The size of this large mare, in comparison to a large stallion, is apparent. True, some element of spatial distortion (like holding a fish out toward the camera to make it appear larger) contributes a little, but really it’s a big horse next to a bigger horse. The intensive gaze of these two illustrates how these free roaming horses are in a state of constant awareness of their surroundings. The problem solving that inevitably comes with that makes for some clever horses.
My prediction of readiness to foal was wrong with this mare so I had a nice surprise this morning. A little time should work out the minimal milk issue. The foal is strong and alert.
An unusual mid-day outing for a female coyote puts her in close proximity to the horses. The calm acceptance of the coyote by the horses is an indication that they do not normally suffer negative associations with the predator. The colt’s mother was standing just out of the image and showed no alarm at the casual appearance of the coyote. Indeed, the coyote’s body language suggests it is more on-guard than the foal and other horses.
FYI: If you select individual daily posts, a list of related and/or other interesting in-blog links appear at the bottom of the post. This is meant to aid in exploring previously published That Herd material.
Life keeps interfering with me posting regularly, and now that the new foals are being born there’s lots to share. Here is a quick post to share a curious but cautious face that could not be any cuter.
This old mare makes me work for glimpses of her foals when they are born, and it can be exasperating. I’m not surprised at her protective tendency, however, since we do this every year when she foals. I honor her boundaries and keep a far distance from her, and she eventually softens to my arrivals. Now that we understand each other, we can both enjoy her new foal this year. He is about a week old in this shot and this was the first time I could get close enough to take a picture where he’s bigger than an ant in the image. It was fun to see his reaction at my closer proximity; he was just as interested in me as I was in him. His alert posture and inquisitive expression are irresistible in this shot.
“I know what you are thinking. You are wondering, ‘How is it that he is so strong?’. The man smiled and tapped his finger against his temple. The reason I am so strong is because I think I am.” –Author unremembered
(Remind me if you know what book that quote came from).
In this case, the He would be She. The yearling is a filly.
An almost-yearling holds her own between a bossy two-year-old and a domineering older herd-mate.
Attitude and prudence is always a balancing act.
