During severe flash flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico on July 8, a man bravely rode his horse through dangerous floodwaters at the Ruidoso Downs racetrack to rescue other horses trapped on the opposite side of the flooded race grounds. Viral videos captured the dramatic rescue as well as scenes of loose horses in the water and grooms leading horses to safety as floodwaters receded. The flooding caused significant damage, washing out the racetracks and leading to the cancellation of the 2025 Quarter Horse race meet, which had been scheduled to include major Grade 1 races.

The flash floods resulted in at least three fatalities in the town of Ruidoso and disrupted the local horse racing community. The courageous actions of the horse rider, widely shared on social media, highlighted the urgent efforts to protect the animals amid the natural disaster. The incident underscores the severe impact of the flooding on both residents and the equine racing industry in the area.