Are You My Mother?

wild horse photography of a foal warning another foal

The bay filly with the white blaze is confused about the identity of her mother. The paint foal is letting her know that this mother is not hers.

wild horse photography of a foal defending his mother against another curious foal

When his first warning is ignored this paint foal makes his defensive gestures a little stronger.

wild horse photography of a mare and foal leaving an annoying foal behind

The bay filly is starting to feel desperate when not welcomed by another mare as the irritated colt marches off with his mother.

wild horse photography of an annoyed foal marching away with his mother

One of my all time favorite images. This new colt is truly incensed that the confused filly is not relenting in her search for a meal. His face and body language is clearly demonstrating annoyance. His mother, however in unconcerned. The confused filly remains undaunted.

The bay filly is determined she’s found her mom but the colt marches away in disgust at her confusion. The mare’s face shows concern for the other foal but loyalty to her own.

wild horse photography of a mare and foal leaving a confused foal

Annoyed that his rebuff has been ignored, the colt pushes his mother away from the hopeful filly.

wild horse photography of a mare warning a foal

The persistence of the hungry filly is finally met with a more adamant correction from the chosen mare.

The filly gnashes her mouth in a typical submissive gesture toward the solicited mare.

The resolute filly is convinced she should be nursing as well but is rebuffed by the mare. The filly’s actual mother (the bay) is grazing off in the distance oblivious to her foal’s confusion.

wild horse photography of an annoyed foal

This is not a happy face. The curl of the lip, the wrinkle of the nostril, the thrown back ears are all indicators of his displeasure at the intruding mother-stealing filly.

wild horse photography of a tired foal and her grazing mother

Finally reunited with her true mother, the bay filly leans in, constantly touching her mother for reassurance. Unquestionably stressed from her ordeal, the filly is weary after her finding-mother mistakes.