Today, we’d like to introduce you to Erin Malia.
Hi Erin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a child, I was deeply drawn to animals; I always felt most at home with them. After an impactful high school experience volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled program, I decided to pursue a career where I could help others through horse-human interactions. I received my bachelor’s degree in social work, became a certified instructor in therapeutic riding, and spent 12 years in the therapeutic horsemanship industry. I loved the people I served and the horses who made the work possible.
Over time, however, it became clear to me that I was not aligned with this approach to using horses and left the industry to focus my efforts where horses and people could thrive together, not one at the expense of the other.
In 2017, with a small team and immense support from family and friends, we founded Ruby’s Home for Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. At Ruby’s, our mission is to improve the quality of life for horses in need and promote mutually beneficial experiences between people and horses.
Since 2017, we have built a unique Wellness with Horses program, where veterans and youth who have experienced trauma improve their personal well-being while learning about horses. We advocate for a horse-centered approach and recognize that, in putting horses’ needs first, we can grow in critical wellness areas such as awareness, mindfulness, empathy, confidence, critical thinking, and so much more. A distinguishing aspect of our program is that participants learn with horses that have also experienced trauma and find kinship in those connections.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Getting to this point has been anything but a smooth road! There is a steep learning curve in building a business, much less a nonprofit, and securing the funding to bring a mission to life. Building community around our organization is a continued area of growth and vital to the long-term sustainability of our impact.
On a personal note, I am someone who is continually growing, learning and changing. It can be overwhelming at times to see the forest for the trees, and to step forward with confidence even when you don’t yet see the path to your ultimate destination.
From the start of Ruby’s, my dream has been to create a community-centered facility where we can provide sanctuary to discarded horses, provide them with all that they need to thrive in a permanent home and bring community members in need of healing into that process. A place of peace, joy, and deep connections – with nature, with animals, and with each other. The resources needed to build and sustain such a facility are substantial.
To date, we have operated at a small private facility and are grateful to have been able to build our programs in this environment. I am eager to make the next big leap into our own space where we can truly create a long-lasting home for our mission, those we serve, and our community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the founder and Program Director of Ruby’s Home for Good. I create and implement impactful programs that bring mutual benefit to the horse and human participants by focusing on safety, trust, and understanding in relationships. I am passionate about recognizing horses as the beautiful animals that they are and not diminishing or compromising them to meet our human needs or desires. I believe that by prioritizing the well-being of the horse and learning to be a kind and gentle partner, we not only do right by the horse but also personally experience tremendous wellness benefits.
When I am not involved with Ruby’s, I have my own business where I work with horses and their owners to create healthy, thriving partnerships. I love educating people about horses and their needs, helping to create a thriving lifestyle for each horse, and seeing the joy that comes from caring relationships between people and horses. I most enjoy working with traumatized and misunderstood horses so that they can have better lives with their people.
What sets me apart is that I don’t see horses as beings meant to serve, compete, entertain, or even heal us. Horses are wonderful, noble animals that deserve to live as horses are designed to live. Any benefit we get from having them in our lives is secondary to our responsibility to do right by them.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Ruby’s Home for Good would not exist if it were not for the founding team that believed in our mission and the overwhelming support from family and friends. Our current team is working hard to ensure that Ruby’s is able to deliver impactful and sustainable programs to the benefit of people and horses well into the future.
On a personal note, my husband, parents, sisters, and extended family have been absolutely instrumental with their encouragement and support. The belief they have put in me, and this mission has carried me through all of the challenges along the way.
Pricing:
- $1500 Wellness with Horses course for veterans or youth
- $5,000 sponsor a horse for one year
- $180 Wellness class for veterans or youth
- Any and every donation makes a difference
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rubyshomeforgood.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyshomeforgood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rubyshomeforgood
