A receptive mare is courted by the herd stallion.
Special attention is given to a responsive mare. Once her willingness is confirmed, things move rapidly from there. The mare is much larger than the stallion in this case, so a few logistical steps had to be taken. The young colt by the mare’s side is a bit confused by this activity and sticks tightly to his mother.
A mature stallion, one moment quietly grazing, and the next a vigorous display.
Nothing like a “mare moment” to energize an otherwise laid-back stallion. In this setting, the stallion interacts continuously with his mares. This horse often tends to the mares in a companionable partnership. Sometimes he completely ignores them, at other times he’s commanding, and sometimes moved to aggression. A veteran stallion, he is often gentle and detached. He has a somewhat permissive relationship with the mares as far as their movements as a group are concerned. Interestingly, when the moment calls for it, he has their complete attention and obedience.
Three fillies looking innocent by a failing oak tree.
While there have been lots of new foals to meet, I am still spending time with the older foals. They never cease to entertain me with their mix of bravado and caution. Many of them are old enough now to be fully independent so their explorations of me are constant and surprisingly intense. I have so many photographs of the horses to share but I simply am short on time these days. My thanks to the frequent blog visitors who remain as interested in That Herd as I do. There are many pages of past observations to explore if you have the time. Time spend outdoors is an effective stress reliever. At the very least, I hope this site inspires you to get some fresh air and dirt on your shoes.
Early morning surprise filly; bay with lots of chrome.
“Does anything in nature despair except man? An animal with a foot caught in a trap does not seem to despair. It is too busy trying to survive. It is all closed in, to a kind of still, intense waiting. Is this the key? Keep busy with survival. Imitate the trees. Learn to lose in order to recover, and remember that nothing stays the same for long, not even pain … ”
–May Sarton, Journal of a Solitude
The will to live is strong in this one.
An early morning surprise is tiptoeing about in the woods.
Hidden in the woods, a veteran mother keeps a close eye on my approach as her newly foaled buckskin colt delicately explores the world. As the mare’s due dates approach, anticipation of discovering a new foal escalates into pervasive distraction. On those few mornings that reward you with a new baby to meet, life is good.
Newborns fearlessly venture into water, which is amazing.
Only in his first day of life and this new colt wades right into the pond with his mother. So far, every newborn foal that encounters the pond carefully steps in without hesitation. When you have no life experience I guess everything is possible. It is amazing that with every passing minute and hour they are completely able to learn balance and obstacle negotiation on land as well as water, along with every other new sensation and bodily function that comes with life in the “outside world”.
Long of leg and face, this newborn, only several hours old has a lot to grow into in the next few months.
Just looking at this image you cannot tell how tall the foal is. The mare is substantial in size and height. This is her first foal, and he is quite large for a newborn. He is all legs and (I mean this in a good way), all face. I have no doubt that he will grow into his parts and be a beautiful colt. I think he’s striking and he has an air of intelligence, like his mother.
Horse hugs.
Her enthusiasm for her foal is adorable. Her constant nuzzles and touches are met with trust and matched adoration from the filly. They are the perfect cure for anything that may causing you stress.
Less than 24 hours old and this newborn filly is experiencing her new world with mature confidence.
With the courage of a veteran, this newborn filly takes the plunge.
Welcome to (finally) an new colt to That Herd.
I know what you’re thinking; no spots. Well, I must say, he is spectacular anyway. He’s big, and solid, and long legged, with flashy white; what more could you ask for? And, yes, he’s a colt. Colts are in the minority this year, so let’s hear it for the boys! Welcome to the long legged, handsome boy! The white on his face looks like some sort of royal symbol …
Sporting a cropped mohawk and a determined face, this one-day-old filly strolls beside mother.
With her first day behind her, this new filly purposefully marches beside her mother, matching her every turn and pause. Soon she’ll be investigating her surroundings with confidence.
Late day naps are in order on your birth day.
It’s a girl! Again! 2019 Fillies are running in a strong majority for That Herd. Several summer foals are still expected so we will see if that continues. Mother and newborn are just fine. The mare’s roaming patterns were not in my favor today; many tall grasses and mustard seed obscuring my view. She did, kindly, let me approach her and the filly even though she’s only several hours old.
An attentive mother checks in constantly with her newborn foal.
This mare is impossible to dislike. She is curious and gentle. She’s a bit of a lovable goober, though I hate to use a term that’s so hard to define. Motherhood should suit her; she has always wanted a little horse all to herself to play with. The newborn filly, looks almost exactly like her, which makes this even more fun.
The first foal of the year for That Herd came in January.
A newborn image of the first foal of 2019 for the nostalgia of his cuteness. Now he’s a rough and ready brute of a colt.
The dainty pose of this filly is irresistible.
Don’t let that dainty pose fool you; she is brimming with mischief.
A young foal bursts from the woods in an inspired leap.
Conjuring visions of unicorns in mystical forests, this colt displays wondrous confidence and agility for one so young. He was not startled or fleeing, he was simply filled with the joy of life, and acted out with impulsive, light-hearted energy. He was only five days old on this April morning.
Quite a star on this new foal.
Stolen from her mother while she lay down to pass the placenta, this filly had to navigate some confusion and rough treatment for several hours. All that is a distant memory now, and both mare and foal are doing well and back with the herd.
It hardly seems likely that something would be more interesting than all that green grass.
Grazing times are good for that herd due to lots of February rain. Someone asked to see an updated image of the spotted colt. He was born tiny but is growing just fine. He is close to three years-old now.
A mare who tragically lost her newborn foal takes possession of another mare’s newborn foal.
Still grieving over the loss of her own newborn many weeks prior, this mare took possession of a newborn filly along with an additional thief-mare for several hours. Every opportunity she got, she swooped in to take control of the confused newborn. In a true wild situation, the outcome for this foal would have been calamitous. Human intervention reunited her with her mother and separated her from the others. Both are doing fine. She is the ninja foal from the previous post.
A delicate meeting between herd mate foals.
The colt closes his eyes to heighten his sensory meeting with a new filly.
Several weeks his inferior, this filly is a force to be reckoned with for this sturdy colt.
With lightening speed, she rises up to administer a (mock) fatal jab. He never saw it coming.
