Famous blind Corolla wild horse dies at the age of 40

COROLLA, Currituck County — A beloved member of the Corolla wild horse community has died at the age of 40.

Officials with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund say Amadeo, who was blind, started to get increasingly stiff in his rear legs and hips several weeks ago and had begun to slow down significantly.

They had been working with a vet to manage his pain and arthritis but despite their best efforts officials say he fell on Friday night and was unable to get back up.

“His 40-year-old body just couldn't keep up with him anymore, and he died quickly and peacefully, and on his own terms,” they added.

Amadeo was buried in his pasture on Saturday.

“Amadeo was the king of the beach, and the heart and soul of CWHF,” said a Facebook post, “His legacy will go down in history. He spent more than 20 years in the wild and leaves behind many offspring who will carry on his Banker genes. And once he was rescued, he touched so many lives as an outreach ambassador. Amadeo was one of the kindest, smartest, toughest horses any of us ever knew. He loved children and was endlessly gentle and patient with them, and despite his blindness he trusted those of us who cared for him implicitly. Being a part of his life was an honor that we will always cherish.”