Rocky’s Next Chapter: Home! 🧡
- Rocky Balboa
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
A very important update from a much stronger (and slightly sassier) foal
Hi there! It’s me. Rocky. Last time we talked, I was still in the hospital…fighting, wobbling, and trying to figure out how to be a horse.
Now? I’m home at 3 Sisters.
But before I get to that…let's recap what's happened since you last heard from me.
May 29: I Was on the News!
So apparently, on May 29, I made it onto Central Oregon Daily News. Like…actual TV news.
They told my story - how I was rescued, how sick I was, and how everyone came together to help me fight. I don’t remember giving an interview…but as you can see from the video, I looked very brave and extremely handsome.
From tiny, struggling foal to local celebrity? I mean…I think I'm handling it pretty well.
June 3: You Threw Me a PARTY?!
Okay. I didn’t technically attend, but I heard about it.
And WOW.
At Rimrock Taphouse, so many of you showed up for me. There was a silent auction, so much support, and a whole lot of love. Black Hat Texas BBQ donated 50% of ALL their sales (and then sold out of everything… which feels iconic) and Rimrock pitched in proceeds from a beer named after me: Rocky’s Revenge.
Between the food, drinks, auction, and everyone showing up…it meant more than I can say.
And there’s more!
💥 There’s now a Rocky T-shirt! 💥
Which feels like a level of fame I was not prepared for.
Apparently, I’m officially “merch.” If you want to rock a Rocky shirt, you can buy them here! |  |
June 5: Freedom Day
After three weeks in the hospital, I finally did it.
I left Bend Equine Medical Center.
My final bill was $36,623.02.
(I still don’t know how many carrots that is, but it sounds like…a lot.)
I arrived there on May 13, in really bad shape:
Malnourished
Dehydrated
Weak
Fighting just to stay here
But everyone says one thing about me: I wanted to win.
Life at 3 Sisters - Learning to Be a Horse
When I got to the 3 Sisters ranch in Redmond, everything felt new. And a little scary. But also kind of amazing. Here are a few things I've discovered:
Dogs (Lil Man is my favorite…Dutchess disagrees)
Mash (I LOVE IT. This is not up for debate.)
Sunshine (excellent - I give it a 10/10)
Running (still figuring out the coordination part)
Love and scratches from 3S volunteers
Mama Dutchess is starting to let me wander just a little more. Not too far though. She’s still the boss.
These days, my schedule looks like:
Try something new
Nurse
Nap
Repeat
I’m finally getting to just be a baby!
June 17: A New Weight Class!
When I first arrived at Bend Equine, I weighed 89 pounds.
As of my June 17 appointment --> 🥳 134 pounds. 🥳
That’s right.
I’ve moved into a new weight class.
From tiny, fragile fighter…to featherweight (on my way to heavyweight).
The vets and staff at Bend Equine (especially Dr. Greer - I love her so much) fought right alongside me every single day. I heard she even took a pretty good kick to the elbow (NOT FROM ME!) 😬… so let’s all send her a big get well soon.
Here's what she said at this recheck appointment:
My lungs look great
Pneumonia appears resolved
Healing is moving in the right direction
I’ve still got a couple stubborn leg wounds we’re carefully managing, but overall? Huge progress.
Also…I may have been a little salty during a bandage change. What can I say?
🥊Rocky Balboa energy.🥊
June 29: Even Bigger!
And to close out the month, I saw my friends at Bend Equine Medical Center for another checkup on June 29, and not only am I feeling good, but now I'm weighing in at a whopping 159 pounds! Heavyweight class, here I come!!
What’s Next
Right now, my job is simple:
Keep getting stronger
Keep healing
Keep growing
But don't worry, I’m going to be something really special.
I’ve got a story to live up to.
Thank you for believing in me.
Thank you for fighting with me.
And thank you for giving me a chance to win.
Love (with significantly less wobble),
-Rocky 🧡🥊🧡
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