Four months ago, Buckeye the horse was found near death on a Braceville Township farm.

"Buckeye was horrific," said Annette Fisher from Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary. "Buckeye was probably one of the worst horses I've ever seen removed from a neglect situation."

Buckeye was one of 11 horses rescued last year. He's been going through rehabilitation for the past 4 months at the Equine Center, on the campus of Ohio State University. Rescue workers said this is a first.

"We've never had an animal have to stay here that long due to severe neglect," said Equine medicine resident Rosa Barsnick.

Barsnick worked with Buckeye during his recovery and said he's very lucky to be alive.

"Yes, absolutely. He could not have made it without a re-feeding program."

Along the way, Buckeye has made many friends.

"He actually became the mascot of the class of 2010. Almost every student who came through the rotation worked with him and started loving him a lot," said Barsnick.

Buckeye suffered from malnutrition, as well as a serious leg injury, which required surgery. He finally took his first steps to a new beginning this week.

Now he's headed to the Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary to continue rehabilitation.

While Buckeye still has a long way to go, he is expected to make a full recovery. Once he's completely healed, he'll be up for adoption.