Animals are full of surprises. The best of which is finding out how compassionate, kind, and selfless they are when it comes to protecting their own kind.
Champ, a wild horse living in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, was grazing by the banks of Salt River when a young filly in his group got herself into trouble. The brave stallion immediately came to her rescue. Lucky for us, Becky Standridge, a Park Service volunteer, was there to capture the remarkable moment.
“Champ and his family were grazing along the banks of the Salt River when another group of horses appeared on the opposite bank.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“Among the other group were two playful colts.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“Champ and his family became interested in the other horses.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“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.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“She was pulled under the water and came to the surface in a panic!”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“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.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“The filly began to be swept downstream by the current. But Champ did not give up.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“Champ broke from the group and swam after her.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“This time he was able to grab her by the back of her neck.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“He held her gently and and did not let go until she was safely back on shore.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“Once on the river bank, the relieved filly headed straight to her mother.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“Champ continued on to see the other horses.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“He met with the stallion of the other group and the two horses greeted each other with mutual respect.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy
“Afterwards, Champ returned to his family and the herd continued on their way.”
Photo: Becky Standridge │ via reshareworthy