Lori and I have been worried about Merlin for about a week now. We both received reports that he was injured and that there were several bachelors trying to get his band. If you want to read about that click on Dryhead and it will take you to Lori’s report. She last saw him with the Greeters.
Here is Lori’s report from yesterday:
I went out to the Dryhead hoping to find Merlin.
I did not find Merlin, but his harem is now with Hidalgo. Let’s hope that Merlin is laying low somewhere and healing from his injury.
The last time he was injured, which was not too long ago, Corona and Waif took care of his harem for a little while, then Merlin eased himself back into his harem. Also, Hidalgo has not been the one fighting with Merlin. It was Medicine Bow, and Chief Joseph I believe; at least that is what I have been hearing from others visiting the range.
I also saw Hidatsa and Johnston on Mustang Flats. Off in the distance was Hawk and Issaquah.
On my way back I saw Jemez, Medicine Bow, Johan and Chief Joseph. They were not near Hidalgo and “harem” at all..so I really don’t know when this came about, but it has been since I was last out there last week.
I searched for Merlin a bit stopping all of the time and looking through my binoculars, but no Merlin.
I heard that someone saw Seattle, Sacajawea and Kemmerer today, and also Fiero, Strawberry and Bakken.
that is good news as I have not seen them for quite some time.
Lori
Hidalgo, September 24, 2012. Photo by Lori GrahamHalo, Fresia and Montana, September 24, 2012. Photo by Lori GrahamHidalgo with Merlin’s band, September 24, 2012. Photo by Lori GrahamMontana, September 24, 2012. Photo by Lori GrahamMontana, Fresia and Halo, September 24, 2012. Photo by Lori Graham
Thank you so much Lori for keeping us up to date on Merlin and spending the time to try and find him!
I have tried to stay calm, hoping for the best. Merlin is only 15 after all and should have many more years ahead of him.
I have a special feeling for Merlin. He is the father of my filly, Valerosa, who I adopted in 2009. Every time I go up the Dryhead I hoped to see him. I have seen him off in the distance with his band several times, but never up close until last May.
Bill and I felt very lucky to spend some time with this amazing stallion then. It was raining that day, but we covered our cameras and watched them. Merlin was every bit the stallion I imaged him to be. He was a good band stallion, watching closely over little Montana, and keeping his mares together.
I am holding on to hope that it will be a repeat of last spring when he was injured. He went off by himself for a while to heal and then returned to claim his band. Please Merlin, let’s see that happen again.
Merlin, May 2012Merlin, Fresia and Montana, May 2012Merlin, May 2012
