Paris (Penn) and her new colt. Photo by Nancy Cerroni
Each horse on the range has their own story, but the birth of this foal is a bit more special than most. Not only does this foal represent rare blood lines, but also shows the success of a mountain horse relocating to the Dryhead, providing a genetically viable new bloodline among the Dryhead horses.
In 2009, almost the entire population of Pryor Horses living in the Forest Service part of the range were removed. A few were able to escape this removal. One of the horses was a young bachelor named Hamlet. Hamlet was born in 2007 to Delilah and Pierre. In 2014, Hamlet acquired his first mare. A mare named Audobon. Audobon, born in 2000 to Feather and Challenger was not only the only offspring of this pair, but the only offspring each would have.
In 2015, Audobon and Hamlet produce a beautiful filly named Penn (Abbie and I call her Paris). This birth alone was a reason to celebrate. The following year Audobon and Hamlet would have another foal, Quicksilver. Quicksilver he would not live long and that following winter, Audobon disappeared as well.
Hamlet and Audobon, 2015 before the birth of Paris (Penn)Hamlet with the young filly Paris (Penn), on the left. July 2016.
During the disruption of Hamlet’s band, the young Paris ended up in the Dryhead, (the desert part of the lower mountain) with the stallion Jesse James, who claimed her for his own.
Jesse James also has a very special story. He is the son of Seneca (part of the Greeters) and the late Admire (who was killed by a drunk driver in 2011, along with his son Kapitan). Jesse James is the only remaining offspring of Admire and Seneca on the range.
Admire and his band were the first wild horses I ever saw when I drove up the Dryhead for the first time. Here is a link to my blog piece about the judgement against the person who killed them: ADMIRE Within that post is a video I made, where you will be able to see Admire with his band, including a young Jesse James.
Admiral and his band, July 2010. (Jesse James, Kapitan, Seneca and Admiral)
Along with Paris, Jesse James has Cecelia, a very wise mare who was with the stallion Sitting Bull for many years. (he died in the winter of 2015-16). Unlike Jesse James’s very visible years with the Greeters, he and his small band have been seen very little and mostly from a distance. When Cecilia and Sitting Bull were together, they were rarely seen, often referred to as the “wildest of the horses on the range”. I am sure this is the reason why Paris became pregnant at the age of 2, this band could not be found or approached close enough for the administration of the PZP vaccine.
Last summer Abbie and I were able to spot this elusive band from a distance.
Cecelia, Paris( Penn) and Jesse James, June 2017. Can you spot them? Find the fence on the right and follow the ridge to the left.Sitting Bull, Cecelia and Mateo, February, 2013.
This 4th born foal of 2018 appears to be a colt. He is the son of Paris (Penn) and Jesse James. Paris is the 2015 daughter of Audobon and Hamlet. Jesse James is the 2009 son of Seneca and Admiral. He was discovered by Nancy Cerronni. He has been named Sentinel.
The Greeters, April 2012 with Jesse James lying in front.Paris (Penn) and her new colt, Sentinel. Photo by Nancy Cerroni
Hopefully this summer Abbie and I will be blessed with a chance to see this family and continue to watch him grow wild and free on the range!
The second known foal was born this week in the Dryhead part of the range. Born to the “Greeters” of the BigHorn Canyon.
Nova and her new foal. Photo taken by Jerry Anderson (BHCRA Ranger)Nova and her new foal. Photo taken by BHCRA Ranger, Jerry Anderson
As I started to write this post, it reminded me of how long I had been following this group. Although in recent years, the elusive Kitalpha joined them bringing with her Nova, her daughter from Bristol ( this move was very surprising to me. She was a horse that would not often be seen, but yet she decided to join the most visible band in the Dryhead) I decided to look back at one of my posts from the spring of 2012. Here is the link to that post if you would like to learn more about this band. THE GREETERS
The Greeters, April 2012Hickok and Nova, June 2017Prima, Nova and Kitalpha, June 2015Kitalpha, Prima and Nova, June 2015
The second foal of 2018 was born to the mare Nova and Hickok. Nova is the 2013 daughter of Kitalpha and Bristol. Hickok is the 2007 son of Belle Starr and Starbuck.
Nova and her new foal. Photo taken by BHCRA Ranger, Todd Johnson.Nova’s new foal. Photo taken by BHCRA Ranger, Todd Johnson
It has been reported that the foal is a colt and has been named Sundance. You can read more about this foal by clicking on this link. BHCRA Facebook
Thank you Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area for the use of you photos!
Penny (Pele), daughter of Fools Gold and Coronando. June 2015
This will be the 6th year that I have made this post. This is a “fun” only post where any of you can suggest names for the 2018 foals born in the Pryors. Of course, like on all the previous years, I can not guarantee that they will be used, but it will be fun to list them, and I do know that whenever a foal is born, I come to this post to look at all of the suggestions. And if you can, please include the meaning for the name, it would be very helpful to know that.
In 2000, the BLM started using a letter for each year of foals, starting with A. This year is the S year. So please feel free to list your ideas in the comment section of this post. To read more about this system and why we use names, please refer to my Name Game post that I did last in 2013. Click on Name Game to go there. Or you can go to the Center’s latest post and read more about it as well. Click on Center to go there.
I am looking forward to reading all of your suggestions. If someone else has already posted your name idea, please list it again anyway. It will be fun to see what the most popular name suggestions are!
If you haven’t already read my post about “who will foal in 2018”, click on FOALS 2018. That way you can get an idea on who may foal. Thank you!
Morgana and her new foal. Photo by Bill Picket, NPS, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
The first Pryor Foal of 2018 was born to Morgana and (most likely) Johnston. Morgana is the 2012 daughter of Icara and Merlin. Johnston is the 2009 son of Cascade and Seattle.
Morgana was expected to foal this year (according to the PZP program), so this was not an unexpected birth. It is a bit early, but with her living in the Dryhead, she should hopefully do okay.
No word on name or if it is a colt or a filly. My friends Sarah and Abbie have suggested the name Surprise. I think that is would be perfect. It was the first word that I thought of when I saw this post on the BHCNR facebook page!! Click on Bighorn to see that post.
Thank you to Bill Picket, NPS for allowing me to use his photo!
Another year is about to come to an end. It seems that the days passed very quickly this year, as I feel as if I just posted my tribute to the horses that passed in 2016. But another year has gone by, and this year was an equally hard year in terms of horses lost.
Sometimes the pain of the loss, is more than I can bear, and some days I feel as if I no longer want to go to the mountain. I just want to lessen the pain of the loss of so many familiar faces. But I will continue to go, the strong pull of the mountain is too great to walk away from, it calls me from within.
This year we have lost 12 horses, and there are some missing. I am going to be including the recently missing ones in this post as well. One foal was removed, and I will be including him too. That will bring the total to 14 horses and 3 foals for a total of 17 horses possibly gone off the range. This year there were 8 foals born, three died and one was removed leaving a total of four 2017 foals still on the range. The year of 2017 (so far) has left a negative growth of -13.
I felt in order to properly honor each horse that is no longer with us, I would go back over the years and find photos of the horses that I personally took. There are a few from others here, but for the most part, each photo was taken by me. It took me several days to go through the 1000’s of photos I have of the horses to find just the right ones. In many ways, it became a healing exercise for me. Seeing these horses in the land they loved. Each one did live a good life, wild and free. Some just left this earth way too early.
Below are the horses we lost and those that are missing. Listed in alphabetical order.
1. Audobon, born in 2000, she is the daughter of Feather. This quiet mare was with Morning Star for many years, and then in 2014, she and her daughter Niyaha joined up with the handsome stallion Hamlet.
Hamlet and Audbon produced two foals, Penn (Paris) and Quicksilver. Unfortunately, Quicksilver did not survive within a month after birth. Something happened last winter/spring and Audobon was separated from Hamlet. Paris ended up in the Dryhead with the stallion Jesse James. Audobon has not been seen since early spring 2017.
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2. Belle Starr, born in 1993, daughter of The Old Mare and Hercules. Belle Starr was last seen early 2017. I usually saw her up Sykes in the early spring.
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3. Baja,Reappeared!! Finally showed himself after missing since last fall on May 31, 2018!! Born in 1996, son of Tonapah and Looking Glass. Baja was last seen earlier this fall. London was seen with Bacardi and Quahneah in September. With Washakie’s health declining, the fate of their foal Renegade was in jeopardy. It is assumed that Washakie died and Baja and Renegade remained with her. Somehow Renegade found his way to his sister’s who were with London. Renegade was removed (see his post listed below).
Baja and Washakie were together for 14 years, I have a very strong feeling that Baja just simply gave up after Washakie died. He may reappear, and I hope he does.
To me, Baja was one of the most beautiful stallions, not only in looks, but by the way he cared for his band. He leaves behind just one offspring with Washakie, Quahneah. My hope is she will remain on the range to carry on his beautiful legacy.
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4. Blanca, born in 1998, daughter of Phoenix and Raven, full sister to Cloud. She was found dead on September of this year, lying peacefully in one of the upper meadows.
This one is a hard one for me. Blanca was not only the matriarch of her band, but also the type of mare that I think we all thought of as a perfect example of how a lead mare should be. Blanca was always there to help the young ones in her band, and also her band stallion Cappuccino. She stood by Moenkopi during Obsidian’s death in 2014, (OBSIDIAN). This past summer, Cappuccino was wounded and lame and while he healed, Blanca held the band together and watch diligently over her stallion. I could tell story after story of the touching things this mare as done.
She had been with Cappuccino since early 2011. She produced her last foal, Kalispell, with Lakota, unfortunately, Kalispell died in the winter of 2010-11.
The thing I will remember about her the most is, Blanca could absorb the evening light with her golden coat, like I have rarely seen another horse do. She was a glowing star, and I will deeply miss her presence on the mountain.
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5. Cascade, born in 1997, daughter of Aspen and Lone Wolf. She spent her life in the Dryhead. She had a special place in Laura Curtis’s heart and below are some of the photos that Laura took of her. Cascade has been missing since early 2017.
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6.Corona, Missing, born in 1997, son of Sorita and Sam. Last seen sometime earlier 2017. I have had only a few memories of this beautiful stallion. The two most memorable ones were when I discovered Norte had been born. Traveling down Sykes, they were directly off the road in a very steep section of the road. The other was when they traveled up to the top of the mountain in July 2013.
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7.Custer, born in 1996, son of Sitka and Shaman. With his long-time mare Winemucca’s death in the fall of 2016, Custer, Fiasco and Prospera stayed together. In January, 2017, Galaxy was seen with Fiasco and Prospera. Custer has not been seen.
I have thousands of photos of Custer. He seemed to always be around and his beautiful patterned coat was a treat to photograph. His kind and caring personality made it easy for me to spend hours with him. His presence will be greatly missed.
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8. Fiesta, born in 2005, son of Phoenix and Teton. Last seen, September 2016. Fiesta, a horse that is larger than life. I don’t think I can find the words to describe this horse. He gave me so many gifts each and every time I saw him. The gift of unconditional love, the gift of laughter, the gift of tears, the gift of accepting myself for what I am and being happy with it. He was a true teacher to those of us that paid attention to what he had to say.
The one of the most memorable times I had with Fiesta was when I was camping with my daughter Amber. We were sleeping in the truck and woke the next morning with the sound of horses right outside the truck. I slowly sat up only to see Fiesta looking directly at me through the window! I wish I could have captured the look on his face! Here is that post if you want to relive that moment with me: FIESTA
Fiesta, you are so missed. I just could not get used to not seeing you with your family, and I don’t think I ever will. You were the one who would rush out and protect them from any danger. You loved your family, starting with your good friend Horizon. Looking back over your photos, I saw how much you cared for him when you both were just young carefree bachelors. You would risk your life to protect them at any cost, and ultimately I do believe you died protecting them.
Rest in Peace big, beautiful, silly boy, you will always be a part of my heart.
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9.Inali, born in 2008, son of Iverness and Eclipse. Inali was orginally from the Forest Service part of the range. When both of his parents died, he was taken in by Cabaret. In the summer of 2010, Cabaret kicked him out of the band, forcing him to become a bachelor. That ultimately saved his life, as Cabaret and the rest of his band died up at the top of the mountain the winter of 2010-11. (That was the year that the fence was re-built). CABARET
Although he survived that, he ended up not being able to beat the next odds, he was last seen in the fall of 2016. He was still a bachelor at the time of his death, but he always found time to mentor the younger bachelors. He would often be seen with Orlando and Naolin.
You are missed Inali.
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10. Isadora, born in 2008, daughter of Starman and Rosarita. Isadora died giving birth to her foal this fall. FOAL#7 The foal did not survive.
The first time I saw Isadora was when she was still in her family band. It was the 3 of them (Starman, Rosarita and Isadora) walking down the dirt road in the Forest Service part of the range. I remember being so impressed with her amazing marking she had on her face.
Isadora gave birth to a little filly named Lemhi the following spring. Starman had lost his band to Mescalero. Sadly, little Lemhi did not survive the winter of 2011-12.
Isadora was with Morning Stars band at the time of her death.
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11. Medicine Bow, born in 1999, son of Twiggy and Cortez, he has not been seen since fall of 2016.
I had the privilege of seeing Medicine Bow several times. He spent his time on the Dryhead and Middle/Lower Sykes. His unique color was what caught my eye. He was a red dun sabino.
I think Matt Dillion told his story best. You can read his post here: MEDICINE BOW.
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12.Raeleah J, born in 2017 to Icara and Johnston. Died about a month after birth. You can read her post here. RAELEAH. These photos were taken by Dennis McCollough.
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13. Renegade, born in 2017 to Washakie and Baja. Renegade was removed after discovering him without Washakie. Washakie is presumed to be deceased.
Renegade was removed by the BLM and Nancy and Steve Cerroni adopted him. You can read more about those details in Nancy’s post: RENEGADE
The photos of Renegade after he was removed are taken by Nancy Cerroni.
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14. Ryden (Rainbow), born June 28, 2017, daughter of unknown parents. You can read about her here: RYDEN Ryden (Rainbow) died a day after her birth.
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15. Santa Fe, born in 1995, son of Twilla and Two Boots. Santa Fe’s remains were found in March 2017.
Santa Fe, where to I begin. He only wanted someone to love, always trying to gain a mare. His one remaining offspring on the range is Mandan (Santa Fe x Demure), but he was not able to raise his son. Doc stole the band before Mandan was born. After that Santa Fe worked hard to gain another mare, and he did. Judith a beautiful filly, but he would not be able to hold on to her either. Judith was removed in 2012. I was there when they removed her. I can still hear Santa Fe’s heartbreaking cries as they loaded her unto the trailer and took her down the mountain. My heart broke for him that day.
He was unable to acquire another mare, but spent the last several years trying. He dogged Coronado’s band for what seemed like forever. It was late June of 2014 where I saw a small crack in Coronado’s vigilance to keep Santa Fe away. He seemed to be warming to the idea of Santa Fe acquiring Manulita, and she was very interested. But, it would not happen. About a week later a helicopter fly over the range, causing a chaotic stampede of horses. It was during that time that Coronado lost his band to Irial, and Santa Fe’s chances were once again ruined.
He would still continue to try, but his age was catching up to him. He spent most of his time with old and new bachelors, Coronado being one of them. They had fought violently, but had somehow put that all behind them.
Santa Fe and his determination will always remain with me.
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16. Seattle, born in 1997, son of Tacoma and Three Bars. Missing. I can’t remember when the last time I heard of someone seeing Seattle. My best encounter with him was on the mountain top in July 2013. I had seen him several times in the Dryhead, but most were from a distance. Yes, Seattle is a Dryhead horse, but the summer 2013 he ventured up on the mountain for a day. I was happy I was able to capture it with photos.
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17. Washakie, born in 1994, daughter of Sitka and Shaman. She was an amazing mare. Nancy tells it best with this post WASHAKIE.
Washakie was a mommy machine. She had a foal every year since she was 2. Despite being vacinated with PZP, she continued to produce and was labeled a “non-responder”. But despite her many foals, she and her stallion of 14 years (Baja) now have only one offspring on the range. Quahneah. She must stay and carry on this perfect couples legacy.
My encounters with Washakie were many. The line I always heard from my guests and friends were: “she is HUGE”, she must be ready to foal any day. But this dear soul would keep us all waiting until SHE wanted the new little arrival to be born. Abbie and I blessed to see two of her foals shortly after their birth. Quahneah and Renegade.
Washakie and Baja had a love that few animals or humans have had. A constant love and devotion to each other and their family.
Rest in Peace dear Washakie, you will be so very missed.
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Rest in Peace dear ones, run with the wind, I still feel your spirits on the mountain, and I am sure I always will.
This was a much-anticipated foal for many of us who have followed these horses!! Jasmine had been off of PZP for a few years and I think we all expected and wanted her to foal sooner. As one year turned into two of not conceiving, it crossed my mind that she could perhaps have become sterile. Abbie and I were relieved to see her looking round in July. But as the months seemed to go on without her foaling, I wondered if perhaps we were wrong. Was she just fat?!
Jasmine, July 2016
We finally have the answer to that question. She has finally had her foal! After a few weeks of sad news, this makes this news even better.
TCF made this statement which explains the name that has been choosen:
” The Pryor Mustang Center confirmed his name is Ryden—in honor of Hope Ryden who is largely responsible for saving this herd from total removal in the 60’s. Hope died this year and what an honor this little guy holds, as he carries her name well into the 21st century. ”
Nancy ( PMWMC) was very kind in contacting me to let me know the name they choose. She knew that Abbie and I had choosen that name for the little foal ( # 3) that got separated shortly have her birth. FOAL # 3 I agree that this name is a good choice for Jasmine’s foal. Hopefully this foal will live a long and healthy life on the range and we can all be reminded of what Hope Ryden did for this special herd of horses.
Jasmine and her colt Ryden, Photo taken by Steve Cerroni
Jasmine is the 2009 daughter of Aztec and Cloud. But who is the sire? Only Jasmine knows for sure. My list would include these possible stallions: Doc (who she has been with for a while, but does wander, whenever she can get away with it!). Cappuccino, (who she has wandered to many times), Mescalero (who she was caught flirting with) or even Horizon (who stole Galena away from Doc last fall).
Jasmine, February, 2013
Thank you Nancy and Steve Cerroni for the use of your photos! I am looking forward to seeing this little one!
Sandy
Jasmine and her colt Ryden. Photo by Steve Cerroni.
I am still reeling from this past couple weeks. First the death of Blanca, then receiving the letter about the removal, and then the sudden and tragic death of Isadora and her foal.
I have been talking in depth with a couple friends (Abbie and Sarah), about the proposed removal, and we are carefully planning our in depth comments and will get them in writing and sent in before October 6. In the letter from the BLM, it did not state when the removal was planning on taking place. In order to properly comment, I did email them and was informed that the earliest would be the summer of 2018.
I made a ton of notes on my copy of the notice, so I am going to give you a link that Travel and Nature posted of it. PROPOSED REMOVAL LETTER. Thank you Livi for making a post. Here is a link to her post if you would like to read it. Travel and Nature
Remember your comments need to be in by October 6, 2017.
Rosarita ( Isodora’s mom), Isadora and Lemi, July 2011.
This is a very hard and heartbreaking post. I was told today that Isadora was found dead on the mountain top. It was determined that she passed giving birth, the foal did not survive. What a horrible and tragic way to go. I pray that she did not suffer long and that she and her foal passed quietly. I am sure that she is standing next to her sire Starman and her little foal, Lemi that passed in 2011-12 winter. Rest in Peace. You will be so missed.
Isadora is the 2008 daughter of Rosarita and Starman. The sire of the foal was Morning Star, he is the 1996 son of Washakie and Plenty Coup.
7 Foals have been born this year, 4 survived.
Isadora and Morning Star. Photo taken by Abbie Branchflower. I love this photo!
2017 has been a very difficult year. We have lost a lot of horses. This loss, coming off of Blanca’s death just 10 days ago.
For those of us that are so close to these horses, it is extremely difficult. Since Lakota’s death, I have tried to be a bit more distant, but truly, that is not who I am, or who I want to be, I feel each death and tragedy on the mountain. 2017 has been one of pain, and I pray that 2018 will bring us more joy.
Once again I am going to stress and ask that we not rush into another removal. The mountain is doing it’s own natural part right now to adjust the population. Sixteen horses will be over the age of 20 next year, that alone should be taken into consideration.
Rest in Peace Isadora and foal, we can not understand, but for whatever reason, this was your time to go.
Pryor Foal # 6 was born in August to Hataali and Morning Star. A Filly named Morning Reverie.
Hataali is the 2007 daughter of Sapo and Shaman, Morning Star is the 1996 son of Washakie and Plenty Coups. Morning Star was 21 this year, so this will most likely be one of his last foals.
Morning Reverie thinks she can boss Dad around!She gives it her best try!
Thank you Linda Dombeck for your great photos (taken on August 29th). This little filly seems to have a lot of personally and I am looking forward to seeing her grow up on the range!
Morning Star and his band move down towards the water.
This year, the effects of the PZP (birth control on the mares) seems to be working. With only 4 live foals for this year and the loss of at least 9 horses for the 2017 year, that leaves us with a negative 5 growth. This will be the second year where there has been negative or very little population growth. I am hoping that this will be noted and taken into account when the discussion of a removal comes around. We need to carefully watch the genetics and assure that a healthy amount of horses are allowed to stay on the range.
This year, I have decided to change the format of the calendar. Instead of the usual calendar with the recent year’s photos, I am dedicating the calendar to some of the horses that have passed, with past photos I have taken of each of them. Shown below is the layout, each month has an inscription of the horses birth year and their passing year.
There were many other horses I could have included in this calendar. As I looked back over the years that I have been visiting them, it is difficult to realize how many horses that I knew are now gone, some because of removal, some because of death. They all hold a special place in my heart, some did touch me deeper than others, but I will always remember each one and the time I spent with them. This calendar is in honor of these amazing horses.
Sandy
To place your order, enter the number of calendars you would like, and push the PayPal button! Delivery will be approximately 5-7 days after you place your order.
The price includes shipping within the US. Please contact me for overseas shipping cost. (wildinthepryors@aol.com)
