Please help me with just one more selection – the calendar’s cover.
Two choices this year, two stallions – two visits – that rank among my absolute favorites.
Grey/Traveler
This stallion has had my heart since my first visit to the basin eight years ago – how dark he was then! What I know of his story is amazing. I can only guess at his full story. He has been rounded up, had his family removed, gathered them again, lost them again, lost his freedom, been removed from his home, returned to his home, found and created new family. He is known to countless visitors – the extreme presence visible in this photo has made him a favorite to many, many admirers. His “official” name is Traveler; I’ve always called him Sir Grey.
Seven
In 2007, this stallion was aged at 7. It was a monumental year for him (for all of them). His family was taken from him, but he was released back to his home. Not surprisingly, humans are not among a few of his favorite things. He had Houdini – and lost her to Grey (who had had her years ago). He stole Roja and Molly from Kreacher and last year lost Molly to age. This fall, he added Mona and her filly, Shane, to his family. As he has matured, his resemblance to Grey has been remarkable; I believe he is Grey’s son.
Both, to me, embody the spirit of Spring Creek Basin – bold, protective, larger than life, peaceful, golden – silver! – magical.
Which will you choose? And thank you, thank you, thank you – for all the choices you have made! For your interest in our Spring Creek Basin mustangs!
Reminder: The deadline for votes is Wednesday, Dec. 15. I’ll tally them up and should have the results Friday, Dec. 17. Also Friday, I’m going to have a helper draw one of your names out of a hat. I’ve been keeping track of all your names who have actually voted, and this is who I have so far (please make sure I have your name, so I make sure everyone goes in the hat!): Barbara Warner, Tami, Joanne Belasco, Teresa Irick, Lynn & Kathy, Pat Amthor, Karen Schmiede, Prairie Wind Lady, Linda Horn, C/G, Toppyrocks, Rochlia, Millie, Nicole, Linda, Morgan Griffith, Jan Eaker, Sandra Longley, Billie, Katherine, Karen Day, Violet Strawn, Lanny Boone, Cathy Boone, Amber, Deleese Pryor, T&K.
Purchase info: If you’d like to buy a calendar, I’ve settled on $15, which includes the cost of the calendar and printing the photos and a $5 donation to NMA/CO – and I will send all the calendars with our most recent newsletter and the new brochure we did with BLM. E-mail me at mtbgrrl (at) fone dot net with your full name and mailing address. I know descriptions and even photos can be misleading, so I want to make sure you all know this is NOT a commercially-produced, large-format, glossy calendar. It IS small – the calendar itself is about 5 3/4 inches by 7 3/4inches and opens to 5 3/4 by 11 1/4 inches long. The photos ARE custom – all Spring Creek Basin mustangs, all taken by yours truly in 2010, in the months they represent. The photos are 4×6 inches. I print the photos and attach them to the calendar by pre-set adhesive strips. (The calendars are printed on recycled paper, and the company is based in Colorado Springs. Learn more about them at Photographer’s Edge.)
I create about five a year for family. I ordered some extra this year, and I’ll try to get them mailed before Christmas (the drawing winner’s will definitely go out before then), otherwise, I’ll guarantee delivery in January (avoiding major catastrophe!). Again, not commercially produced, and I work a full-time job! 🙂
This year, I wanted to involve you readers in the choices as well as giving us all a look back at the year of the horses. And I thank you all again and again for your help!
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 