The Near Side: This Week in Horses – October 16, 2015

Hello and happy Friday, everyone! Here’s what’s been happening in the horse world this week.

• A young rider in Michigan who is hospitalized for a rare form of arthritis got a surprise visit from the barn. Some of her equestrian teammates showed up at the hospital with a pair of ponies to cheer her up.
• If you have a minute, take some time to read the full story of Rocky, a horse who was hit by a car after he was believed to be abandoned on the side of the road. So many kind-hearted people have worked together for Rocky’s rescue and recovery. It’ll make you feel good about humanity.
• A horse named Orchid, who was believed her caretakers at Remus Horse Sanctuary to be the world’s oldest-living horse, died this week. Remus was also home to Shayne, a horse said to be 51 years old at the time of his death and believed to be the previous record holder. If this seems like a strange coincidence, bear in mind that these ages are estimates.
• Another incredible rescue, this time of a Shire cross who was saved from drowning after he got stuck in a bog. Check out the incredible photos from the Western Morning News.
• Does your horse need a little extra space? Do you have some extra pocket change? This 500,000-acre ranch in Texas could be yours for a mere $725 million.
• The nearly month-long All-American Quarter Horse Congress is taking place right now in Ohio, and it has something for pretty much any horse lover. This year, the show has added a division for riders with disabilities.

That’s it for this week. Have a good weekend!

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Leslie Potter is Sr. Associate Web Editor of horseillustrated.com. Follow her on Twitter: @LeslieInLex.