2020 Camping Tour Dates/ CANCELED

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Due to the on going Cornovirus, I have decided to cancel this years trips.  I will be doing 2021 and will release those dates at another time.  Thank you.  Sandy

 

Have you ever wanted to photograph wild horses in their nature setting?  The Pryor Mountains in Montana offers you an amazing opportunity to do that with an equally amazing backdrop.  You will have full days loaded with the opportunity to capture the horses in action, starting with the first light and ending with the blue hour and sunset.  And if you choose, you can stay up late and capture some of the dark starry skies in photos and then fall asleep with the horses near by. 

Whether you bring a professional camera, or just a cell phone to take photos, Sandy goes out of her way to make sure you leave the mountain with cherished memories of your once in a life-time camping trip. 

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Sandy has been camping in the Pryors since 2009, spending weeks at a time with the horses, and has been providing camping tours since 2013. Abbie Branchflower will be joining Sandy  for part of this season, as her assistant. Abbie also has a vast knowledge of the horses and loves to share it! 

Sandy is unsure how many more years she will be doing these tours, choosing not to do tours in 2019.  Don’t miss the opportunity to join her.

The many stories that Sandy and Abbie share about the horses and the range, make this trip more than just a chance to view them, it makes this a trip more about knowing the horses, giving you a brief glance into the life of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horses.

Experience living with the horses 24 hours a day and in doing so, this will give you a better understanding of what it is like to live wild on the range.  All tours may include light to moderate hiking.

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Below are the tour dates for the summer of 2020. Cost of the trip is $2125 per person. A deposit of 50% ($1062.50) is due at time of booking. Contact me for payment options, or check out by hitting the PAY NOW button below. (a secure payment that accepts most credit/debit cards through out the world.)Below are the tour dates for the summer of 2020. Cost of the trip is $2125. A deposit of 50% ($1062.50) is due at time of booking. (balance is due April 1, 2020). Contact me for payment options, or pay now by hitting the PAY NOW button below.  Accepts most credit/debit cards all over the world.

1. June 28-July 1  2 Openings
2. July 3-6 Full Moon!  Full
3. July 9-12  Full
4. July 14-17  2 Openings
5. July 19-22  Full

All payments are considered non-refundable. Refunds may be made if cancellations can be filled.  THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS, so please consider purchasing travel insurance on your own!!  Here is a link to travel insurance purchase.  This insurance is not through Wild In The Pryors.  Please explore this link for cost comparisons of several companies.   TRIP INSURANCE 

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Contact Sandy with any questions:  406-360-8959
All tours will start and end in Billings, MT.

 Your camping trip will be 4 days/3 nights on the mountain top.  This trip includes: comfortable transportation up and down the mountain, all food,( the food is top quality, no freeze dried camping stuff!)  snacks, tents, sleeping pad and expert personal guiding. (last night dinner is on your own once we return to Billings).

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There are many great hotels in Billings, MT.  You will be responsible for making your own arrangements before and after the trip.  AirBnb is also a great source to find some lodging.  I can pick you up at your hotel the morning of our first day, or you can meet me at my house in Billings. Feel free to contact me for hotel recommendations. Camping trips will be limited to 5 guests.  Sandy will have an assistant with her who will assist her and help you with any camping needs.  Sandy will personally be doing all of the guiding. For reservations:  Contact Sandy
Phone: 406-360-8959 
email:  wildinthepryors@aol.com

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Wild in the Pryors is permitted by the Bureau of Land Management to conduct small group tours within the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range from January to December. Wild in the Pryors is one of a handful of businesses that have the federal permits necessary to guide clients onto this federal property.

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2018 Wild In The Pryors Camping Tours

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Sandy has been camping in the Pryors  for several years, spending weeks at a time  with the horses.  Abbie Branchflower will be joining Sandy for her fourth season as her assistant.  Abbie has a vast knowledge of the horses as well.  She will also be offering a photo book so you can make identification more easily once you are home.  If you are interested in purchasing one of these, contact us and we will have it ready for you.

Whether you bring a professional camera, or just a cell phone to take photos, Sandy goes out of her way to make sure you leave the mountain with cherished memories of your once in a life-time camping trip.

The many stories that Sandy and her assistant share about the horses and the range, make this trip more than just a chance to view them, it makes this a trip more about knowing the horses, giving you a brief glance into the life of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horses.

Experience living with the horses 24 hours a day and in doing so, this can give you a better understanding of what it is like to live wild on the range!

All tours may include light to moderate hiking.

IMG_0236Below are the tour dates for the summer of  2018:

1.June 18-21, 2018  Full

2. June 24-27, 2018    Full

3.June 29-July 2, 2018   Full

4. July 5-8, 2018   Full

5.  July 10-13, 2018  1 Space available

Contact Sandy with any questions:  406-360-8959

 

These trips will be 4 days/3 nights on the mountain top.  While on the mountain, we will be in Montana.  This trip includes: transportation up and down the mountain, all food, snacks, tents, and expert personal guiding. (last night dinner is on your own once we return to Cody).

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There are many great hotels in Cody, you will be responsible for making your own arrangements before and after the trip.  AirBnb is also a great source to find some lodging.  I can pick you up at your hotel the morning of our first day, or you can meet me at my house in Cody.

All payments are considered non-refundable. Refunds may be made when cancellations can be filled.  THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS, so please consider purchasing travel insurance on your own!!  Here is a link to travel insurance purchase.  This insurance is not through Wild In The Pryors.  Please explore this link for cost comparisons of several companies.   TRIP INSURANCE

Camping trips will be limited to 4 guests.  Sandy will have an assistant with her who will do the camp cooking and help you with any camping needs.  Sandy will personally be doing all of the guiding.

For reservations:  Contact Sandy or click on the Paypal link to pay the deposit.

Phone: 406-360-8959 

email:  wildinthepryors@aol.com

 

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Wild in the Pryors is permitted by the Bureau of Land Management to conduct small group tours within the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range from January to December. Wild in the Pryors is one of a handful of businesses that have the federal permits necessary to guide clients onto this federal property.

IMG_0158Reviews from past guests:

My dream came true camping in the Pryor Mountains of Montana in July 2017.

I have always felt a pull to our American West, horses and the Native American culture and history. Sandy Palen (Wild in the Pryors) was recommended to me when I was seeking out information on how I could spend time with our wild horses. I could not have asked for a more perfect opportunity and guide.

I signed up for the July 15-18th , 2017 guided tour. How excited I was to be camping out in the beautiful Pryor Mountains with the gorgeous Pryor horses.

I was picked up in Cody by Sandy and her assistant Abbie. I truly did not know what to expect and was kind of a chatterbox I think asking questions on our way to the mountain. Sandy was so patient and attentive answering all my questions. There is much to seen on the ride up and it goes by quickly. And when we got there…..the horses and open country were awaiting. I couldn’t believe they were right there!

Finally, I was living a dream! Our campsite was in a fantastic location. We had horses walking by…..grazing nearby……and lots of wonderful viewing time just from the campsite.

The meals were amazing and the smell of fresh coffee in the morning so very welcoming. Everything was planned and thought out to make this an experience of a lifetime….and one to remember so fondly.

We would go out in the truck to search for some other bands and get different views. We took some great little hikes….to get different mountain views and search out other bands. The wildflowers were in bloom and some of the fields were just breathtaking.

There are no words to describe the fabulous scenes that are etched forever in my mind and heart. Sandy made sure that you get the photographs you are looking for and will go out of her way to make sure you are content with everything. Her knowledge (as well as Abbie) of the horses and the mountain is just amazing. It was just awesome to listen to them name the horses, their background and everything about that. I truly envied them that.

They truly do love their Pryor horses. We got to experience it all. From seeing a rainbow shining down on horses…..to seeing a one day old foal….gorgeous stallions standing on the hillside…..bachelors playing and strutting their stuff…..stallions protecting their mares…..gorgeous sunsets…..stormy skies…..unbelieveable views…and just experiencing what life is like in the day of our wild mustangs.

For me to finally be out in the open….in the mountains….24/7 with the Pryor horses, I got to live one of my wildest dreams. It meant the world to me. I highly recommend Sandy (Wild in the Pryors) if you are looking for that once in a lifetime experience of spending time with our wild mustangs. You will not be disappointed. It’s just the best!

Cathy Weeks, Albany, NY

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Fields of Dreams
If you are searching for an adventure, if you’d love to see and photograph some of the oldest descendants in the founding of America, if you love horses, nature and the out of doors, consider a trip with Sandy Palen and “Wild In The Pryors”.
The road up to the mountain top is a bit rough, however, once you get up there it will take your breath away.  Your first spotting of the horses will cause your heart to skip a beat.  And it just gets better from there.  
Sandy knows these horses like the back of her hands.  She knows the details of the stallions, their bands, their mares and their foals.  She knows their history.  She has a sense of where they will be in the mornings and where they might be in the afternoons.  And she loves them!  
Along with being a great photographer, Sandy is an expert at camping and has everything so organized it makes camping easy.  All someone has to do is show up.  I had never camped nor slept in a tent and it was the most amazing thing.  I wish I had that view from my tent every morning when I wake up.   Sandy cooked delicious meals on top of that mountain; and a sandwich for lunch never tasted better than on that mountain.  The views of the country side, the Bighorn Mountains and the Bighorn Canyon were unbelievable.  You can see miles and miles of both Montana and Wyoming from up there.
The horses in the Pryor Mountains are descendants of the horses brought over to America in the 1600s.  They came with the original explorers who came to America.  It is beyond words to be a part of these incredible animals and to be able to bring home memorable photographs of them.  Advocating for and helping to save the mustangs running free becomes very real to you.  
I had attempted to make this trip for several years, however, was unable to.  So when I was finally able to go this summer I left all my expectations at home.  What I found up there was beyond my wildest dreams and more than anything I could have hoped for.  We saw a foal only a few hours after she was born.  We had almost every horse on the mountain walk or run by our camp sight two evenings in a row.  I had the privilege of seeing the oldest horse on the mountain, a mare, still loving her band. Photographing the horses against the sunset two nights in a row is still a vision in my memory.  I hope some day to return and hope these horses are still running free.
If you love horses and you are looking for the trip of a lifetime which includes them, you have found it!
Robin T.
Texas

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Summer 2015, Part 2

View from the top of them mountain in June, 2015
View from the top of them mountain in June, 2015

I have had several people email me and ask if I was not going to be on the mountain doing tours all summer next year.  So I need to clarify that, and I apologize for the misunderstanding.

I will once again be on the mountain all summer next year giving tours.  My tours are all 4 day now, but if you have 4 people who would like to do a 3 day instead, contact me as soon as possible, and I may be able to work something out.  Click on Camping to find out more information.

The photos below are still of my first June Trip!

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Amethyst
Amethyst

Halcyon and Olivia
Halcyon and Olivia

Blue Moons
Blue Moons

Miocene
Miocene

Sequoyah
Sequoyah

Halcyon and Olivia
Halcyon and Olivia

Halcyon and Olivia
Halcyon and Olivia

Halcyon
Halcyon

Halcyon and Olivia
Halcyon and Olivia

McKeahnie and Nimbus
McKeahnie and Nimbus

Jasper, Knight, McKeahnie and Nimbus
Jasper, Knight, McKeahnie and Nimbus

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Jasper
Jasper

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Nickel and London
Nickel and London

Sequoyah
Sequoyah

Sequoyah
Sequoyah

Jasper
Jasper

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Baja's
Baja’s

Baja's
Baja’s

Galaxy
Galaxy

Petite Colour and Kohl
Petite Colour and Kohl

Garay's
Garay’s

Meriweather
Meriweather

Garay's
Garay’s

Jupiter and Cloud
Jupiter and Cloud

Jupiter and Cloud
Jupiter and Cloud

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Cloud, Jupiter and Odessey
Cloud, Jupiter and Odessey

Jupiter, Odessey (Oro) and Maia
Jupiter, Odessey (Oro) and Maia

Inali
Inali

Cloud
Cloud

Cloud and London
Cloud and London

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London
London

London and Jupiter
London and Jupiter

Morning Star
Morning Star

London, Moorcroft and Cloud
London, Moorcroft and Cloud

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Phoenix and Warbonnet
Phoenix and Warbonnet

Hernando and Niobrara
Hernando and Niobrara

Hernando and Niobrara
Hernando and Niobrara

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Warbonnet
Warbonnet

Warbonnet
Warbonnet

Phoenix
Phoenix

Niobrara
Niobrara

Demure and Juniper
Demure and Juniper

Juniper
Juniper

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Demure

Horizon, Demure and Juniper
Horizon, Demure and Juniper

Summer 2015, Part One

First camping trip of the year, June 20-24, 2015
First camping trip of the year, June 20-24, 2015

I apologize for not getting a post out sooner.  But, I have to admit, I was having a difficult time looking at my photos after the removal.   After spending the entire summer with these horses and then being there for the removal of the mountain top horses, I had a lot of emotions that weren’t ready to surface.

All of the horses removed, I had seen as little foals, watched some of them leave their family bands and become bachelors, and watched others get to know their home on the mountain.  I knew I had hundreds of photos of the horses that were removed, and I just was not ready to see them.

It was this week, that I realized I was ready, and actually looking forward to reviewing the thousands of photos from the summer.  I have been very blessed to have been able to spend so much time on the mountain with these horses.

This first post is only of my very first trip up there.  After several months away from the horses, I find that my first trip, I take a lot of photos, then with each following trip, I begin to take less shots, and put down my camera to watch the horses and my guests through my own eyes.

June sunset.
June sunset.

June is one of my favorite months on the mountain top.  The mountain is just awaking after a long winter, and the horses are much more active with each other.  The mountain top brings them all in closer proximity to each other then what they are in the winter months, so there is more action between the stallions on a regular basis.  If you don’t mind the cool nights and want a lot of action shots, this is the month for you.

I’m not sure how much longer I will be be doing guided tours, so I cherish each moment I had there with my guests and the horses. I will be doing two guided camping trips in June this year.  They are starting to book, so if you are interested, contact me soon.  Go to 2016 Camping, to find out more information, with available dates for June, July and August.

So, below are some of the photos I took during this first trip.

Bolder's band visited our camp on a regular basis, with Killian and Lobo denting my truck during a sparing match.
Bolder’s band visited our camp on a regular basis, with Killian and Lobo denting my truck during a sparing match.

Bachelor Boys near our camp
Bachelor Boys near our camp

Nahwa and McKeanhie
Nahwa and McKeanhie

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Bachelors
Bachelors

Hamlets
Hamlets

A very pregnant Jacinta
A very pregnant Jacinta

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Petite Colour
Petite Colour

Kohl and Petite Colour
Kohl and Petite Colour

Garay
Garay

Merriweather
Merriweather

One of the many views from the mountain top
One of the many views from the mountain top

Tecumseh and band
Tecumseh and band

Grijala and band
Grijala and band

Little Miss Noble
Little Miss Noble

Cappucinno's run to the Mystic Pond
Cappucinno’s run to the Mystic Pond

The Cappucinno's
The Cappucinno’s

Cappucinno's
Cappucinno’s

Custers
Custers

Nye, Firestorm, Brumby and Okomi
Nye, Firestorm, Brumby and Okomi

Brumby
Brumby

Galena and Petra
Galena and Petra

Galena and Petra
Galena and Petra

Nye
Nye

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Irial
Irial

Oceana
Oceana

Galena and Petra
Galena and Petra

Nye
Nye

Aurora
Aurora

Baja's
Baja’s

Baja's
Baja’s

Ojai
Ojai

Washakie
Washakie

Ojai
Ojai

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Baja's
Baja’s

Odakota
Odakota

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Noble and Naolin
Noble and Naolin

Pococeno and Galaxy
Pococeno and Galaxy

Limerick
Limerick

Penny
Penny

Manelita with Dove in the background
Manelita with Dove in the background

Naolin and Odakata
Naolin and Odakata

Naolin and Odakota
Naolin and Odakota

Baja and London
Baja and London

London
London

Naolin and Nickel
Naolin and Nickel

Nickel and Naolin
Nickel and Naolin

Petra
Petra

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Doc and London
Doc and London

London and Doc
London and Doc

Petra and Galena
Petra and Galena

Cloud
Cloud

Cloud
Cloud

Boys with Mandan and Moorcroft in front
Boys with Mandan and Moorcroft in front

Mandan and Moorecroft
Mandan and Moorecroft

Galaxy
Galaxy

Irial
Irial

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Pride and Feldspar
Pride and Feldspar

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Jasper
Jasper

Ketchikan and Okiotak
Ketchikan and Okiotak

Medicine Bow, Pride and Rosarita
Medicine Bow, Pride and Rosarita

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Mescalero
Mescalero

Mescalero
Mescalero

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Hera
Hera

Kreguer Pond
Kreguer Pond

Grijala and Noble
Grijala and Noble

Chino
Chino

Hamlet and Niyaha
Hamlet and Niyaha

Hamlet
Hamlet

Niyaha and Hamlet
Niyaha and Hamlet

Niyaha and Audobon
Niyaha and Audobon

Gabriele and Patterson
Gabriele and Patterson

Cappuccino's
Cappuccino’s

Naara
Naara

Patterson and Blanca
Patterson and Blanca

View from Campsite
View from Campsite

Gringo and Tecumseh bands
Gringo and Tecumseh bands

Bolder
Bolder

Lobo
Lobo

I’ll be publishing “Part Two of Summer 2015” soon!

Sandy

2016 Camping Trip Information and Available Dates.

Cloud walks by our camp. June, 2014
Cloud walks by our camp. June, 2014

Below are the available Tour Dates for 2016.   For questions and reservations: Contact Sandy At: Phone: 406-360-8959.  Email: wildinthepryors@aol.com

 

Pryor Horses running in Lupine, July 2014
Pryor Horses running in Lupine, July 2014

Wild in the Pryors is permitted by the Bureau of Land Management to conduct small group tours within the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range from January to December. Wild in the Pryors is one of a handful of businesses that have the federal permits necessary to guide clients onto this federal property.

Wild In The Pryors is also licensed to give tours within the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

Stallion Action, July, 2013
Stallion Action, July, 2013

Sandy has been coming to the Pryors Range for several years, spending weeks at a time camping with the horses.

Whether you bring a professional camera, or just a cell phone to take photos, Sandy goes out of her way to make sure you leave the mountain with cherished memories of your once in a life-time camping trip.

The stories she shares about the horses and the range, make this trip more than just a chance to view them, she makes this a trip more about knowing the horses, giving you a brief glance into the life of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horses.

All tours may include light to moderate hiking.

Guests taking in the 360 degree view and the wild horses.
Guests taking in the 360 degree view and the wild horses.

You will be camping at 8,500 feet, under the Big Montana Sky, with wild horses.

4 Day Camping Trips: $ 1998.00 

These trips will be 4 days/3 nights on the mountain top, and also included is a two night stay at Monster Lake Ranch in Cody, Wy. (night before and night after).  Also included is: transportation up and down the mountain, all food, snacks, tents, and expert personal guiding. (last night dinner is on your own once we return to Cody).  Pick up at the Cody Airport can be arrange with for a small fee.

All payments are considered non-refundable. Refunds may be made when cancellations can be filled.  Here is a link to travel insurance purchase.  This insurance is not through Wild In The Pryors.  Please explore this or another travel insurance company for your trip.  TRIP INSURANCE

Camping trips will be limited to 4-5 guests.  Sandy will have an assistant with her who will do the camp cooking and help you with any camping needs.  Sandy will personally be doing all of the guiding.

For reservations:  Contact Sandy

Phone: 406-360-8959 

email:  wildinthepryors@aol.com

Bachelor Stallions playing, July, 2014
Bachelor Stallions playing, July, 2014

June

This trip may be a bit colder than the others, but to be some of the first people to see the horses reach the mountain top for the summer, makes it all worth it.

1.  June 21-24.  4 Day/3 Night closed

2.  June 26-29.  4 Day/3 Night closed

July:

This month is the most popular and also the prime wildflower season.

1.  July 1-July 4.  4 Day/3 Night closed

2.  July 6-9.  4 Day/3 Night  1 opening

3.  July 11-14.  4 Day/3 Night closed

 

Maybe a chance to catch a rainbow. View of the Bighorn Canyon from the mountain top.
Maybe a chance to catch a rainbow. View of the Bighorn Canyon from the mountain top.

All trips leave from Cody, Wyoming (unless other arrangements are made).  Airports nearby: Billings, Montana.  Cody, Wyoming.  Arrangements can be made for pick-up at the Cody Airport.

A 50% down payment is required upon booking with the remainder due one month prior to your trip.

All payments are considered non-refundable. Refunds may be made when cancellations can be filled.

 Anyone interested in a trip will be asked to complete a Pre-Screening Health Questionnaire, and those who book a trip will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Responsiblity and Assumption of Risk document, as per Montana State Law.

Cloud, June 2014
Cloud, June 2014

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Be sure if you book a trip with someone, that they have the proper permits in place. This is required by law for anyone giving tours on Public Lands.  Please click on PERMITS to read my blog post about this.

Sandy

Horses near our campsite. Summer 2014
Horses near our campsite. Summer 2014

Reviews:  Go to my past camping date posts to read more reviews.   Click on the year to go there.  2013,  2014

Feldspar and Ohanzee, August, 2014
Feldspar and Ohanzee, August, 2014

The absolute best adventure I have ever had in my life.  We loved every minute of it and I will have the memories of the beauty in my head forever!  Thank you Sandy, Wild In The Pryors is the Best of its kind, hands down!

Laura O., Chicago, Ill.

2014 foals, July 2014
2014 foals, July 2014

If you find yourself in Montana near the Pryor Mountains and you want to see these horses, go with Sandy Palen. I cannot say enough good things about her. She knows the range like the back of her hand and she is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to this herd.

Because she spends so much time on the range, she knows all of the approximately 170 horses by name and can recognize them by sight. From what I understand, she has been visiting the Pryors since 2009 but to me it feels like she has known these horses her whole life.

She understands the dynamics and connections between these horses so well. She doesn’t mind repeating for the millionth time which horses you are looking at or explaining how they are related. She knows how to approach the horses and will make sure you are at a safe distance, respecting the horses’ need for space. And even when all the horses seem to have vanished into thin air, she knows where they like to hide and is really good at spotting them.

Amelie L., New York, NY.

Logo designed by Amber Bushnell. Wild in the Pryors and this logo is copyrighted.
Logo designed by Amber Bushnell. Wild in the Pryors and this logo is copyrighted.

Socializing On The Snow/ June 28, 2015

Oceana and Pride
Oceana and Pride

My group and I spent a couple of hours watching the horses on the snow above Mystic Pond a few days ago.  One of my favorite shows, was with little Pride.  He decided that it was time to go out and meet the neighbors, and first stop was with little Miss Oceana.  She wasn’t sure about his bold advances, but did give in and spend a few quiet moments with him.

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Next up for the meet and greet was with the band stallion Tecumseh.  It was a really touching moment to watch the giant stallion (in comparison to Pride) that has had to fight his way back to becoming a band stallion, show his very soft side, and spend some tender moments with the little guy.  It seems that every year that passes, I admire this stallion, and this day I found myself feeling especially impressed by his kind ways.

Pride walks toward Tecumseh
Pride walks toward Tecumseh

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Tecumseh and Pride
Tecumseh and Pride

The next neighbor on the snow to get a greeting from Pride was with Blue Moon’s band.  First the yearling filly Olivia, and then the 3 year old Miocene.  And once again, I was impressed with how tender and kind the older horses were with this little one.

Pride and Nirvana
Pride and Miocene

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Olivia and Pride

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Nirvana and Pride
Miocene and Pride

Each and every day that I spend with these horses, I feel is a gift, and I have been cherishing every moment with them.   For some, it will be their last summer on the mountain, for others, life has just begun here.  And so, I have been especially motivated to stop, put my camera down and just inhale each little interaction and movement these beautiful horses show to me.

I still have an opening (due to a last minute cancelation), in my last August Camping Trip, if anyone is interested, please give me a call or text me at: 406-360-8959.

Remember, if you want to see the image bigger, just click on the photo.

Sandy

Logo designed by Amber Bushnell.  Wild in the Pryors and this logo is copyrighted.
Logo designed by Amber Bushnell. Wild in the Pryors and this logo is copyrighted.

June 2015: First Trip

Nye have some fun in the mud.  June 22, 2015
Nye having some fun in the mud. June 22, 2015

Here are some photos from the first June trip up the mountain.  Due to a cancellation, I have one opening in August.  Click on 2015 for the dates.

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Oceana

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Heritage

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Docs: Petra, Galena, Nye, Jasmine and Heritage
Docs: Petra, Galena, Nye, Jasmine and Heritage

Nye
Nye

Tecumseh
Ireland

Baja and Bacardi
Baja and Bacardi

Washakie
Washakie

Ojai
Ojai

Grijala's new band
Grijala’s new band

Nye
Nye

Outlawlass and Helenium
Outlawlass and Helenium

Outlawlass
Outlawlass

Pele
Pele

Galaxy, Baja in the background
Galaxy, Baja in the background

Petite Colour
Petite Colour

Fools Gold and Pele
Fools Gold and Pele

Noble, June 2015
Noble, June 2015

Pride and Broken Bow, with Missoula in the background.
Pride and Broken Bow, with Missoula in the background.

Pride
Pride

Pride
Pride

Pride
Pride

Mescalero
Mescalero

Pride and Feldspar
Pride and Feldspar

Hernando
Hamlet

Tecumseh
Tecumseh

Cloud and Lobo
Cloud and Lobo

IMG_5887 IMG_5925

Halcyon and Olivia
Halcyon and Olivia

Olivia
Olivia

Halcyon
Halcyon

Sequoyah
Sequoyah

Nimbus and McKeanhnie
Nimbus and McKeanhnie

London breeding LaBrava
London breeding LaBrava

LaBrava goes over to the bachelors
LaBrava goes over to the bachelors

Sequoyah
Sequoyah

Japsers
Japsers

Jasper
Jasper

Jasper and his band
Jasper and his band

Jasper
Jasper

Kohl and Petite Colour
Kohl and Petite Colour

Cloud and London
Cloud and London

London, Moorcroft and Jupiter
London, Moorcroft and Jupiter

Cloud, London and Jupiter
Cloud, London and Jupiter

London and Jupiter
London and Jupiter

Cloud, London and Moorcroft
Cloud, London and Moorcroft

Docs
Docs

IMG_6496

Hernando and Niobrara
Hernando and Niobrara

Phoenix  with Niabrara and Hernado in the background
Phoenix with Niabrara and Hernado in the background

Warbonnet and Phoenix
Warbonnet and Phoenix

Horizon, Demure and Juniper
Horizon, Demure and Juniper

Juniper
Juniper

Fiesta
Fiesta

IMG_6650 IMG_6654

DSC_3543

Sandy

Lakota’s Gift, 2015

Lakota, July, 2011
Lakota, July, 2011

Last year was the first year that I award a free camping trip with me to a young person who could carry on their passion of the wild horses and share it with others their age.  I named it “Lakota’s Gift” to honor my favorite wild horse who died in the summer of 2012.  Lakota gave so much to me in such a short time, that I felt I needed to give back to another person who had never seen these horses before. You can read about who those who were chosen last year by clicking on GIFT 1.

This year the free camping trip goes to Abbie Branchflower.  I asked Abbie to write a bit about herself so below is her story.

I am looking forward to meeting you Abbie, and congratulations.   If anyone is interested in apply for the summer of 2016, please send me you application (about why I should choose you), to wildinthepryors@aol.com.

Sandy

Abbie
Abbie

“Hi, my name is Abbie and I’m ecstatic to have been given the opportunity to see the Pryor Mustangs in person this summer! I graduated magna cum laude from Delaware Valley College in May 2014 with a major in Equine Science and a minor in English Literature. I currently work at a local animal hospital and will be pursuing a Masters or PhD in the field of Equine Health.

I was born in the U.K. across from Ascot Racecourse so my parents have always said that horses were probably the first thing I smelled! My family moved first to Canada (where I became bilingual in French), and then ten years later, to Connecticut. I have always had a passion for horses in every form and have experience working at stables, volunteering at riding for the disabled organizations and foaling out mares. At age sixteen I got my own horse and love caring for him! In high school I co-founded and ran C.A.N.T.E.R. (Charitable Acts in Newtown Towards Equine Rescue) and was honored to receive the Humane Society’s Shaw-Worth Scholarship in my senior year.  Naturally, I went to college to pursue my passion for horses. In my junior year I was selected as 1 of 2 Equine Science students to attend a semester at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, England where I interned at the Equine Therapy Centre. In my senior year of college I was presented with the Equine Science Award.

I am a big believer in protecting and preserving America’s mustangs and am interested in research into preserving bloodlines for the long-term health of the herds, especially a herd as unique as the Pryors. I have engaged in many campaigns to protect the mustangs, including writing letters, making presentations and designing shirts for sale to benefit the Pryor Mustangs. As an Equine Science major I focused on the effects of PZP on isolated populations of mustangs and spent hours reading all the information I could get my hands on.

I love photography and am very excited to try my hand at photographing the gorgeous Pryor mustangs. I follow any and all information on the herd, and though I haven’t seem them (yet!) in person, I feel deeply connected to these horses. Some of the mustangs I have felt particularly drawn to through following the herd (not including this year’s foals!) include: Firestorm, Feldspar, Jupiter, Demure, Hailstorm, Mica, Fool’s Gold, Medicine Bow, Fiesta, Horizon and Juniper.”

Abbie

Lakota, May 2012.
Lakota, May 2012.

 

2015, Who Will Have Foals This Year?

Outlawlass, June 2014
Outlawlass, June 2014

This year has gone by so fast, it is already time for Wild In The Pryors  4th annual “Who Will Have Foals” post.  This is based off of the current PZP (birth control) program and include those mares who should not have been given the drug.  Of course, not all of these mares may foal and then, like every year, there will most likely be a few surprises.

This year the window of “Non-PZP” are the mares born from 2004-2009.  I will be including those from 2010 as well.  The 2010mares are a maybe.

Last year gave us many surprises.  This year the list is long, with a possible 28 mares falling into this group (including the 2010 mares).

So here we go:

DRYHEAD

1.  Kitalpha, born in 2010, daughter of Buffalo Girl and Durango.  She was with Hidatsa for part of last summer, so I am hoping if she is pregnant, it will be a Kitalpha/Hidatsa foal.  I couldn’t think of a more perfect match.  She has been seen with a few other Dryhead stallions since then.

Kitalpha, July 2014
Kitalpha, July 2014

Kitalpha with Hidatsa, July, 2014
Kitalpha with Hidatsa, July, 2014

2.  Jewel, born in 2009, daughter of Waif and Corona.  Jewel was with Hawk in April, then several other stallions throughout the rest of the year.

Jewel with Hawk and Mercuria, April, 2014
Jewel with Hawk and Mercuria, April, 2014

3.  Icara, born in 2008, daughter of Waif and Corona.  She was with Fools Crow last spring and summer.

Icara, August 2013
Icara, August 2013

4.  Halo, born in 2009, daughter of Waif and Corona.  She was with Hawk and Fools Crow last spring, then with Hidatsa in July.

Halo, April, 2014
Halo, April, 2014

5.  Fresia, born in 2005, daughter of Buffalo Girl and Durango.  Fresia was with Hidalgo last spring and summer.

Fresia, August 2013
Fresia, August 2013

Mountain Top

1.  Halcyon, born in 2007, daughter of Blue Sioux and Coronado.  Currently in Blue Moon’s Band.

Halcyon and Olivia, July 2014.
Halcyon and Olivia, July 2014.

2.  Isadora, born in 2008, daughter of Rosarita and Starman.  Currently in Blue Moon’s band. Isadora, had a foal in 2011, Lemhi.  Lemhi died in the winter of 2011-12.  I would love to see her have another one.

Isadora with her mom, Rosarita and her last known living foal, Lemhi, born in 2011.  This photo is from July 2011.
Isadora with her mom, Rosarita and her last known living foal, Lemhi, born in 2011. This photo is from July 2011.

3. Gabrielle, born in 2006, daughter of Brumby and Jackson.  Currently in Cappuccino’s band.  Her known foal was born in 2013.

Cappucino and Gabrielle, July 2011
Cappucino and Gabrielle, July 2011

4.  Fiasco, born in 2005, daughter of Topper Too and Chino.  Fiasco is currently in Custer’s band.  She did not have a foal last year.  I am hoping she has one this year.

Fiasco, July 2014
Fiasco, July 2014

5.  Fools Gold, born in 2005, daughter of Amethyst and Shaman.   Fools Gold did not have a foal last year.  She was with the Coronado, until Irial stole the band in mid-July, 2014.

Fools Gold, July 2014
Fools Gold, July 2014

6.  Graciana, born in 2006, daughter of Bacardi and Baja.  Graciana is currently in Duke’s band.

Gracianna and her 2014 foal, Odakota.  July, 2014.
Gracianna and her 2014 foal, Odakota. July, 2014.

7.  Helenium, born in 2007, daughter of Rosebud and Sandman.  Helenium is currently in Duke’s band.

Helenium and Outlawlass, August 2014.
Helenium and Outlawlass, August 2014.

8. Hera, born in 2007, daughter of Audobon and Morning Star.  Hera is currently in Galaxy’s band.  Hera has not had a foal since she has been with Galaxy.  I would love to see a Galaxy, Hera foal this year.

Hera (on the right), with her daughter Maia and Maia's foal, Odyssey.  July 2014
Hera (on the right), with her daughter Maia and Maia’s foal, Odyssey. July 2014

9.  Greta, born in 2006, daughter of Belle Starr and Chino.  Greta is currently in Garcia’s band.

Greta, August, 2013
Greta, August, 2013

10. Jacinta, born in 2009, daughter of Rosebud and possibly Tecumseh.  She has been with Garay since the spring of 2014.

Jacinta, August 2014
Jacinta, August 2014

11. Galadrial, born in 2006, daughter of Atlantis and Duke.  Galadrial is currently in Gringo/Tecumseh band. (although she and Tecumseh were missing from the band a short while ago).

Galadrial, August 2014
Galadrial, August 2014

12.  Ketchikan, born in 2010, daughter of Gold Rush and Two Boots.  She had a late foal in October, 2014.

Ketchikan, August 2014
Ketchikan, August 2014

13.  Kohl, born in 2010, daughter of Quelle Colour and Lakota.  Yes, I am hoping for this one.  She has been with Garay since, June of 2013.

Kohl, August 2014
Kohl, August 2014

14.  Juniper, born in 2009, daughter of Sapo and Bolder.  Juniper is currently in Horizon/Fiesta’s band.

Juniper, July 2014
Juniper, July 2014

15.  Jasmine, born in 2009, she has been with the band stallion Doc, since spring of 2014.

Jasmine, August, 2014
Jasmine, August, 2014

16.  Firestorm, born in 2005, daughter of Scarlett and Cloud.  She is currently in Doc’s band.

Firestorm, July, 2014
Firestorm, July, 2014

17.  Heritage, born in 2007, daughter of Lakota and Warbonnet.  She is currently in Doc’s band.  Yes, I am hoping for this one too.  It should be noted, that I witnessed Heritage have a 24 hour fling with Custer, in late August, so if she has a July foal, it could be Custer’s.

Hertiage, February, 2013
Hertiage, February, 2013

18.  Galena, born in 2006, daughter of Blanca and Lakota.  Galena is currently in Doc’s band.

Galena, July 2014
Galena, July 2014

19.  Half Moon, born in 2007, daughter of Rosarita and Starman.  Half Moon is currently in Mescalero’s band.

Half Moon, July 2014
Half Moon, July 2014

20.  Hataalii, born in 2007, daughter of Sapo and Shaman.  Hataalii is currently in Morning Star’s band.

Hataalii and Foal, May 4, 2014
Hataalii and Foal, May 4, 2014

21.  Hailstorm, born in 2007, daughter of Aztec and Cloud.  She is currently in Morning Star’s band.

Hailstorm, September 2013
Hailstorm, September 2013

22. Gaelic Princess, born in 2006, daughter of Ireland and Prince.  She is currently in Morning Star’s band.

Gaelic Princess , August, 2012
Gaelic Princess , August, 2012

23.  Feldspar, born in 2005, daughter of Rosarita and Starman.  Feldspar is currently in Cloud’s band.

Feldspar and Ohanzee, August, 2014
Feldspar and Ohanzee, August, 2014

24.  Inocentes, born in 2008, daughter of Fiasco and Baja.  Inocentes is currently in Cloud’s band.

Inocentes (foreground)  with Cloud and Feldspar, July 2014
Inocentes (foreground) with Cloud and Feldspar, July 2014

 

My next post will be “The Name Game”, giving everyone an opportunity to suggest names for these new foals.  Remember, it is a “P” year and please try to suggest names fitting to the mare and/or stallion.  Some past names have very apparent themes, so we try to stick with those.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

Sandy

Logo designed by Amber Bushnell.  Wild in the Pryors and this logo is copyrighted.
Logo designed by Amber Bushnell. Wild in the Pryors and this logo is copyrighted.