I thought I would do a short post this morning and share some photos with you of Kootenai and Kiowa in their new home.
They rode home in the trailer really well. I separated them for the ride, just to be on the safe side. But they seem to be so close already, I think it would have been fine if they had ridden together.
Kiowa was in the back and so when we opened the door for her to come out, she just stood there. She is a lot more timid than Kootenai. We let her stand there for a while, but after about 5 minutes I gently reached in and touched her back. She still did not move, so I just started petting her back. After about another 30 seconds she left the trailer. We opened the divider and Kootenai hurried to get out after her. Their legs were a bit wobbly from the ride, but they quickly recovered and started eating and drinking.
I feel really lucky that I was able to get both of Lakota’s offspring. Kootenai is the son of Lakota and Hertiage and Kiowa is the daughter of Lakota and Half Moon (Missoula’s mom). I never really noticed how much Kootenai is starting to look like Lakota, but I can defiantly see it now that he is home with me. He is only 2 and I am sure as he matures it will be even more apparent. What a gift to have part of Lakota here with me.
Kootenai has already touched my hand with his nose several times and even let me touch his forehead and pick up his bangs. This of course was all on his terms. I put their hay on the ground and then sat there just outside their fence with my hand resting on the fence for them to smell. Kiowa is pretty shy, but she watches her brother and came within about 4 inches to sniff it late yesterday afternoon.
I think that with all the days I spend on the range camping (it will be well over 30 days this year) and seeing these beautiful horses that they must recognize me. I hope that gives them some extra comfort, being with someone they know.
I am really glad that they have each other. I think it makes it easier on them. They started playing a little late yesterday evening and now as I look out the window at them they are taking a nap in the morning sun together. Kootenai is laying down and Kiowa is standing beside him.
I first saw these two in August of 2010. At the time I did not know the horses very well, so I did not realize it was Lakota and his band that I saw until I looked through the photos a few weeks ago.
The next time I saw them was in October of 2010.
I feel really lucky to have been able to watch these two grow on the range. I wish they could have stayed to live out their lives free like both their father Lakota ( 1992-July 2012) and mothers Half Moon and Heritage, but it was not to be.
But if they cannot be free, I am happy and blessed that they can be with me. I will be sure to post updates on them often.
Sandy
