Spring Creek Basin Mustangs

There’s still some green to be seen out in Spring Creek Basin (most of our wildflowers are done for now/the season), but mostly, after that ol’ blowin’ wind, warmer temperatures and, you know, lack of rain, we’re gettin’ a bit dusty.

Hey, “most of Colorado,” that’s been getting all this rain we in the dry southwestern corner of “Colorado that’s seemingly not recognized by ‘most of Colorado'” keep hearing about … stop being greedy and send some rain-belly clouds our way, eh? Thanks. ‘Ppreciate ya’ll. Mariah and her herdmates would like some damp conditions to freshen up their grass.

Sly Winona thinks she’s hidden as she glides softly through a pocket of trees on the edge of a big “meadow” area. Even as she moseyed out into the sunshine to graze, her stallion moved to mosey her back to the shade. I think his meaning was clear: Hey, take a rest in the shade!

Mr. Hollywood is doing all right. He’s alone but can see other horses as much or as little as he likes. When I found him this day, he was napping in the warm sunshine and gusty wind. He didn’t seem to notice me until I talked to him from across a deep arroyo. It didn’t startle him, but he raised his head and pricked his ears. He was relaxed, hip with the gash cocked comfortably (it’s healing, just a little square of rawness now, the strip of hide gone). I made a circle with him at its heart, talking to him so he wouldn’t have to try to track me with his one good eye.

That he’s able to nap (likely) means his belly was full enough to rest, and I suspect that simply grazing and napping and drinking (he was maybe a quarter of a mile from a pond with water) are his only needs right now.

He’s doing all right.

Sunset on summer solstice glows through Alegre’s fairy braids while the gnats spark like fireflies.

The days are warming up; the wind does NOT keep the gnats at bay. It’s summer for sure. 🙂

The horses are creatures of habit, though grazing time and tea time may not be specifically punctual every day. Still, the ponies do like their siestas … especially when the sun is high and the light is bright and the temp is warm.

Happy first day of summer!

Sundance seems to be saying “not my mares, pal,” to another stallion in his vicinity.

And doesn’t he look handsome in the protection of his family!

To all the great dads who protect their families and support their passions … and pass down their values and life lessons: happy Father’s Day!

Especially to my dad, for (also) passing down his love of horses and wide-open places, love of seeing new places and fresh-cut hay fields. 🙂

I love you, Dad!

P.S. I should have added that Buckeye was named by my mom, as she and Buckeye very nearly share the dates of their October birthdays. My mom and dad are originally from Ohio, the Buckeye State, and my dad is, in fact, an Ohio State Buckeye (he graduated with a degree in animal science before being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army).

Could any perfectly groomed horse look any more gorgeous than oh-so-lovely wild Juniper, napping under sunshine in the wave of a spring breeze?

I like to think you all know the answer. 🙂