Thick, fuzzy winter coats must get itchy, shedding or not. We’ve had a wide range of conditions this winter – from crazy-warm (50s?) to very cold (well below zero), multi-day snow events (around New Year’s) to gaping areas without snow. Winter means survival mode for wild animals … but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for a little fun.
Walking up out of an arroyo, Grey/Traveler surprised me by stopping for a roll. Houdini and the girls went on without him. I thought it looked a little steep, but he made it look so easy, I thought he had found a little “bench.”
About to get up … Hi, big, I’m lookin’ at you!
Terra apparently thought this was a capital idea because she came back to investigate while Grey prepared to lie down on his other side …
He didn’t give up his spot, though, so she had to find a steeper spot above him.
And down they go!
She gave it a good effort but didn’t go all the way over.
It must have felt great to both of them because they leaped up with bucks and hops …
… before heading on up the hill to join Houdini and Gemma.
After they disappeared over the top, I went over to explore and was surprised by the angle of the slope where they had rolled – definitely not flat! I’ve seen a lot of places where they’ve obviously rolled, and some spots look like “habitual” places – places they seem to know and roll on frequently. Some, I think, are just found when the mood strikes them. No doubt Terra will remember this as a good place to roll, right up the hill from what seemed to be a water source in warmer weather.
I should add that between last night and this morning, we got about 3 inches of snow on the southwest flank of the La Platas, so hopefully the basin got some snow … which means water this spring and summer! Thanks for the dances! It adds up in every sparkling flake!
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
More wonderful pix of happy horses on an otherwise dreadful day. I swear I’ve signed more petitions to stop the destruction of our wild creatures, public lands, and waterways this month than in all of last year. FIVE today alone! I think citizens are finally waking up to what our government is doing – or NOT doing. Pray it isn’t too late!
I just love them-they make me smile! They have very sweet expressions!
Linda – I’ve been amazed at how many advocacy groups exist for everything under the sun, to protect wildlife, wild places, water, etc. Doesn’t inspire confidence …
Rochlia – I think they like rolling almost as much as they like their icy snow treats!
I don’t know why but whenever I see horses roll, it brings a smile to my face…. 🙂
Me, too! Especially when they hop up feeling good!