A horse shot in the head and left for dead in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest last year is thriving as a therapy horse at a ranch for young people in need.

U.S. Forest Service officers and local residents rescued the Hero, then known as Trooper, from the forest in October 2008. The horse sustained the gunshot wound in a botched euthanasia attempt. Wrangler Russell Willeford was convicted of animal abuse and criminal mischief in connection with the incident.

Following surgery to remove his left eye, the horse joined other rescued horses at the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Ore.

Since his arrival at Crystal Peaks, Hero has recovered from his wounds and has become an inspiration to the ranch's staff, students, and visitors alike, said Kim Meeder, Crystal Peaks' president and founder