RUBY
Welcomed to the Sanctuary — June 2014
Across the Rainbow Bridge — May 2026
“The Lion(ess) Sleeps Tonight”
Today, we bid the gentlest of goodbyes to our saucy firebrand Ruby, treated with that same gentleness all of her 12 years as part of the Rosemary Farm family. A senior now, plagued with issues, it was time.
Ruby was welcomed with her mother, almost half her life ago, all fiery and independent and mistrustful of humans. A big red Quarter Horse cross, 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.
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 had been a riding horse and was happy to connect to other horses and humans, which led to her adoption 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 all our skills, but for Ruby's sake, we persevered.
Ruby tended to connect to horses that look like her. She served as one of the guardians of The Princess Yanaha as she grew up, like the older sister who dares the younger one to break the rules. And Ruby found her “big love” with the handsome and devoted older beau, General Snowplow. Together for years, they were a formidable pair, and his loss in 2020 left a hole that she never quite filled.
She was a presence and going forward will leave a space we will notice… but we are proud of all of the years shepherding and caring for her, unconditionally.
Happy trails dear Ruby, hope you and Plow reunite where the grass is forever green.