Broken Horses Healing Broken Kids in Colorado

Once upon a time in January, 2010, there was a 6 year old plain sorrel grade mare in a kill pen. She was the last one standing. Charis Youth Ranch was in its infancy then and its Founder, Tracy, saw her and thought she looked an awful lot like the trusty 4-H mare of her youth. Same star, same snip on the nose. Through the group effort of some caring folks, Molly was saved. After a lengthy trip, Molly arrived to the ranch on a very windy and snowy day. She was settled into her warm stall and her life at Charis Youth Ranch began. She would be safe forever. 

It was discovered early on, that though Molly had received some good foundational training, she was still quite green. Our Founder, Tracy, took her for some rides in the mountains to get to know her and she was wonderful; always willing to do what was asked of her. Unfortunately, though, it was determined that she had a breathing problem and couldnt really sustain strenuous work. After several vet visits and tests, it was determined that she was compromised in her breathing. Whether it was asthma or something else, could never be fully determined. It is likely why she was dumped in that kill pen. Molly would be able to do light work and would be perfect in the kids' programs. 

Here at the ranch, we value our horses for who they are and not what they can do and she was assimilated into our youth programs according to her abilities. Through the years, she came to be a valued and cherished partner to many children as she was always gentle and tolerant of their kid-like ways. A more tried and true loyal horse could not be found. 

As Molly aged, she developed arthritis in her knees. The volunteers did their best to keep her comfortable and she was. She could be seen running and playing the last few years with Trigger, another of our OG rescues, living on a beautiful property filled with lush fields and green trees. Just a few months ago, Molly tragically and unexpectedly developed a massive and terrible abscess in her hoof and despite all of our care and efforts, we could not quell the inflammation inside her foot. Her coffin bone rotated and we could not stop it. After six or more weeks of trying our hearts out along with our Farrier and Vet, we could not bring a halt to what was happening. Despite being in great pain (even on pain meds day and night) Molly was always kind and good. The outcome looked bleak and we could no longer allow her to suffer. We had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go. We cannot tell you how many prayers were said, how many hugs and kisses were given, hoping against hope, that she would pull through. 

On her last day, after it was over, Tracy sat with Molly for a long time, stroking her ears and petting that soft muzzle, thanking her for her sixteen years of service to the kids who so needed her and to the volunteers who adored her. Hers was a very worthy rescue. She was worth it all. It was a very sad day and another chapter in the story of Charis Youth Ranch completed. The Unsinkable Molly Brown was twenty two years old. 

This is the hard and heartbreaking part of loving the horses in our care. At the ranch, we are dedicated to our horses for life. We will care for them and love them until it is time for them to go home and we are able to see them again one day.