You might think this is a peaceful scene, but see the rocks just to Aiyanna’s right? That is the edge of the rimrock layer that forms the western boundary of Spring Creek Basin. See it out in the middle distance, basically above her head and neck? If we were over there, looking back this way, THAT’S what it looks just just to her right.
It was *ahhhhhhmazing* to be with the mustangs up there … and also my old-person brain was going “get away from that edge RIGHT NOW!”
Buckeye, who has been fearless all his life, had me especially sweating buckets as he grazed literally right along the edge looking north (this image basically is looking south).
But mustangs, as I’ve long believed, are closely related to bighorn sheep and mountain goats, and they really are very sure-footed and know *where they are*. That said, I’ve also blocked trails of theirs that are crumblingly close to the edges of arroyos as they shift and erode and disappear. I’m sure they don’t NEED my interference, but wowza, have a heart for a human’s delicate sensibilities. 🙂 (As a kid, *I* was the one being told to “get away from the edge RIGHT NOW.” … Now, it gives me the weak-legged willies to see children, dogs, horses at drop-off edges.)
And wow, is it gorgeous up there and *from* up there. 🙂
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
Ha. I know, TJ. Critters all seem to come mighty close to “drop-off ledges!” I have followed elk trails in the mountains and had to take detours up into the woods when their trails went off on these impossible cliff-side walks that I wouldn’t dare try! Don’t know how they do it but animals are fearless! 🙂
Whew, right!? As crumbly as our arroyo sides are, it makes me nervous when they walk those trails RIGHT AT THE EDGE. 🙂
What a great scene! I think wild horses are related to mountain goats! They are very sure footed!
Anyone who has seen a mustang navigating its terrain surely thinks the same! 🙂 Love the views from up there. Just marvelous!
I think wild horses are related to mountain goats! They really are sure footed!
I think wild horses are related to mountain goats!
As you can see, I was having trouble with posting. I hope I fixed it!
No worries – it’s all good! 🙂
Oh boy! I’m with you, I’d be a nervous wreck watching them so close to a drop like that
And most of the mares weren’t *tooooo* close. It was Buckeye who had my heart stopping. There were a couple of times, I just had to turn away and not watch!