New life. New promise.
The wild ones are great reminders to live in the moment. Life is too short to wonder about “what ifs” and worry about what you coulda, woulda, shoulda done.
“It is neither wealth nor splendor but tranquility and occupation which give happiness.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
Sometimes we find splendor in the most tranquil situations. That is encouraging.
I’ve been worried about Roach for weeks. He’s usually with Poco, and they usually split briefly in the spring, then reunite.
It’s never unusual to go weeks without seeing these boys, but something was different this time. I saw Poco several times … but not Roach.
Earlier this spring, I had had a couple of possible sightings of Roach, but I hadn’t seen him for certain since the top photo was taken – April 23. I haven’t seen Poco now since early May. As much as he grieved for Bones …
Yesterday, I found Roach, at the bottom of a steep, narrow arroyo. The best I can hope is that it was quick.
The first time I saw Roach was in about 2004, with Poco, a dark bay mare I later documented as Ceal and her then-yearling colt. Roach was young, full of fire, with a roached mane and forelock and a skimpy, almost-nothing tail.
That was in the double ponds area, and since then, I saw him with Poco, almost always in that area, except these recent springs, when they’d split to go wandering. As far as I know, Roach never had a band/mare of his own, though he stayed with Poco when he had Bones and, later, Iya and Cougar.
I think he was 11-12 years old.
Oh, Roach. Spring Creek Basin has been and will be less without your presence.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 