SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100
Check Out Our Coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event!

Featured Video: Stallion Helps Filly Across a River

ChampChamp
A wild horse does everything in his power to ensure a filly is safe. Screenshot via Becky Standridge/YouTube             


A herd of wild horses were residing at the Tonto National Forest in Arizona in 2012. They were grazing along the Salt River bank when another herd of wild horses came to graze on the opposite bank. As they do, youngsters in that herd began to play, sparking the interest of Champ, one of the stallions. He and others in his herd began crossing the river to get a better look. The current was strong, however, and it forced one of the fillies into the water near Champ, pulling her underwater briefly.



She panicked, and Champ appeared to go to her rescue, doing his best to grab her to pull her up. At first he couldn’t get a grip. The filly was swept downstream, but that did not end Champ’s attempts at saving her. He went after her, grabbed her by the back of the neck and helped her back to the bank, ensuring her safety. Watch:



 

Cari Jorgensen

Cari Jorgensen is a web content specialist who is also an adjunct professor of English at Santa Ana College.

View Comments

Recent Posts

2025 FEI Basel World Cup Finals Hands Reins to Fort Worth 2026

As U.S. athletes look back on valuable experience gained at the 2025 FEI World Cup Finals in Switzerland, the next…

2 days ago

How to Clean a Horse’s Sheath

If you’ve never cleaned a horse’s sheath, you probably have questions. First and foremost, is it really necessary? And more…

3 days ago

All Three Equestrian Sports Receive Final Confirmation for the LA 2028 Olympic Games

After a nail-biting two years of speculation about the inclusion of equestrian sports in the next Olympic Games, it was…

4 days ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Xanthus

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

4 days ago

Be Your Horse’s Joint Health Champion

Equine arthritis can affect horses of all disciplines and ages, and early intervention is crucial for maintaining comfort and performance.…

4 days ago

Tamie Smith: Taking It To The Next Level

Mother, grandmother, and winning 5* eventing rider—these three titles don’t typically go together. However, Tamie Smith, 49, is all of…

5 days ago