Table Rock
Two weeks ago when I was visiting the Adobe Town Herd Management Area in Wyoming, I realized that I had to go on a detour to get to the area I had planned to go. The detour road was long and winding, and I passed a beautiful landmark that I had never seen before, Table Rock.
The Blue Roan Mare
As I passed by the best view of the rock, I saw two dark colored horses in the distance.
The Young Grey Stallion
It was a grey stallion and a blue roan mare. As I got out of my vehicle and slowly approached them, the mare kept looking toward the stallion. This is a normal reaction, looking for reassurance, but I was struck by how the two did not get close together immediately as I have seen stallions and mares who have been together for a long time.
The mare is curious but wary
The stallion strutted and floated as he trotted. I admired his dapples and realized that he was quite young, as you can tell by his dark coat – greys lighten as they age, and he also carried himself as a younger stallion, I would imagine about 5-6 years old.
The stallion has a floating trot
This is most likely his very first mare, and they have been together very long. It also explains their isolation – stallions who have won a new mare often stay away from other wild horse families until they can cement their bond.
Coming together
Standing together
Finally both got together and he looked toward her. Then they both trot together.
Trotting together
They are both stunning young horses, and I hope they get a chance to stay together and raise a family, untroubled by helicopter roundups.
Stallion’s close up
Mare’s close up
That is what I wish for all the wild horses in Adobe Town, as well as in all the wild horse Herd Management Areas across the west.
The mare – wild and free