Ruby and Molly
We are thrilled to announce that Molly, Ruby’s long-time favorite volunteer, has decided to formally adopt Ruby!
Ruby came to Hanaeleh in December of 2015. Her owner was losing her ranch and had no money to purchase feed, so all of the horses on the ranch were malnourished. Ruby was a retired racehorse and had been a broodmare, but she lost her foal due to malnutrition. Several other rescues took the other horses from the ranch, but no one wanted Ruby as she was an untrained Thoroughbred who appeared slightly lame.
Hanaeleh was able to take Ruby, and we gave her the nutrition she needed. Her lameness was just bruising, as she has thin soles, and we learned that she stayed sound as long as we worked her in boots. We started her under saddle, training her as if she were a completely untrained horse, and she learned very quickly. She never once bucked or reared, and even her spooks under saddle were relatively mild.
We thought someone would quickly adopt Ruby, but everyone who contacted us wanted her for jumping. Because of her conformation, we didn’t think jumping would be a good discipline for her, and our vet and farrier agreed that she would remain sound as long as she was worked on the flat or trail, but not if we started jumping her. So, Ruby has spent most of her time at Hanaeleh hanging out with Tamahome when we weren’t working her.
Molly started volunteering at Hanaeleh in 2019, and, after working with several other horses, asked if she could work exclusively with Ruby. We started them together slowly, making sure it was a good fit. Ruby seemed to really take to Molly and they formed a special bond. Eventually Molly was one of the only people besides Elizabeth to work with Ruby!
Molly has worked closely with Elizabeth, learning how to continue Ruby’s training under saddle in the arena and on trail. She also learned some of the massage techniques from our favorite massage therapist, Lisa from Five Star Equine, that she practices on Ruby regularly.
We are so excited for Molly and Ruby! We wish them lots of wonderful adventures and happy memories to come!