At about 24 hours old, this newborn is active and inquisitive. Foals, at this stage, maintain a wide stance and exaggerated gait. The animated and purposeful footfalls of the newborn foals are one of their most endearing qualities. They just try so darn hard.
I just love it when broodmares look majestic. She is likely in her twenties.
sublime
adjective
exalted, elevated, noble, lofty, awe-inspiring, majestic, magnificent, glorious, superb, wonderful, marvelous, splendid; informal: fantastic, fabulous, terrific, heavenly, divine, out of this world.
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.”
–Confucius
A habitat filled with challenging terrain and obstacles is an immediate test for new foals. They rise to the occasion with an agility and balance that is impressive for their complete lack of terrestrial experience. In this image, the face of the newborn foal shows concentration; she is undaunted, matching her mother stride for stride.
Some foals had great fun during an unusual rainy day in June …
and some foals did not find any pleasure in the rain at all.
Horses raised in this environment have the opportunity to grow up using their bodies and minds constantly. The free-roaming lifestyle over varied terrain requires a horse to constantly flex his body, lift and lower his legs and head, and move into and out of varying speeds. Adjustments in foot-fall and body position are ever changing. Their balance is constantly tested and their minds are alert and analytical. In contrast, horses that live in a static environment, like a corral or stall, for example, rarely have to opportunity to hone the suppleness and agility that a wild horse does. Observing horses in this habitat has given me a new appreciation for the potential and strength every horse possesses. Horses that are not raised with this freedom can and do adapt, some faster than others, to this free-roaming challenge.
I often observe this mare running with her foal, for no apparent reason, other than the joy of it. You Go Girl!
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.
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.
Wintering yearlings in a dramatic landscape march past in a well ordered sequence.
Pouring rain energized these newly weaned colts and fillies on an autumn day. They alternated between brief periods of galloping in groups to nervous grazing on the fresh grass. The first week without their mothers is fraught with a million over-reactions which bloom into fitful romps.
Kids not running is just not going to happen.
Live streaming of That Herd–the real life version–not the internet type.
Early morning put a spring in their step.
frolic |ˈfrälik|
verb
(of an animal or person) play and move about cheerfully, excitedly, or energetically
