Update on Ruby Treasure - and power of HHO

JanetGeorge

JanetGeorge

Well-Known Member
Joined
25 June 2001
Messages
7,006
Location
Shropshire/Worcs. borders
www.horseandhound.co.uk
For those who didn't see this story from the start, Ruby Treasure made her first appearance on HHO when a former owner tried to track her down!

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=420710

And she was spotted advertised for sale in poor condition.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=482444

Ruby now belongs to Equine Market Watch - thanks to the kind support of members of this forum and my own forum - and has been with me for just over 2 months, being rehabbed! It's been a long road. She was in very poor body condition, with no muscle at all. She was lame in all 4 feet as a result of some pretty savage foot trimming which led to bad stone bruising. Her teeth were "like the Alps!" (to quote my vet)- and her digestive system was shot to hell!

She had a Panacur 5 day, her teeth were done, we started Keratexing her feet, and - of course - feeding her. For weeks, everything she ate went straight through in a hurry and her droppings remained runny and acidic-smelling. She was rugged up - stabled at night and turned out by day - initially she just mooched around, picking at a bit of grass or haylage, but showing NO interest in her near neighbours.

She was distrustful, hard to handle her feet, and downright miserable! Her feet didn't grow - after 8 weeks, there was not enough to need trimming - and he tail - which had been 'levelled off', hadn't grown at all. Her coat was dull and scurfy (and :whispers: she had teensy lodgers!)

At long last, we've turned the corner and although she still has a long way to go, she is at last fit to photograph!! She's happier in herself, her coat has improved, and if the weigh tape is to be believed she's put on about 80 kg! She now trots up the field when turned out, and chats with her buddy over the fence - has even been seen to volunteer a canter and a buck!:D

Ruby%20Treasure%20009.JPG


We haven't attempted to start work with her - she needs to be a lot stronger and healthier and we have doubts about whether a ridden career is likely in the future (she showed 'behavioural problems' in a past home.) So we might be trying to find a nice companion home for her (on an EMW Loan agreement) - or she might go to the EMW Sanctuary when space is available.

But she's safe - and will stay safe - thanks to EMW and a lot of kind supporters!
 
She's been a lucky lucky girl. Well done to you, Janet and EMW and to all those who helped to get her to where she is now.
 
What a lovely update and she certainly looks like she is finally on the mend just shows you how long an abused malnourished horse can take to improve and how difficult it is, not just a simple job of just feeding still looks like ruby landed on her feet this time she is with the experts well done jg and emw
 
What a lovely update! Ruby is lucky to have found you, Janet and you are doing a great job with her. 80kg is a LOT of extra food you have been stuffing down her! Great news indeed. Well done everyone who pulled together and donated for Ruby. Heart-warming stuff!
 
Fantastic work :)

Do you have a 'before' piccy JG? Obviously her ad is no longer on t'internet so would be good to see just what a great job you've done!
 
Brownmare said:
Wow that is one hell of an improvement in 2 months! Can I ask what you have been feeding her?
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As much good haylage as she would eat - and 4 small feeds a day of Graze-on and Bailey's Number 4 - with a dash of Soya Oil. I had to be very careful at first - even haylage made her scour - but now her system has adapted to food she should start to really pile the weight on.
 
Oh Janet...What a happy ending. You have worked wonders with her. What a lucky girl to have found you. Christmas came early for RT xxxx
 
JanetGeorge said:
As much good haylage as she would eat - and 4 small feeds a day of Graze-on and Bailey's Number 4 - with a dash of Soya Oil. I had to be very careful at first - even haylage made her scour - but now her system has adapted to food she should start to really pile the weight on.
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Thanks :) I have a project tb who needs to gain some weight so I will try this. Calm and condition isn't doing much for him so far :(
 
Brownmare said:
Thanks :) I have a project tb who needs to gain some weight so I will try this. Calm and condition isn't doing much for him so far :(
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You have to be patient. You also have to check your eyes aren't deceiving you! I was very disappointed by how little weight Ruby had put on (distrusting the weigh tape!) It wasn't until I pulled out the pic of how she WAS that I realised she was actually doing rather well - although there's still a long way to go!
 
Wow, she's looking so much better. Massive well done to you for all your hard work :).

Couldn't help but notice you said you're keratexing her hooves, just thought I'd mention that keratex has formaldehyde in, and isn't the best thing to put on hooves, as there's evidence to suggest it can leech through the hoof capsule and damage the pedal bone.
 
JanetGeorge said:
You have to be patient. You also have to check your eyes aren't deceiving you! I was very disappointed by how little weight Ruby had put on (distrusting the weigh tape!) It wasn't until I pulled out the pic of how she WAS that I realised she was actually doing rather well - although there's still a long way to go!
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Very true. There is definitely a bit more curve on his bum that wasn't there before and his pot belly is shrinking :) but on the other hand the weigh tape is showing no gain :confused:

Sorry to hijack your thread, I think you are doing a wonderful thing for Ruby x
 
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