The morning I found the fire, I found something else first: mountain-goat ponies!
Chrome’s band up on the high western boundary. They are the one band hanging around somewhat consistently in this area within proximity of the water catchment. I hope at least a couple of other bands are taking advantage of the good water; I’ve seen Kreacher’s and Grey/Traveler’s in the region.
Jif as sentinel. Love her color in that early morning light with the earth of her home reflecting up at her, her reflecting it out … love it. Anybody taking bets on the belly? If she foals in August or very early September, Grey bred her before Chrome stole her … Otherwise, it will be Chrome’s baby – possibly his first?!
Two Boots and Rio at the top of the world. It really does fall off in rimrock cliffs that form the westering boundary of the basin … but not TOO close …!
Love this little mister!
Disappointment Valley stretches out and away beyond Chrome, Rio and Two Boots. Spring Creek Basin is tucked into a little paradise at the valley’s eastern edge. This is looking sort of north-northwest.
Looking more westerly over the valley. This is what happens when you “bandolier” your camera and your hip fires shots without your consent – or help with composition! Quite a fall from the rimrock here. Toward the lower center, you can kind of make out the road to the basin that crosses private ranch land.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
Watch out Rio! Somebodys a daredevil- what is his mother teaching him! Mares these days.. :]
I love Rio, he is beautiful and such a rich color. Love the light on the photos in this post. Outstanding!!
I like that first picture quite a bit. I’ve been trying really hard to be able to recognize all the horses from the different bands myself, and I finally did in the first picture! I love the star on little Rio’s forehead.
Ha – they’re all very comfortable in these high places. I love Rio, too! Toppyrocks – glad you recognize the horses!