During our visit to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s rescue facility on Saturday, we met Amadeo. I remember his story from the CWHF Facebook page a couple of years ago. It’s an amazing one.
This is Amadeo as a wild stallion on the beaches of Corolla. I did not take this photo; it’s on the CWHF FB page.
Corolla Wild Horse Fund photo
One evening in the spring of 2013, a local resident saw a horse running into the ocean. Although the horses DO go into the ocean, this man knew that something was wrong. The water temperature was too cold, and the horse was running at full speed into the water. The CWHF folks, as well as Corolla Ocean Rescue and Carova Fire and Rescue were called.
The horse (yes, it was Amadeo) was struggling, but finally was able to get footing on a sandbar. Miraculously, the CWHF and ocean rescue folks were able to get him to shore and into a trailer. Amadeo is an “aged stallion”, and the CWHF volunteers soon learned that he has very limited, if any, eyesight due to a fight with another stallion.
But, because of their excellent care, Amadeo is now doing well and living the good life at their rescue facility.
We were introduced to him by this fine gentleman, Mike Gaulding. Mike is the farrier who cares for the horses at the facility and travels to the beach if one of the wild Corolla horses is in need of his services.
Mike told us how much Amadeo loves neck scratches, then went in his paddock to give us a demonstration. It’s obvious there’s a special bond between the two of them.
Soon, my horse-loving friend, Donna, had coaxed Amadeo over to the fence, so she could give him some love.
I tell you, the two of us were like little girls around all those horses.
We’re so happy that, thanks to so many caring people, Amadeo’s story has a happy ending. And knowing what a tragic ending that story could have had, meeting him in person was….just….special.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
Amadeo was lucky someone saw him run into the ocean that day – bless his heart – he probably had no idea where he was headed until it was almost too late to do anything about it………..I know you girls had a lot of fun meeting all the very special horses including Amadeo.
Pam
Loving this recap of your awesome day – those horses are really special and it is nice to know that there is a place just as special caring for them.
SPECIAL stories all around and what FUN!!!! The CWHF really does an amazing job.
A wonderful happy story.
Oh, what a wonderful story Dianna. I wish I was there.
Oh that is such a great story and I love that you are able to see some of these beauties and interact with them. I can’t wait for the day when I get to meet face to face and see some of the great areas that you share with us on your blog. 🙂
Amadeo looks thrilled to have all the attention. Great things being done by CWHF!
A great part two!
– & again: you can tell the staff there knows what they’re doing & love the animals they work with …
I so agree with Marshall. The CWHF must have a great staff to help all these horses the way they do. Thanks for sharing these wonderful stories!
I do enjoy hearing your stories about the wild horses. It’s wonderful that they can roam free by the sea. It’s also wonderful that caring people look out for them when they are in danger.
I am so glad you were able to find a picture of him in his prime, running free. I imagine very few stallions get to retire. Much less a sweet incapacitated blind stallion. Yet there he was, brave enough to be coaxed to the fence to be rubbed. Once again a testament to the care and love they are given at this facility. What a sweetie he was! This was such a wonderful day!
I have not been posting much but wanted you to know how much I am loving this series!
Barb (Nellie’s Mommy)
I agree Mike and Amadeo have a special friendship. So glad they were able to rescue him.
A happy ending! He must have been terrified… 😦