Big “daddy” Chrome and little mister Rio (who is either Grey/Traveler’s son or Twister’s son). I love how Chrome walked with his head at Rio’s level (he’s pretty tall). Simple body language that speaks volumes about how this relatively new band stallion relates to his littlest family member.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
I love the picture and the commentary so right on!!
My husband and I rode our horses out there today and it was magnificent to see these other horses. The one you call Comanche was by himself all day. I was surprised to see he is part of the regular herd because it almost seemed like some one dropped him off and none of the horses let them in their band. But I guess he’s a regular.
We noticed a lot of big piles of horse poop on the road, as if many horses all pooped in the same place. Do you have any ideas about this? It was so strange because it was not spread out and horses don’t seem to poop in an area intentionally.
Diane – Sounds like you had a wonderful day in the basin! Not good news about Comanche, though … I love his little family. Did you take pictures? If so, I’ll email you – could you send one to me?
The piles on the roads are called “stud piles,” and it’s totally normal for wild horses. It’s one of the ways they mark their territory – or let other horses know they’ve been there! Interestingly, stud piles are somewhat “neutral territory,” and stallions will cease sparring while one or the other is adding to a pile. Stallions will both add to existing stud piles as well as poop – and pee – on manure piles and pee spots left by mares. All normal. Mares are not nearly as concerned with where they poop and pee, but to the boys, it’s serious business!
Comanche didn’t seem like he had a family yesterday. There was a band near the entrance of about 8 horses. And both he and that band came close to us (our horses, really), and then he took off one way, they the other, and he was literally standing alone all day. He’s beautiful. Is he a Morgan? Did he have a family?
Thanks for the info on the stud piles. I had no idea.
Pat – Thanks!
Diane – The horses have been genetically tested to trace back to Morgan/Thoroughbred or “riding horse” type ancestry. Horses in currently in Spring Creek Basin Herd Management Area (before it was designated an HMA, three wild horse herds roamed the area – here, near Slickrock and up by Norwood or Naturita – they were consolidated here), likely descend from settler stock, Indian ponies (likely Navajo and/or Ute) and, perhaps most “exciting,” stolen cavalry mounts brought from Montana! They are 100 percent mustang, as you can tell from their stout bone structure (at least) – if you ever get the opportunity for an up-close look at the legs and hooves of a mustang, examine them carefully – the difference is incredible!
Just beautiful…its amazing how personable horses are and how they interact in little ways that are nonetheless meaningful.