Weather Modification Rituals

free range horse photography of a new foal in a rainy downpour
A new foal is forced to accept some really miserable weather.

Throwback post from February 2019.

We have been known to do desperate rain dances because of long years of drought. No dancing has been needed in 2023.

This winter we have had a lot of rain. I am not complaining. California needs water and lots of it, but we often get too much water in short amounts of time. That pattern leads to lots of runoff and lots of flooding.

That Herd has no new foals yet this year that I know of. At this point it is not possible to easily get to the horse’s territories.

Sidebar: Life has highjacked my attention and my computer needs expert attention. My access to posting new images is, for the time being, paused. There is much to be seen about That Herd by scrolling back in time. Most of the images that I posted over the years are still available to enjoy.

Belly Games

free range horse photography of a first-time mother and newborn foal
A first-time mother surprises me with her baby on a rainy spring morning.

In her first hours of life this filly seemed to delight in wobbling around and under her mother repeatedly. This was not the usual foal action of instinctually searching underneath for nursing purposes, this was in addition to that. Head ducked, knees bent and nose pushing forward, the filly explored the belly-canopy of her mom as if it was an obstacle course feature. Maybe the repeated motion was soothing, like a cat being stroked along it’s entire back. Born on a morning of nearly consistent drizzle didn’t dampen her spirit. Even though this was her first foal, this mare was a calm and gentle mother; the filly stouthearted and undaunted even though neither of them knew what they were doing.

Spring Showers and the Light of Her Life

free range horse photography of a rainy morning surprise foal
Lots of rain did not dampen the spirits of this newborn and her careful mother.

 

free range horse photography of a newborn foal exploring under her mother
Her mother is large and tall so walking around and under became a repeated practice route.

 

free range horse photography of a newborn foal on a rainy morning
Several days of rain in early April greeted this pretty newborn filly.

From womb-world to water-world for this filly. An exciting discovery on a dreary spring morning made the rain unnoticeable.

It was wonderful to observe the quiet nurturing of this elegant mother with her first foal. She is calm and attentive and seems quite enamored.

Masterpiece Moment

 

free range horse photography of a mare & new foal in spring landscape
This year spring has not let go of winter for That Herd.

“My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature.”

–Claude Monet

Acceptance

free range horse photography of a new foal in a rainy downpour
A new foal is forced to accept some really miserable weather.

A new foal, only a day or two old, accepts some harsh realities about life outside the womb. Rain and wind have been a constant for her so far. At least I think it’s a filly; not acceptable weather for camera gear either.