People love horses and ponies.
Ever since horses were first domesticated in 3500 BC in Southern Russia and Kazakhstan, humans and horses have shared a special relationship. Horses allowed humans to travel farther and transport goods.
Today, horses are more than beasts of burden.
People and horses form close friendships and have special connections with each other.
These beautiful animals are even used in mental health therapy and can provide physical and emotional benefits to children with disabilities.
This beautiful video shows just how special the relationship between a person and a pony can be.
Shepard, a little boy, and Odie, the pony, have formed a relationship as close as any siblings can have.
In the morning, Odie will come from the pasture and visit Shepard’s bedroom window to see him. Shepard happily greets and even kisses him on the head, like a real brother would.
Sweet Mercies Rescue Ranch rescued Odie by buying him at an auction. This non-profit organization is run by Shepard’s mom Mariah and focuses on rescuing horses and dogs.
Six months before this video was taken, Odie was an injured pony.
His back legs had locked up, and his knees were no longer bending. To walk, he had to swing his legs to the side. Despite this, children were still riding him, which made his legs even worse.
The minute Shepard met him, he was concerned for Odie.
He even told Odie, “We’ll take nice care of you. His tummy needs to fill up with some grass.”
“It was a hard past for him to be ridden in the conditions he was in,” Mariah told the Dodo.
Because of his experience with children in the past, they weren’t sure if Odie would like kids. Fortunately, Shepard happily showed his love to Odie.
He would brush his hair and pet him.
Shepard also walked him and went exploring with him around their ranch. They clicked well together. Fortunately, Odie began loving him back too.
Soon, Odie’s condition improved. He gained weight, and his strength returned.
His injured back legs also fully recovered, and he could run around the ranch at full speed with other ponies.
After three months, Odie’s vet gave the go-signal to start riding him again. Of course, Shepard was his first rider.
“Shepard really helped Odie come back to life and realize that people can be kind and loving,” Mariah shared.
Thanks to Shepard, Odie learned to trust and love people again.
We love the work Sweet Mercies Rescue Ranch is doing, and many people have also shown their appreciation for their work.
Many horses, ponies, and dogs have been rescued and are now living better lives because of the ranch’s hard work.
This video has been viewed over five million times!
“What a wonderful loving story. They are such good friends, and you can see what love and kindness can do. I’m so happy for them both. A blessing and so heartwarming,” one comment said.
Another netizen shared, “Thank you so much for rescuing Odie and for giving him a beautiful life with a beautiful little kid.”
Watch the heartwarming video of Odie and Shepard below!
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