It is with a shattered heart that I report that Dundee’s big, handsome dun colt, Ranger, shown above with his aunties, Aiyanna and Rowan, has disappeared. It’s so hard to bear the unfairness and suddenness of it that it doesn’t even seem real. Dundee was a fiercely protective new mother and did everything right in all the times I saw them together. … It’s a reminder that our beloved wild ones ARE wild and that life is not guaranteed.
Fly free, Ranger. You were so loved.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
I’m so sorry, TJ – as you said they are wild but being close & getting to know them makes it so very hard when something like this happens.
Thanks, Maggie. It’s hard enough when you just don’t see them … but at his age … you think they’re out of the “fragile” woods.
I’ve never been around wild horses – only domestic ones, but where I live we have whitetail deer & get to know & recognize them – so I do understand the whole “one day they just are gone” thing. I guess we just have to enjoy them for what they are while they are around us. As we do with the animals who live with us.
The not-knowing is the worst. 😦
I’m so sorry TJ! I know this hits you hard. You love them so. Sending you hugs and caring.
Thanks so much, Nancy. It’s so hard to lose any of them, but this big guy. From the beginning, we had so much love for him.
So sorry! Nature can be cruel at times!
Certainly. … The moments we have with them are so precious … throughout their lives, no matter how long.
😥😥 such sad news.
I’ve witnessed animals grieving. It’s heartbreaking. I’m crying with you and Dundee.
Yes, I wished Dundee would/could lead me to him, but Buckeye wouldn’t let her leave the band. … I’m as sad for her as I am to have lost Ranger himself.
🥺 We love them immediately and unconditionally and our hearts break when we lose them. “Fly free” indeed, our precious Ranger.
It’s amazing, isn’t it? They break our hearts … and then they heal us with the presence of all the others.
I am SO sorry. I know it’s the natural way of things, but it still hurts. Be at peace, little Ranger.
It’s a tearing thing, isn’t it? My brain *knows* it happens, can happen … but yes, it still hurts the heart.
Oh my God TJ!! I am heartbroken for Ranger, his mother and aunties and for you. I am so sorry for your loss. What a sadness to lose him!!! Love and hugs, Karen
>
Thanks, Karen. I think they all feel his loss, too.
So sorry. Yes, they are wild for sure.
Wildness – we love it in its beauty … and in the less pleasant times, we just know “that’s the way.” And maybe we love a little more.
😢💜
Thanks, JoBeth.
As your words break through I have only tears for Ranger, for Dundee, for you, TJ.
Thanks, Barbara. I’ve cried to fill ponds, too.
I’m very very very sorry.
Thanks, Martha.
Heartbreaking!!💔
Very much so. 😦
Wish there was something we could say that would ease your pain but, we know there really isn’t. We are so very sorry.
I never know what to say, either … and it’s almost still so shocking that I still can’t quite believe it. Thank you both.