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Photos: Horse going to greener pastures after owner’s heartbreaking tragedy

Return of the King was owned by the Ortega family, nine members of which were killed on Christmas Eve in 2008.

Return of the King was owned by the Ortega family, nine members of which were killed on Christmas Eve in 2008.  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

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Return of the King’s former owner, James Ortega, sold him after nine members of his family were killed on Christmas Eve in 2008. The horse was recently purchased at auction for $300 by an animal rescuer. His breeder is now raising money to bring him back home.

Horse going to greener pastures after owner's heartbreaking tragedy

Megan Gaynes purchased the horse for $300 at auction after noticing that he was suffering. She suspects he was used in illegal rodeos where horses are sometimes tripped intentionally.   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Horse going to greener pastures after owner's heartbreaking tragedy

Megan Gaynes said Return of the King had been loved before. X-rays showed the horse has arthritis and an old fracture.   (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

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