Rocky

Arrival Date:  October 15, 2022

Farewell Date: July 17, 2026

 

Rocky, an American Quarter Horse, arrived at the ranch on Oct. 15, 2022.  At the time he was a twenty-two-year-old gelding.  We had been approached by the Remiatte Foundation.  Another rescue that the Remiatte Foundation also supports, Hearts and Hands Animal Rescue, Inc., had rescued two horses in August of 2022.  While the younger mare found an adoptive home, this twenty-two-year-old gelding was in need of a sanctuary placement. The Remiatte Foundation asked us to help.

We were told that Rocky lived with the same family for twenty years. He traveled all over the west coast and Arizona on trail rides.  In spite of two decades as part of the family, he was emaciated when he was rescued.  He still had a lot of weight to regain when he arrived in our care.

Dr. Harlan of ECLAP, diagnosed Rocky with pastern arthritis in his rear legs.  We also suspected Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH). As EOTRH progresses, the roots of the incisors start to resorb, basically dissolving.  Several of his incisors were loose and were extracted by Dr. Harlan.  Fortunately, he is a very good eater in spite of his dental issues and his weight has improved dramatically in his time with us.

We wish Rocky's family of twenty years had provided for him during his golden years.  Horse ownership is a lifelong commitment, and Rocky deserved far better care than the neglect he received.

While we were happy to provide Rocky with the feed and veterinary care he needed, the greatest gift we gave Rocky was his girlfriend, Margie. These two were inseparable and spent endless hours, side by side.

 

Farewell Date: July 17, 2026

On Friday, July 17, 2026 we were working with Dr. Rivett in the burro area next to Rocky’s corral. We were just finishing up when Rocky laid down very dramatically. Dr. Rivett immediately helped us get him up and administered sedation for a complete examination. Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that Rocky had suffered a twisted intestine. We are so fortunate that Dr. Rivett was on-site to diagnosis Rocky and prevent him from suffering.

While Dr. Rivett may have been technically correct in saying that Rocky suffered a twisted gut, all of us agreed that Rocky died of a broken heart. Clearly, a week, to the day, was as long as he was willing to stay behind without his girl Margie who passed on July 10, 2026. As much as our hearts ached to say goodbye, we know without a doubt that Rocky ran full speed across the Rainbow Bridge to reunite with Margie.