Question is...when you packing those bags and joining me?
Darling and I went up into the Steens Mt with our friends Andi and Judy today. We were hunting wild ponies. I was armed and ready to shoot...
90 minutes into our drive Judy called out that she'd spotted something up on the hill. Binoculars came out and sure enough, a dozen head of horses were barely visible up on a ridge. Andi slowed down and pulled over to the side as Judy called out that there were more off to the right. Or was it to the left? Or maybe...just maybe it was BOTH!
The four of us climbed out of the vehicle and headed up the rocky hillside, wondering just how long it would be before the horses spotted us and disappeared.
To our utter amazement, the herd stood it's ground, grazing and watching as we approached, but not all that alarmed.
The four of us climbed out of the vehicle and headed up the rocky hillside, wondering just how long it would be before the horses spotted us and disappeared.
To our utter amazement, the herd stood it's ground, grazing and watching as we approached, but not all that alarmed.
I shall call him Honor...
So amazed were we that we forgot to count, but there must have been two dozen horses. Three or four stallions with their small bands of mares. The stallion above was my favorite. I don't know if he has a name, but I have dubbed him Honor. Below is a dun stallion and his band, which he's moving along and around us a bit as we first arrived. He was Andi's favorite.
We spent nearly an hour among the horses. They watched, some with curiosity, others a little nervous, but they allowed us to stay among them as long as we were respectful of their home and families.
This was the South Steens herd, which they'd hoped to gather earlier this year. With the budget cuts, it never happened. Fortunately for these horses, the grass was good in their HMA and the horses will go into winter with enough weight to sustain them. There is hope that next year, however, that they'll be able to bring them in. And if they do...well, which horse do you think Darling will be begging her daddy for? Perhaps a certain pinto filly who allowed her to come within ten feet?
By the end of the afternoon Darling and I decided that we were home. Leaving in the morning will not be easy...
10 comments:
That is an adorable filly! If only I could have made up my mind sooner I could have come with you guys. But I'm glad I had the time to make a few more laps of the corrals :) Thanks so much!
I am so jealous! Not many wild horses here in Wisconsin... Someday I'll make it out west to see them myself. Thanks for sharing the great photos, and good luck with your new boy!
Wonderful photos--it makes me want to pack up and go. I can't believe she got so close to that filly!
They all look beautiful and healthy.
That is one colorful, nice looking herd. I can see why the BLM wanted to capture it. The flashier coats tend to get adopted more easily. Years ago we used to go gem hunting. Wild horse "hunting" sounds like a fun sight seeing venture.
Amazing photos! My mustang, Catlow, is from the South Steens herd, but she is not nearly that colorful...she's just sorrel with flaxen mane and tail. Again, amazing photos and an inspiration!
Oh Tracey, You saw more than we did. They are so beautiful. I would like to be jealous. I am not though. Just envious that you got to see them like that and we didn't. You were so blessed.
You're so lucky! Take me with you next time and maybe I'll see some too! =D
The South Steens herd will be gathered in October 2009.
The South Steen's herd will be gathered October 2009.
You are SO lucky!!!! I've never heard of wild horses in TN. Oh well, Mustangs are amazing! I LOVE your photos!
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