Muddy pretty

19 08 2025

Pretty Mariah, napping in rare tree shade after a visit to the mud-bath spa!

This pic was taken a little while ago, but that’s what our sky looks like again – beautiful Colorado-blue. Thankful for no/little smoke, but how about some rain-bearing clouds? Or just sunshine-blocking, heat-relieving clouds? We don’t ask for much, hey? 🙂





Standout blend

18 08 2025

The rimrock-topped Spring Creek canyon is always such a great background for handsome little Maiku.

Here, he gives me some attention, but most of his focus was on a young stallion with a nearby band.





Simplicity

17 08 2025

Basic Buckeye, devoted, looking over his band.

I wish that sky would bring rain, but it hasn’t. … Not yet.





Dun days

16 08 2025

That haze is *smoke*. Odin was probably no farther away than about 150 yards (?), and it was SO smoky.

He had gone visiting a bit with another young bachelor between his family and another, and here he looks like he’s returning to his mama and aunties … but he stopped about halfway to graze … just in case there was another chance to visit. 🙂

Little mister is a big boy. He’s 2.5 now, but he’s stout – and still loves his mama Shane.

*****

I can’t believe time – and dates – got away from me; when I scheduled this post several days ago, I didn’t note the date!

HAPPY 56th ANNIVERSARY TO MY MOM AND DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 Thank you SO much for giving me the gift of horses, from your own love of horses that led to your fortuitous meeting … 60-PLUS years ago! I love ya’ll and hope you have a wonderful anniversary day. 🙂





Braid columns

15 08 2025

Piedra likes to keep her braids simple.

Same evening that I took the pic of Alegre: bad smoky.





Red at night

14 08 2025

Alegre rocks her own fashion-forward braid style two nights ago in a very, very smoky Spring Creek Basin.

Changing wind directions mean that the terrible smoke we’ve experienced the past few days is coming from the Stoner Mesa Fire, to the southeast in Dolores County. To say that it’s yucky is a yucky understatement. (Cortez Journal article here.)

While we’re praying desperately for rain, we’re also praying for the safety of all those fighting the wildfires around the state. In particular, as mustang advocates, we’re praying for those fighting and affected by the giant Lee Fire, southwest of Meeker, which is immediately east of Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area.





All-seeing

13 08 2025

I’m not looking at you; you’re looking at me!





More than a hint of blue

12 08 2025

Earlier, the smoke plume from the Stoner Mesa Fire (now more than 3,500 acres in very rough country), had been rising high into the sky on our southeastern horizon, but by the time I got out to see the ponies, it was settling again for the night. There’s still a haze, but it’s nice to see more of our blue sky again.

Temple looks as beautiful as always, especially with McKenna Peak and Temple (yes, named for her namesake(s)) Butte in the background.

I heard a rumor that some wet weather might be coming into our region toward the end of the week or weekend, but the forecast is either behind the times, or it doesn’t want to give us a (false?) sense of hope. Ha. Any hope is great hope at this point!





Portrait of a mustang

11 08 2025

Buckeye, wild and free, on a hot summer night.





Stallion dance

10 08 2025

Corazon is likely in his 20s now and still has a mare and a yearslong, loyal lieutenant (Maiku). This series of images show him doing a dance between his mare and a “rival” stallion (who really just went to have a chat because their families were grazing fairly close together). I couldn’t decide which moment I liked best, so you get three!

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Happy, happy birthday to my dad, Dave! 🙂 Long-time readers know that I get my addiction to (err, love for!) horses to both my dad and mom. Thanks, Dad! I love you!