Coming up with a mustang baby’s name has never been so difficult – or seemed so important.
I wanted to choose a name for this colt that reflects his heritage as the grandson of our marvelous stallion, Grey/Traveler, this home he was born to, Spring Creek Basin, Colorado, and the legacy he has inherited.
Grey Eagle was the sire of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s famous war horse, Traveller. That might be swapping things around a bit, but because Traveller was gelded, he left no offspring. Eagles – both golden and bald – can be seen here (infrequently, though a couple of Forest Service folks were here in late winter to count them and check nesting sites, and I have seen raptors of both species in the sky and on land – and fence wire). A terrific, family-published book, Where Eagles Winter, by Wilma Bankston, paints a fascinating history of Disappointment Valley and the surrounding region. The Utes traditionally hunted and traveled this land, and knew it more intimately than we ever can.
The Ute word for eagle is kwana (kwah-nah).
He may be somewhat lacking in fierceness at this tender age, but little Kwana has some big hoofprints to fill.
And he’s going to turn grey. 🙂
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
And the white splash on Kwana’s face looks like a suncatcher!!
Nice! I was thinking it looked like an old-fashioned key hole.
Perfect name for a perfect little guy.
Love the name! No complaints here. I am mystified how you know he will turn grey. I’m not doubting you, it’s just he currently looks light chestnut or dun-ny. Will his eyes stay blue or will they turn brown?
He’s bay now. His legs already are grey, and you can see it around his eyes. And his parents and grandparents on at least one side are grey. He has no choice, really. 🙂 Terra was born sorrel. Greys aren’t (usually) born grey!
LOVE the name! Great choice.
Fabulous history to follow with his name. As usual, great work!