Spring Creek Basin Mustangs

Ah, the pintos.

Like Poco and Roach, they have a “home territory.” The roundup disrupted it some, but they also had come “up” to the “front country” this spring – with Cinch and his band and Spook and Bruiser coming and staying. Chipeta is leading the band now, and after a bit of wandering, they’re back.

Apparently, “there’s no place like home,” and that’s where they are. Saw some of them from a distance Wednesday afternoon, then all the rest that evening (the first spotting not only was from a distance, obstacles of trees and hill prevented a clear line of sight). Thursday morning afore the sun rose, I was with them in a tiny “valley” between “islands” of trees … and on … after the sun rose into a glorious day. (And snow is back in the forecast in Southwest Colorado!)

Chipeta showing off her dredlocks.

Chipeta and her yearling daughter, Puzzle.

Band stallion Ty.

Former band stallion Copper, now kept at bay by Ty and lieutenant Corazon.

Corazon – and yep, he has some pretty fresh scars.

Ty and Copper

Copper being chased up the hill by Ty …

Up and over, around and down and across below the hill … Ty breaking off and making the turn back to the band!

Maiku and Puzzle. Maiku, born the end of June, is significantly smaller than Puzzle, born the first of September (2010).

Maiku and Chipeta

Maiku is the son of Kiowa and Copper; Puzzle is the daughter of Chipeta and Copper.

Puzzle, Chipeta and Reya on the shady side of the hill, waking basin behind them.

Gorgeous.