Joe Kahlo
Meet Champ, a wild stallion who has demonstrated how compassionate and selfless some animals can be.
He lives in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona and this is where the remarkable incident occurred, luckily for us, it was captured by a Park Service Volunteer named Becky Standridge.
“Champ and his family were grazing along the banks of the Salt River when another group of horses appeared on the opposite bank.”
“Among the other group were two playful colts.”
“Champ and his family became interested in the other horses.”
“Champ and a few of the horses began crossing the river to greet the other horses, when suddenly the river’s current forced a young filly under the water.”
“She was pulled under the water and came to the surface in a panic!”
“Champ swam over to her and tried to grab the filly by the side of her neck but he was unable to get a hold of her.”
“The filly began to be swept downstream by the current. But Champ did not give up.”
“Champ broke from the group and swam after her.”
“This time he was able to grab her by the back of her neck.”
“He held her gently and did not let go until she was safely back onshore.”
“Once on the river bank, the relieved filly headed straight to her mother.”
“Champ continued on to see the other horses.”
“He met with the stallion of the other group and the two horses greeted each other with mutual respect.”
“Afterwards, Champ returned to his family and the herd continued on their way.”
