We had all had a great day. Amber put the dinner in the camp oven and Linda D and I uploaded our photos from the day. Linda had some really great shots and it was fun to look at them. Even though we were standing together for some parts of the day, there were so many things going on, that the chances we took the exact same shot was pretty rare. The rest of the girls (Amber, Brianna and Lori) did not have their laptops with them. So I had to wait to see their.
Bolder’s band was working their way down towards us. They continued to move past while we ate our dinner and share our thoughts of the day.
As we did the dinner clean up, Teton’s band made it way past.
One of the interesting things that I am noticing about myself in regards to the horses identification is that I am starting to notice every little detail about the horses. For instance: This time I noticed Phoenix’s tail. I am not sure if it has always been this way (I need to look at other photos of her that I have taken, but I really noticed it this time. The way her tail is so much lighter at the top and then red at the bottom. Like a reverse Ombre'( a hair color technique).
Teton and his band moved into the trees, not far from our camp. Next in the parade of horses past us came Bolder. I had not gotten any good close-ups of this band this trip. Now was my time. Bolder decided that the tail-gate of my truck would be a good place to scratch his chin.
Bolder and his band were making their way over to the trees where Teton was. Teton let them know that they could not share with them. I found it interesting how fast Bolder backed down. I was also pleased to see Teton’s actions. I had been worried about him when I saw him in March. He was thin and did not seem to have much energy. I was worried that Mescalero was going to take his band. I was glad I was wrong about that. You can read that post by clicking on TETON.
I spotted some horses way over on a ridge. I did not need to even look through the binoculars to tell who it was. Little Nimbus (AKA beacon of bright light) let me know who it was. Cloud’s band.
Next to come into our view (without having to leave our chairs), was Doc. It was then that I noticed that Galaxy and his band were coming up from some trees. Their was a brief exchange between two of the “hunkyest” (yes, I know that is not really a word, but it fits) stallions on the range. What a treat to have them both in one shot!
I noticed Duke and his band were working their way over as well.
It had been an incredible trip. Our “dry run” for the tours went smoothly. I am looking forward to the real thing that will start two weeks from today.
Amber and I would be leaving the next day. We wanted to take our time going down Sage Creek and stop and take some photos of all the incredible wildflowers that were blooming.
Linda wanted for us all to take a photo by the Burnt Timber sign the next morning. Brianna set the camera up so we could all get in the shot together. I was glad Linda insisted! I think I will make this a tradition for every trip! Thank you Linda. Thank you Brianna and Lori. Thank you Amber you are a great “cook”!
Sandy
Another GREAT post, Sandy, and I’m really glad we got that pic of all of us, too. 🙂 It was a great time, and I like to have proof that I was where I said I was—on the top of Pryor Mountain!
I’m still laughing about those guys checking out our trucks like they were shopping for one. 🙂 We should send Ford Motor Company a copy of the one where you can see the F-150 by Bolder. 🙂
Thank you Linda! I so enjoyed out time together, I wish it could have been longer! Next time for sure. Looking forward to see you photos! Safe travels back to Wisconsin!
<3 I love it when the horses interact with the vehicles. Like Lenape did with Ginger's, kicking the front license plate! Looks like Killian got a little dirty; he's turning a peachy color, it will be interesting to see what color he ends up being. Most horses with light colored tails usually have dark at the bottom. When the horse swishes it's tail, the lower 2/3 part of the tail is picking up dirt and debris from the lower legs and the air. You can see it on Bolder's too only not as noticeable. 🙂 Lobo looks like a gangly two-year-old, did he look ok to you?
Thanks Clarissa!
That is not dirt on Killian, but actually his color changing. His blaze really shows up more now. That also is not dirt on Phoenix, but a gorgeous red color. It has probably always been that way, the light was just right to really show it off this time. Lobo seemed okay. I did think it was a bit strange that he still had so much of his winter coat still on. But he was playing with Missoula earlier in the day and seemed to be just fine.
Great idea Linda! “F-150, the choice of wild horses!”
As always Sandy, a great post! Awesome pictures! Loved the flowers also. Reminiscent of our evening rides with my late brother-in-law in the Elkhorn and Big Belt Mts. near Helena. Beautiful!
Thank you so much Ruby! 🙂 Did you live in Montana for a while? I know the area you are talking about. I have actually taken several cow clinics near Wolf Creek. Love that area too. 🙂
Another awesome post Sandy!! Thanks…we did have a great time and now I have some more very special and memorable times etched in my brain!! those pictures with the trucks still makes me laugh. I will have to gather up my photos and send you some…I did get some awesome pictures too!!!
Thanks again and love all of the beautiful pictures!!
McCoullough Peaks was a fun too. Lynne and I saw three bands, 15 horses total. It sure is different terrain over there and not so tough on a vehicle! I think I got some great shots of those horses, and will look at all of them tomorrow.
I agree! I would love to see a post of your pictures 🙂
I immediately noticed Pheonix’s tail in your photos so I’m thinking it hasn’t always looked like that, or at least not always been quite so noticeable. Diamond’s hand all looks good. Half Moon looks great, I know a lot of us were hoping she’d be pregnant, but hopefully next year! It’s also good to see Bolder’s band up close, because I haven’t seen close ups in awhile. I’m wondering if Echo will turn out to be more golden colored like Pheonix. Bolder was bright gold until he was around 4 and the silver tones started coming in. Mesa has turned out very pretty and feminine. Baileys seems to be doing good although I did really like her with Cloud. They were together for so long and he was pretty much the only stallion she had been with. Demure really looks good although I’m still really sad about her foal. Doc has done such a great job with Mandan, but I was hoping he would get to raise another of his own since he lost Gold Rush, Ketchikan, and London to Garay before London turned 1. And he raised Ketchikan but she was Two Boots’. He’s young though and I hope we’ll get to see him raise many more of his own.
Hi Sandy – No, I’ve always been a Maniac! B-I-L lived in Townsend, MT, for approx. 30 years and we were fortunate enough to visit three times. We also visited Cody, WY; over Beartooth Pass; Yellowstone; Teton; more! Awesome trips!
Thanks so much for all the great photos of the horses. The wild flowers are really beautiful. they would make a great puzzle.
Wow , these pics are all so amazing, just loved each and every one of them , thanks so much all
Thanks Jeannie! 🙂
Amazing photos and stories of the Wild Ones. Beautiful shots of the wild flowers. Thank you Sandy and Amber for the updates. You girls all looked cute.
Thank you so much Anh!
wonderful posts and wonderful pictures. I have been waiting to hear from your trip and really love to see all the photos.
So no new foals on this trip? Are there any “surprise” mares looking pregnant? Also I saw in a newletter from TCF that it seems some mares have lost there foals like Jacinta? I am also really sorry to hear about Demure´s foal.
I suppose Graciana has foaled by now?
Hi Thora! Thank you! I would think that Gracianna would have foaled by now, but she may surprise us and hang on a bit longer. There are several mares that look to be pregnant, but they may just be fat! 🙂 There are a few that really seem to be. There should be some new ones running around by the time I get there again in 10 days. We will have to see! 🙂
It’s funny, my daughter commented on Phoenix’s tail and then we read where you said that about never noticing it before. Apparently we had never noticed it either! And in regards to Killian’s coloring, it’s going to be interesting to see if he darkens up as much as Bolder did.
Hi! I just looked back on photos for earlier this year (March and April) and her tail was like that. I will continue to look back further (in years) to see if it was that way. I have a feeling it may be. Yes, I was equally surprised to see how much darker Killian was after he shed his winter coat this year. I really like Bolder’s coloring, so it would be great if he did get that dark!