We rely on our compassionate SAFE community members to help us provide for the horses in our program. Today, we need your help more than ever.

On Thursday evening, working with local Law Enforcement, we took in a young mare in serious trouble. Her BCS was a frightening 1/9, she was suffering from parasite overload, and on top of all that…she was pregnant. We were heartbroken for this young mare and made the decision to go over our cap to assist law enforcement with this very desperate situation.

When I went to pick her up on Thursday evening, she was alert but definitely weak. She stumbled badly getting on the trailer, nearly falling to her knees. After transporting her directly to the rehabilitation specialists at Northwest Equine Stewardship Center, she refused to unload from the trailer. It was as if she were saying, “I can’t possibly do this”. It took two of us to quite literally push her out of the trailer. We settled her into a comfortable stall and told her she was safe.

Dr. Hannah Mueller started treating her immediately, assessing her condition and prescribing the appropriate re-feeding diet. The young mare was sweet and docile and seemed to enjoy the attention. We named her Ruby. And we felt the baby kicking inside her. In her severely emaciated state, it was difficult to imagine a baby inside her. It was both sad and hopeful.

We were waiting to get her blood test results back and have a better feel for her prognosis before sharing the news of her intake and her pregnancy. We hoped that we would have a month or two to improve Ruby’s condition prior to delivery. Unfortunately, that was not to be the case. Sunday morning at 1am, she gave birth to a beautiful bay filly with a star and four white socks. The delivery was very difficult, Ruby was too weak to push and Dr. Hannah had to assist in delivering the foal. The foal was not breathing well; in a strange twist of fate…there was oxygen available nearby. The foal was stabilized but was too weak to stand.

Ruby is only 3 years old. Still a baby herself. She doesn’t seem to have an interest in the foal, and she has no milk. Even if she did, in her current state it would be challenging for her to provide sustenance for a newborn baby when she is battling for her own recovery. The foal received a plasma transfusion and we are currently in search of a nurse mare to give this baby a chance. A potential nurse mare has been located in Vancouver, WA and we are trying to make the necessary arrangements to move her to Monroe.

As I write this, the foal is resting, Ruby is eating, and the sun is shining. I want to believe we can turn this tragedy into a miracle with a happy outcome for both of these innocent victims. Already the veterinary bills are piling up, estimates are they will run in the neighborhood of $3000. Acquiring a nurse mare will involve transport and boarding costs. We want our new arrival to have every reasonable opportunity for a healthy, happy life. If you can help, please make a donation today. SAFE, Ruby, and our Unexpected Arrival will sincerely appreciate your kindness. Please keep all of us in your thoughts…the coming days and weeks are sure to be challenging.

UPDATE: It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the foal has passed away. She fought hard, and we fought hard, but it wasn’t enough. Mama Ruby is still hanging in by a whisper and we are fighting for her as well. More details later. Thanks for all of the love and good thoughts you’ve surrounded our sweet girls with today.

Ruby, BCS 1/9

Ruby, eager for dinner

Our new arrival