In May, as I was looking for wild horses in Arapahoe Creek, I saw several bands at a distance. I looked for a two track that might take me nearby, and was soon traveling toward three wild horse families. One of these families had a gorgeous black and white stallion and three pinto foals, a stunning dappled grey mare and two pinto mares. I spent some time walking toward them. At first, they seemed concerned about my presence, but after moving out and around, settled down to graze.
The mares and foals look at a distant family
Black pinto mare and colt with Gadriel move out
Settling down to graze
Napping in front of the snow covered Wind River range
The sorrel pinto filly seemed fascinated with me and kept watching me. I think I was likely the first human she had seen.
The sorrel pinto filly
The next time I encountered this amazing family was a month later in June. They were in the same area, and when I approached, the stallion I named Gadriel came closer and close to me, as if he were trying to figure me out. I had never seen this family before, and I could tell they had not been together before the 2020 roundup because there were no yearlings or two year olds. I was just as fascinated by him as he was with me.
Gadriel walks close
Portrait of Gadriel
The black pinto mare and colt snuggle
Stunning dappled grey mare and colt
In that early morning it was a joy sitting and spending time with them. The two black and white foals were both colts and the sorrel pinto was the only filly but she held her own!
Girls Rule!
The next day I saw the whole family coming back from watering, and was finally able to get all three foals together in one image.
All three foals
It is a true privilege when a family of wild horses lets me spend time with them, and let me into their world for a short time. It is a gift of peace and connection that I treasure, and I hope to continue spending time with them in the years to come.
Gadriel Comes Close