The first afternoon and evening of my Pryor Trip, I spent in the Dryhead and Lower Sykes. Within that time I was able to see: Fools Crow and Band (from a distance). Four bachelors: Hawk, Issaquah, Kememerer, Joseph. They were together. Fiero and his band. The last time I saw this band, it was from a distance, so it was good to see them up close. Bakken certainly looked pregnant to me. I hope if she is, she has her foal soon. I also saw Blizzard and Cascade right along the road, drinking from a mud puddle that had formed from a recent rain. Almost the same spot I saw him in early July. But then he had Strawberry, Cascade and Sacajewa with him.
From there I wanted to go to Lower Sykes. It was early evening, and I knew my chances would be greater to see some of these elusive horses as they went to drink at one of the water catchments. My timing was right.
As I arrived, Bristol, Kitalpha and Nova were heading down a path right in front of me. They had just finished with their drink from one of the catchments. They seemed more relaxed with me this time, and walked right towards me, instead of away from me. (Last month they saw me front about 1/4 mile away and left). The light was perfect, making the land and especially the color of Nova show up beautifully in the early evening sun.
The last time I saw Kitalpha (in August), I thought she looked like she had put on some weight. She does look a bit better, but she still looks like she could use some more. She still has that pop-belly, just like when I saw her in March, 2012. Worms? I wondered. You can read about that post and learn more about her by clicking on Kitalpha.
They stayed grazing around me for several minutes before moving on. It was such a gift to spend so much time with this little family.
I will be going to the mountain again, sometime in October. Depending on the weather. The season of set dates has passed now. Where did the summer go? It passed so quickly. I feel so lucky to have been able to spend so much time with these beautiful creatures.
Sandy
You were fortunate to spend so much time with the horses, WE were fortunate that you chose to share your experiences with this blog. Beautiful photos, wonderful stories and insights – I love it! And it is plain that many others enjoy it also! Thank you so much Sandy!
Thank you Ruby!
About Kitalpha—could she be carrying another foal? They are a nice little family, and I think Nova is going to be a real “looker”. It’s fun to be able to talk about some girls out there. It’s good to see all the pics from the Dryhead. Fiero looks pretty trim. It must keep him busy having family again. 🙂
She might be. We won’t know that until next spring. It would be great if she is. It is a bit early to see the signs, but she is a small horse, so maybe they show up sooner than most. I see her ribs though, so I hope the winter is kind to her if she is.
Hi, I was reading an old post and it mentioned a mare named Iliana, but I have seen no recent mention of her. What happened to her and who were her parents?
Hi Liz, What post were you reading? I am not sure which horse you are referring too. Thanks!
I think it may have been on the Pryor Wild blog now that I think back on it, she was a grulla mare that was once with Santa Fe and then with Starman back in 2010. I’ve seen no other mention of her anywhere
Hi Liz. I found Matt’s post on her here: http://pryorwild.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/april-1-2010-mountain-update/
She sure was a pretty filly. She was the 2008 daughter of Demure and Santa Fe.
I am sorry, I do not know what happened to her. I wish she was still on the range.
I’m pretty sure that she was removed in the 2009 round up as a yearling. Wish she was still on the range too! Especially now that her younger sister Kindra has gone missing.
Hi Sarah, She was not removed in 2009. Matts post was from spring 2010, and she was still there.
Oops, I should have looked closer at the date. I think there was a different Demure foal that was removed that I was thinking of.
Blizzard really looks great, I just love him 🙂 I hope Bakken foals soon too. Kitalpha does look better, but still a bit ribby. Her, Nova, and Bristol are such a cute little family. Nova looks really great. About Kitalpha’s belly, I know when she first reappeared she had that belly and it was thought to be from malnutrition since Buffalo Girl died before she was weaned and really at an age where forage would be her main food source. I’m not sure if that would effect her this long though. Maybe she hasn’t really finished growing yet with many events stunting her growth. I’m not sure. I’ve also noticed though that some of the mares still have big bellies after foaling. Galena and Firestorm both come to mind. I know they’re not the only ones, but they were the first I thought of. Or maybe she does have worms, like you mentioned.
Thank you for the update. Everyone looks great! I do hope that the snow takes its time this year and gives Kitalpha a chance to put a little more weight on! I rather doubt it will, though. I always feel so sorry for the young ones with foals since it can be so hard on them, and poor Kitalpha has had a rougher time of it than most. She’s a scrapper all right!
OK when did Fiero get Bakken? When I saw him early July he was with another bachelor.
Hi Chris!
It was sometime in late July I believe!
Has Kitalpha been with Bristol all summer? Seems like I saw her with Garcia at one point.
Hi Chris, Know one really saw her all summer. My friend Anh discovered her with Bristol and her new foal Nova in July.
Garcia had her briefly in December. That might be what you’re remembering.