A critically ill newborn colt has inspired a community fundraising effort. The young horse has been receiving care at Bend Equine Medical Center since May 13 for complications related to being malnourished and dehydrated including persistent pneumonia, swelling in his hind legs as well as having six broken ribs. So far, his treatment has exceeded $10,000 in veterinary costs.
3 Sisters Equine Refuge rescued the colt from the Warm Springs reservation and transported him in the backseat of a truck. The animal flailed, accidentally giving a volunteer a fat lip. He was affectionately named Rocky Balboa. 3 Sisters Equine founder Cyndia Davis told the Source that she isn’t sure what happened to its mother which is common in rescue situations. “He had gone without proper nutrition and care for far too long. He’s fighting for his life — and for every orphan foal who will need us next,” she said.
A fundraiser is being held on June 3 at Rimrock Taphouse in Redmond to help pay for Rocky’s care and ensure the nonprofit can continue rescuing future orphaned foals. During the event, 50% of all Black Hat Texas BBQ sales will be donated. There will be a 50/50 raffle as well as a silent auction, live music and a signature cocktail appropriately named “The Little Fighter.”
“This community has always shown up for horses in need,” Davis says. “Rocky’s fight is inspiring people across the country — and we hope his story will help us build a sustainable fund for 2026 and beyond, so we never have to say no to an orphan foal.”
Over the weekend, Rocky reached a milestone in his recovery. An update posted on the 3 Sisters Equine Facebook page shared video of the foal being introduced to a mare who had recently lost her newborn. Davis wrote that at first, Rocky was unsure, but with a veterinarian’s help, he eventually latched on and nursed until he was full.
3 Sisters Equine Refuge is an all volunteer, all donation-driven organization that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes at-risk horses with a special focus on orphaned foals. The nonprofit provides emergency response, care and community education to help ensure that each horse has a chance at a safe and healthy life.
Davis says Rocky is doing better but not out of the woods yet. He’s still fighting pneumonia, but getting the best possible care.
2026 Orphan Foal Fundraiser
Wednesday, June 3, 4-7pm
Rimrock Taphouse
845 SW 17th St #301, Redmond
3sistersequine.org/
This article appears in the Source May 28, 2026.
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