Orchid was thought to be the world’s oldest horse. Photo via Remus Horse Sanctuary/Facebook

In June 2014, Remus Horse Sanctuary in Ingatestone, Essex took in a mare who had been “badly beaten and starved of food,” according to BBC. After arriving at the rescue shelter, the mare, named Orchid, gained weight and strength. However, this month Orchid had to be euthanized after she couldn’t recover from colic, BBC reports.

Orchid was taken in by the rescue after living as a brood mare. Photo via Remus Horse Sanctuary/Facebook

Remus Horse Sanctuary founder Sue Burton told BBC that the decision to put down Orchid was a devastating one, but “we have to do what is right for the animals.”

Remus Horse Sanctuary celebrated Orchid’s birthday in January. Photo via Remus Horse Sanctuary/Facebook

There have been conflicting reports as to Orchid’s age, though the prevailing thought is that she was around 50 – quite a feat for horses. She was thought to be the world’s oldest horse.