Rio

Rio's Story

At 24 years old,

Rio carries with him a lifetime of loyalty and service as the last of Jim’s beloved horses used for western re-enactments. For years, he stood as a steady and faithful partner, but as Jim, now 83, steps away from training horses, Rio’s story has entered a new and tender chapter. That chapter began with a frightening accident when hidden wire buried in the ground became wrapped around Rio’s leg, trapping him where he stood. When Jim realized in the morning that Rio had not moved, he rushed to help and was able to free him—but Rio had suffered a painful leg injury.

Jim called Cathy, and I came right away to examine Rio and help find emergency veterinary care. It was an anxious and uncertain time—the local vet Jim relied on had just been in an accident and was on the way to the hospital, leaving very few options. Because of Jim’s remote location, we searched for anyone who could help and finally found the only available veterinarian, who was returning from Reno, Nevada. It would still be several hours before help could arrive, but Rio was not alone.

While we waited, we did everything we could to keep Rio comfortable, including giving him pain relief and staying by his side. When the veterinarian finally arrived, the news brought a measure of relief: although the injury was significant, the damage was limited to skin and some muscle, and his tendons had been spared. Rio would need devoted daily care and regular leg wrapping to heal properly. We were honored to offer Jim a solution and welcomed Rio to our barn, where he could receive the careful rehabilitation and attention he needed.

During Rio’s rehabilitation, Jim’s wife Cathy shared a quiet concern that had been weighing on her heart: as Rio had grown older, the other horses in his herd had begun pushing him away from his food, and he was starting to lose weight. With time, nourishment, and gentle care, Rio has now gained that weight back and is doing well. His story is one of endurance, compassion, and second chances—a reminder that even after hardship, healing is possible. Today, Rio is not only recovering; he is being given the comfort, dignity, and love he deserves in this new season of his life.