Amadeo, blind, wild horse who roamed Outer Banks for decades, dies at 40

OUTER BANKS, N.C. — Amadeo, a blind, wild horse who roamed the Outer Banks and was known as the king of the beach, has died. He was 40.

He started experiencing stiffness in his rear legs and hips and had slowed down significantly, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, which oversees the care of the wild horses, said on social media Sunday.

Amadeo died peacefully Friday “on his own terms,” the horse group said.

"He was surrounded in love by his horse friends," the group said. "Luna the barn kitty, his canine best friend Lucile, and our herd manager and trainer."

He was buried Saturday in a pasture.

He spent more than 20 years in the wild and sired numerous offspring.

“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.”

Cox Media Group