We have a lot of greys in Spring Creek Basin. You might have noticed. 🙂
That likely goes back to a couple of stallions introduced in the 1990s (as the pintos come from the pinto stallion introduced with them): Mr. Ed and Miguel.
In any case, it makes them easy to spot in the grand expanse of the basin (except during winter!), but depending on distance and who I can see of their band, identification sometimes has to wait for a closer look. This was the case when I saw Seven last week. I was pretty sure it was him … but where was his band? Nearby, another light grey … that quickly became identifiable by the horses with him: Hayden, Winona, Terra.
But it wasn’t until I walked out to where I could see better that I realized Seven’s band was not with him … and that Aspen had to have them.
He seems to be taking it all in stride, though he was fairly close to Chrome’s band.
Terra and Chrome. Seven was out of sight over the rise of land to the far right.
Winona (1) and Hayden (2). Winona is a feisty little thing, and she is jealous of her proximity to Terra – woe to Hayden should he try to get between them.
Traveler’s son Hayden.
Kestrel’s beautiful daughter, Luna’s granddaughter Winona.
She found the perfect little stump to satisfy an itch.
Traveler’s 2-year-old daughter, Terra – half-sister to Hayden.
She does have her mother’s ears – all the better to hear you with! 🙂 Chrome in back.
They came to nap under a juniper … until Seven came into view and everything went into motion.
Seven
Hayden looking at the stranger. He’s already getting pretty fuzzy.
They’ve left their tree, and the youngsters are bunching up while Chrome walks ahead …
Chrome observing Seven with his band – Hayden, Terra and Winona – safely behind him (or so he thinks).
He went trotting out to greet Seven, but when his precocious young fillies and Hayden all came right with him, he had to break off and let Seven go to keep them from getting into the mix! I didn’t have a clear view of everything that happened from down the hill, and to stay out of whatever dynamic ensued, I decided visiting hours were up for the time being.
Hayden under the tree. He has daddy’s sharp little ears.
As I was walking away, one last look at Winona, looking at the stranger.
And Chrome looking, earlier, when he was in front of his band.
The next day, Chrome’s band was still in the general area, but Seven had gone way east.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 