Spring Creek Basin Mustangs

When I take people to the basin to see the horses, or when I tell them about visiting the basin and the horses, I always make sure to tell them the first rule of the basin: No agenda.

Part of the basin’s magic is that it will give you amazing gifts – if you’re open to receiving them. If you’re closed – if you go with an agenda, with things to do and things you *must* see and a time by which you *must* leave – the basin will close its magic to you.

I didn’t make this rule, but I learned it right away. I forget it from time to time … and then the basin graciously re-teaches me the lesson, and I gratefully accept.

Aspen

Mona

Shane

I spotted these ponies nearly as soon as I drove into the basin. I didn’t know I was looking for them, but I was. 🙂 Saw a few more from a distance, but although there’s not much snow, there’s enough that parts of the road are pretty muddy, especially past about 9:30 a.m. So I walked out to Aspen’s band and hung out with them for a bit, then climbed one of the twin buttes to look for whoever else might be in view to be seen. Found a great rock upon which to perch and enjoy some strawberries while I glassed the great yonder. Heard a squeal behind me. Thought it was Aspen again trying to love on Mona, but I got up and looked over the edge …

Remember last year, when I found Corona alone? For whatever reason (known only to her), she wandered away from her family and teased Storm (still with mama Alpha then) for about a week, maybe, before she went back to mama Raven and family.

The week before last, Corona’s wanderlust hit again, and she wandered off. Alone.

This last week, she’s back.

The squeal? Grey/Traveler courting Miss Shane. 🙂 Oh, that lover.

She’s not ready to leave mama yet, though.

Lesson: Be open to the gifts available. 🙂

Forget the birds and the bees. Humm and buzz. Ponies, though … fascination.

After their initial flirt, he grazed his way back up the hill. From the butte, I could see Gaia and Aurora at the top, Houdini on the other side. He disappeared over the top … then reappeared – barely – and stood there, seeming to nap. Shane, with the curiosity of the young and the can’t-help-herself of her filly nature, went up, up, up … And he waited for her to come to him. Are men so patient? Are women? 🙂 Is he awesome or what?

Oh, yes, he did eventually tire of waiting and turned to pursuit.

Besides horse beauty … what are you seeing?

Rather – NOT seeing?

Proof – there’s still some around.

Snow, aye?

Handsomest.

Prettiest. I had been sitting up on the saddle of the hill when beautiful girl came into view.

Aurora …

… and Gaia were lovely in the light.

Houdini was visible from twin butte but not from closer. I walked up over. I walked around. I didn’t see her again until I was leaving – hi, girl! – and off she went to join her compadres.

Grumpy Corona back with the family.

Aurora, fuzzy and furry.

Like daughter, like mama!

Baby needs her mama still.

He amazes me.

She awes me.

She delights me.

She fascinates me!

Aspen wasn’t at all worried about Shane, and he never made any move toward Grey at all … but he stayed quietly by Mona, who quietly grazed. How I wish I could interpret all the equine language that must have been flowing!

He’s harmless, eh? Mmhmm.

The sun was sinking, sliding, slipping and disappearing behind the hills, the one we were on, the one farthest west.

Light that made the north hills glow like autumn in January. (I don’t know why she always seems to look so grouchy!) Nice wee belly, eh?

And a last shot of the mister.

Best medicine for what ails ye – for whatever ails ye.

Best lessons are best learned over and over again. 🙂