I was recently reminded of one of the most underrated equine blorbos of Middle Earth: Stybba, the pony who carries Merry from the Westfold to Dunharrow and then Edoras. He was just living his best little pony life in the West-mark, maybe as the pet of a loving little boy or girl. Then he not only survives the horrifying invasion of Isengard but gets suddenly entrusted with carrying an honored guest halfway across the realm at the side of the king himself. He does an excellent job — and the sight of his adorable lil’ self trotting along next to the majesty of Snowmane and Théoden brings a smile to the hearts of many downtrodden Rohirrim — only to then be left behind in Edoras, stranded far from home and the little boy or girl who treasured him.