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Seven years ago, an 11-year-old registered Belgian mare named Fezziwig Tulip and her sire, Fezziwig Pom Parkins (known as Ruby and Pom, respectively) found themselves in a difficult situation. After the death of their young owner, the horses were left in the care of her parents; soon, the financial burden became overwhelming, and difficult decisions had to be made. Fortunately, both animals were taken in by Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, which provides both lifetime sanctuary to horses at risk and equine experiential learning and outreach opportunities to individuals, groups, and organizations.

Nearly 150 veterans and their families benefit annually from the unique program offerings at Lucky Orphans. The organization’s Equine Assisted Services program is comprised of wholly unmounted activities; in fact, the equine participants are typically at liberty, and are left free to choose how much and in what manner they wish to engage with participants. Lucky Orphans’ structured, experiential, and hands-on approach gives participants the space to analyze, make connections, and find their own solutions. Trained facilitators assist clients in processing each session, based on the belief that when given an opportunity and the right support, every individual has the ability to identify the best solution for themselves.

Ruby soon found a particular niche within Lucky Orphans’ veterans programs. Her impressive size, combined with her calming, kind energy, gives Ruby the innate ability to put people at ease. Veterans seem especially drawn to this “gentle giant,” whose presence and patient spirit offers a safe space where they sometimes begin to feel comfortable enough to open up.

Gorden, a US Marine Corps veteran, has spent most of his life in emotional turmoil. Childhood difficulties, years spent in war-torn African countries, and multiple combat deployments to Iraq left him struggling to find peace. But despite therapy and countless coping techniques, the storm in his mind never fully settled. That all changed when he met Ruby.

“Ruby didn’t get along with other horses, and I was warned that she might bite people too,” said Gorden. “Undeterred, I told her, “You can bite me if you want, but we’re going to be friends.” Over time, Ruby and I formed a bond. Despite her initial nips, she began approaching me at the paddock fence, letting me pet her.”

One day, Gorden was invited into her paddock, and the mare came right over.

“Soon, she would come as soon as I called her, allowing me to give her belly rubs and press my cheek against her,” he continued. “In those moments, the chaos in my head would vanish, and I’d feel a peace I hadn’t experienced in years. Ruby gave me the gift of calm. Our connection showed me that healing can come from the most unexpected places, and for the first time in a long time, I found the quiet I had been searching for.”

Ruby teaches veterans to appreciate the little things; for her, a good belly rub or someone gently braiding her mane are simple but meaningful activities that serve to cement a bond of love and care.

Judd, a veteran with PTSD, met Ruby at his first session with Lucky Orphans.

“She immediately eased my initial apprehension with her calm nature,” said Judd. “Though awkward at first, [I was] encouraged [to try] engaging activities, like kicking a beach ball with Ruby while chatting. Eventually, Ruby’s father Pom joined, and I found myself feeling surprisingly at ease.”

After several sessions spent working with Ruby, Judd was able to begin to address a lifetime of challenging experiences that had left him feeling lonely and disconnected.

“Progress was gradual but undeniable,” said Judd. “Ruby started greeting me upon arrival, often stopping whatever she was doing to come over. This growing bond helped me open up and feel safe, allowing me to confront feelings I’d buried for years. Ruby felt more like a friend than just a therapy animal, and the impact she had on my mental health was profound.”

Since beginning to spend time with Ruby, Judd has reconnected with family and feels like an engaged part of a community. He describes the experience as being “transformative.”

Ruby has made a profound impact through her work in Lucky Orphans’ veterans programs. She listens as veterans share their stories, while offering a comforting, nonjudgmental presence that supports their healing journey. Ruby is more than a therapeutic partner - she’s a trusted friend.