I like this image not only because this newborn colt is beautiful but his light buckskin coloration matches the surrounding grasses. This mare was enormous late in her pregnancy and this giant baby was the reason. While the size of the colt was not unexpected, the color of the colt was.
Okay, I’ve said it before but I’m saying it again. How was this colt folded up inside this mare merely hours ago? This is a giant newborn, and the mother, bless her heart, managed this successfully as only nature can. Three cheers for the mother/mare of the year! Beautiful buttermilk buckskin color on the colt, by the way. This is the mare that looks so fancy and buoyant in the previous post titled You Go, Girl! on April 20th.
Being wet and dry numerous times during the first day of her life does not seem to make this newborn filly uncomfortable. Rain in mid-May is unusual in this area and at this point too late to boost the grass, but a welcome softening of the already crunchy ground is welcome. This filly and mare have very similar markings and both have a very Indian Pony look to them so I’m thinking a classic Native American name could be appropriate.
This mare and her new foal walked right up and filled my view so I took their picture. I shoot with a 400mm lens so I was completely unable to compose a shot at close range. I took the shot anyway and it turned out to be fun and interesting, so I thought I’d share it. The foal is two days old, he is large and inquisitive, in case you hadn’t guessed.
This flashy fellow has found a place with That Herd. Born an American Mustang, this gelding was adopted and trained, but now is enjoying a wild lifestyle once again. He truly looks like he enjoys himself and he makes a pretty picture.
As the sun was just about to rise above the shielding mountain, the mares and foals emerged from a steep woody area and filed past my position. This foal marched past, on guard, but not afraid when she saw me. What a beautiful, sweet face she had that morning.
A very new newborn colt tries to make sense out of a very busy morning. His first hours filled with following his mother into the pond, circling the meadow with the herd and being born all in about three hours. Whew.
Mountain top grazing turned to restless movement, then down the steep slope they went. That Herd moves with equal ease from high to low or low to higher territories.
Like any baby, this week old foal is willing to put anything it his mouth. Moving through a tall mustard seed patch, this week old colt seems entertained by the oddity of his surroundings after the more usual grassy hills.
“Climb up some hill at sunrise. Everybody needs perspective once in a while, and you’ll find it there.
– Robb Sagendorph
Live streaming of That Herd–the real life version–not the internet type.
Social grooming is an important part of a horse’s healthy herd life. It is a way to give comfort and show affection to other herd members. This type of dorsal, neck and wither grooming is said to reduce the heart rate of the recipients, among other benefits.
This behavior is known as reciprocal allogrooming. It occurs in many animal species.
These two colts spend a lot of time together. They have a special companionship.
Fresh spring grass proves to be more enticing than just about anything else they could be doing.
“Nature never did betray the heart that loved her.” – William Wordsworth
Early morning put a spring in their step.
This mare appears unconvinced that my presence is nothing to be alarmed about even though she has watched me observe her many times.
There is a poise and composure to this horse that is just beautiful.
No big deal. Just a horse picture, you say? Well, I say you have not looked close enough. I see a horse who is at ease but alert, well fed but not fat, hair coat thick but not rough. His hooves hard and round but never shod or trimmed, he holds reserves of stamina even after traveling with purpose all day, knows where and where not to put his feet, he knows when to run and when to walk, when to drink and when to pass by. He is clever, he is healthy, he is adaptable in social groups, he is able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Okay, I went too far on the last one but, really, a horse with the freedom to do what horses do best is a wonder to behold. He survives successfully, actually thrives, without management, diet supplements or fabricated shelter. Behold, observers (!) a horse, just being a horse!
