Category: Deceased

Shadow was a big part of Ruby Ranch for 10 weeks. She came with severe neglect at a time in her life when she should have been pampered and loved after servicing her humans for many years. Shadow was an American Saddlebred/Arabian cross and displayed all of the personality, sensitivity and rambunctiousness that one would expect from such a magnificent breeding. She could not overcome the neglect issues and we were fortunate to recognize very quickly that her time on earth was coming to an end.

She was laid to rest on February 9th, 2012

We miss her demanding whinny and beautiful nature.

Maquinna was Portia’s foal, one of a large herd of Standardbred crosses who were starved. She was born small and weak and had aspirated fluid into her lungs. The placenta was severely infected.

Maquinna gave us small whinnies and feisty behaviors with her pinned ears and little trots as though she owned the world. She died peacefully during the wee hours of the morning barely 3 weeks old. She was precious and trusting and is now at peace.

Maggie was a big beautiful Belgian draft who found her home with Leslie, pulling a specially made cart to carry a wheelchair. Maggie passed away at her home with family around her at the age of almost 26.

Maggie was one of the first rescues by Ruby Ranch Horse Rescue. We remember her following our Ruby who accepted her as one of the herd. Maggie was the gentle giant that everyone loved. We grieve with Leslie for her loss.

Spot, Spottie, or Spotticus are just a few of the endearing names used for our herd clown, Spot. Spot came to Ruby Ranch in the summer of 2009. Although only three years old, he was lame from a failed knee surgery and had a triad of heart issues. Spot was instrumental in teaching Sky (another of RRHR’s horses) to be a horse. Poor Sky (aka Puppy) latched on to Spot and learned to relax and play and integrate with a herd. Spot taught our volunteer, Matt, some important lessons on paying attention while leading a horse.

Spot began to deteriorate just a few weeks before he was euthanized. The vet thinks he may have had a series of mini-strokes. It didn’t seem to matter to Spot, he continued to frolic, under strict supervision, and he had a gleam in his eye even on his last walk to his resting place. Spot was a gem and we are privileged to have provided him with a year’s worth of love and attention. He gave back so much more. May he rest in peace.

Tallula was humanely euthanized after she lost her valiant battle to overcome a massive infection that she was born with. She was foaled out of Juliet, one of the herd of starved and neglected Pintabians from Fremont County.

Tallula was the last foal to be born from this herd – she is sorely missed.

Lady is a 30+YO Arabian mare who came to RRHR in February, 2006. She was covered with a canvas winter blanket that was tied on with baling twine. Upon removal we found numerous infected sores on her body which was also covered with lice. She was over 100 lbs underweight which is a lot for a 14.1H petite mare.

The above picture is Lady, six months later. She had gained nearly 100 lbs. Lady has lost most of her teeth and now requires soaked beet and alfalfa pellets to maintain weight but she still enjoys grazing. She is an excellent companion horse for our weanlings and is often referred to as Grandma.

UPDATE: April 20, 2009 – Lady was laid to rest peacefully alongside her previous companions, Bond and Ruby. Although her spirit was willing, her body simply wanted to move on. Her living companion, Racer, kept her company through death and is displaying all the signs of missing his partner. We miss her too!

Bond, James Bond

Lady, watching over Bond

Bond was euthanized on May 16, 2008. With the onset of springtime, coupled with his young age and active mind, Bond pushed the limits of his already injured shoulder and could not recover from a pain cycle and lameness that ensued. He experienced a year of love and care at Ruby Ranch. We experienced Bond’s personality and engaging spirit – to be cherished for a long, long time.

Bond spent his last day soaking up the sun with his pal, Lady. His photograph is forever captured on the inside front cover of “The Forgotten Horses,” a pictorial study of rescue horses by Tony Stromberg.