Beloved Rescue Horse, Ruby, Dies While Pulling Carriage In Frankenmuth

FRANKENMUTH, MI — A beloved rescue horse died while pulling a carriage in Frankenmuth last weekend, its owners said.

"It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our beloved horse, Ruby, who left us suddenly today," H&H Acres and Carriage Service said on social media.

Police said Ruby was pulling a carriage on Frankenmuth's Covered Bridge around 4:30 p.m. last Saturday when she suffered a sudden medical emergency and collapsed. They said she died at the scene.

The carriage driver was not hurt, and no one was in the buggy, police said.

Medical officials at Michigan State University will perform a necropsy to determine what happened to Ruby, the carriage company said.

"There was no suffering — she left us surrounded by those who loved her most," the carriage company said. "While words cannot express our heartbreak, we take comfort in knowing she experienced a life full of love, peace, and kindness in her final months."

Company officials said Ruby was rescued from a kill pen just before she was to be sent to slaughter. They said she had indentations on her head where a halter had been left on too long and that she was terrified of people.

"She wouldn’t take treats or allow much affection," company officials said.

Over time, however, company officials said Ruby began to trust people again, especially children. She received "treats, soft brushes, and love from all who met her," they said.

The carriage company said its horses’ well-being is their top priority, and "every dollar earned goes back into caring for our horses — providing quality feed, veterinary care, and comfortable lives."