Corolla Wild Horse Fund announces the passing of Flint, a legend who lived long

By Submitted Story on October 23, 2024

Last photo of Flint in the wild. (Credit Corolla Wild Horse Fund)

(Corolla Wild Horse Fund)

On Thursday, Oct 17 when our herd management team located Flint to check on him, he was noticeably more listless than he had been the last time he was seen, had increased drainage coming from both nostrils, and an odor that was indicative of a tooth infection. This is not something a horse his age, in his condition, can survive without intervention, especially going into the winter. After consulting with our veterinarian, we decided to bring Flint to the farm for x-rays since there was still a chance that we could do something to take care of the infection and then give him a safe “retirement” for the rest of his days.

(If you missed our first post about Flint you can read it here: https://www.facebook.com/corollawildhorses.org/posts/931410095687407)

The following day we were able to catch Flint and bring him to our farm. We administered antibiotics and painkillers, and he spent the weekend happily eating the grass that had been growing in our medical paddock all summer (much softer and easier for him to chew than hay or the rough forage in the wild). He really enjoyed getting scratches around his ears, eating as many sweet, ripe persimmons as we’d give him, and resting his old body in the sun.

On Monday our vet came over to examine him, and x-rays indicated that he had no functional teeth left—they were all cracked, broken, or entirely missing. He was also suffering from a severe sinus infection and had packed organic material where the missing teeth had been, along with inspissated purulent material. There was really nothing left to fix inside his mouth, and any attempts to do so would have just caused more damage and discomfort. Based on the state of his teeth, along with other physical characteristics, we determined he was at least in his late 30s. At that point there was no question that the best thing for Flint would be to help him pass safely and peacefully.

Flint was laid to rest in a quiet spot in the woods at the farm, next to his son Danny.

Flint, after 40 years of life on this beach, has become a legend now too. His story certainly did not die with him; it lives on in his countless offspring and the mark he left on the herd, and in the memories of him that we will share for many, many years to come. Rest well, Flint. It was truly an honor.

To learn more about Corolla Wild Horse Fund or to donate visit their website and follow them on Facebook.