a winter’s night, and are an excellent group to spend time with. Ask to meet Violet when you visit!