Pryor Mountains – Page 2 – Wild in the Pryors

2018 Pryor Foal # 8/ deceased

June 5, 2018June 8, 2018wildinthepryors

34319876_2124419660905596_7974047422898765824_n — Quintana’s (Quartz) new colt

Note: June 8, 2018. It is with great sadness that I have to report that little Stargazer died. Every year I try to remind myself not to get too attached. But for some reason, this little one really tugged at my heart. I hadn’t even met him yet, but still, there was a special place for him in my heart. Quintana may have been a very young mother, but I was told she cared deeply for him. Rest in peace little one.

Another two year old filly has given birth in the Pryors. Quintana (Quartz) has given birth to a colt, at this time the father is unknown. His name is going to be Stargazer, in memory of his great-grandfather Starman.

Quintana (Quartz) is the 2016 daughter of Feldspar and Mescalero. It is amazing that Mescalero is now a grandfather! Quartz is Mecalero’s only known offspring, so it is important to keep his line going, especially since he is now 19 years old.

34471813_2124421164238779_1459149211068006400_n — Quartz and her new colt!

34370761_2124421034238792_4776659719471235072_n — Quartz’s new colt

Thank you Dennis McCollough for the use of your photos! It is very appreciated!

I am counting down the days until Abbie and I will be there to see these little ones for ourselves! I realize we would not want these births by these young filly’s to happen, but I will still be happy to see these little ones playing in the wildflowers! Especially after all of last years pain and loss of the foals.

Sandy

34308054_2124056127608616_4590360659694190592_n — Photo by Dennis McCollough

2018 Pryor Foal # 3

April 10, 2018April 12, 2018wildinthepryors

The 3rd known Pryor Foal born this year has been found! Dennis McCollough report seeing them on Sunday. Thank you Dennis for the use of your photos!

This foal and his mother have a very special place in my heart.

This young mare was born to Jackson and Galena in 2012. (Making her Lakota’s granddaughter as well!) During the first winter of her life, she was separated from her family band. She ended up in Cappuccino’s band before her first birthday. Blanca looked after her like a mother, and she grew into a beautiful quiet mare that has remained with sturdy and handsome Cappuccino since that time.

In 2014 she had her first foal. My guests and I were one of the first to see him. He was named Obsidian. Obsidian died just 6 days after he was born. You can read about his birth here: THE BIRTH and also read about the day he died here: Obsidian

Wild in the Pryors — Moenkopi and Obsidian, July 13, 2014

In 2016, Moenkopi foaled again. This time she had a filly named Quivira. She was born in September that year, and by the end of January 2017, she had disappeared. It is not known what happened.

This past weekend Moenkopi was found with her 3rd foal. It looks to be a colt. His name is going to be Shoshone.

Moenkopi is the 2012 daughter of Jackson and Galena. Cappuccino is the 2002 son of Rosarita and Starbuck.

30531081_1765196436893317_1237294062667563008_o — Moenkopi and Cappuccino’s new colt. Photo by Dennis McCollugh

30421886_2087042494644114_1370087858_n — Moenkopi and her new colt. She is such a good mother! Photo by Dennis McCollugh

30516352_1765196496893311_1195407449947897856_o — Moenkopi and Cappuccino’s new colt. Photo by Dennis McCollugh.

I hope that this little colt survives and thrives on the mountain. I look forward to watching him grow up into a strong stallion.

Sandy

Who Will Have Foals in 2018?

February 20, 2018wildinthepryors

Moenkopi with Cappucinno and a young Patterson, July 2015

Mares within the Pryor Wild Horse Herd, are given PZP (birth control) every year. Each year there is a group of mares that are in the “window” of possibly being able to foal, meaning that they have not been given PZP. And every year, there will be some surprises from some, despite being vaccinated, and even though the below horses have not been vaccinated, it is not a guarantee that they will foal. Some have never conceived.

Because some of the horses were vaccinated later than normal last spring/summer, it is possible that they may have already been pregnant, (before given their vaccination), but will not be “officially” listed here.

I will start the list with the possible horses in the Dryhead. There are only two mares that fall into that window this year, and one has already had her foal!

Jewel, 2009 daughter of Waif and Corona, currently in Fools Crow band.

2. Morgana, 2012 daughter of Icara and Merlin. She was discovered by Bill Picket, NPS with a new foal last week. The foal is supposedly a colt and it has been named Sorcerer.

27710147_10156036559134707_564554768906195838_o — Morgana and her new foal. Photo by Bill Picket, NPS.

Mountain Top Horses

Jasmine, 2009 daughter of Aztec and Cloud. Jamine gave birth to a healthy colt named Ryden in October of 2017. If she conceived right away, she may have a foal in September of 2018. Jasmine is currently in Doc’s band.

22291176_1553220524757577_7425555159209799152_o — Jasmine and Ryden, October 2017. Photo by Pryor Wild

2. Juniper, 2009 daughter of Sapo and Bolder. Another late foal (Ruby) was born to Junipter the first part of November, 2017. Again if she did conceive right away, she won’t have her foal until October, 2018. I’m hoping she skips this year and gets back on track with a foal earlier in the season in 2019. Juniper is currently in Horizon’s band.

24254791_1613003892112573_706966121973807493_o — Juniper and Ruby, November 2017. Photo by Jack Sterling

3. Kohl, 2010 daughter of Quelle Colour and Lakota. Kohl is currently in Garay’s band.

4. Ketchikan, 2010 daughter of Gold Rush and Two Boots, currently in Jasper’s band.

5. Limerick, 2011 daughter of Ireland and Prince. She is currently in Galaxy’s band.

5. Labrava, 2011 daughter of Blue Souix and Coronado. She is currently in Irial’s band.

Labrava with her look alike daughter Pilar, June 2016.

6. Lariat, 2011 daughter of Madonna and Duke. Lariat is currently in Jasper’s band.

Lariat with most of her band. From left to right: Oklahoma ( Lariat’s 2014 colt), Jasper, Okiotak and Lariat

7. Maia, 2012 daughter of Hera and Prince. Maia is currently with Hamlet.

8. Manuelita, 2012 daughter of Dove and Coronado. Manuelita is currently in Irials band.

Manuelita (middle) with Dove on the left.

9. Moenkopi, 2012 daughter of Galena and Jackson. She is currently in Cappuccino’s band. I hope this is the year that she gives birth to a foal that lives.

Moenkopi nuzzling a young Patterson. June 2015.

I am looking forward to seeing some new foals this summer. I am sure there will be some surprises!

Sandy

2017 Pryor Foal # 9

December 6, 2017wildinthepryors

Ruby 1 — Ruby, daughter of Juniper and Horizon. Photo by Jack Sterling.

I am a little late with this good news post. Foal # 9 for 2017 was born around November 8th, 2017. It is a filly who has been named Ruby. Ruby is the daughter of Juniper and Horizon.

Juniper is the 2009 daughter of Sapo and Bolder. Horizon is the 2007 son of Felina and Morning Star.

This was another birth that we were all looking forward to. This is also the band that the beloved Fiesta was in. I can’t help but think that he is looking down on this little one and watching out for her from above. I witnessed Fiesta with Joviana’s foal in 2012 (they were both removed in 2012), he was so in love with that little foal, it was really touching to watch him play with him.

Welcome to the world little Ruby, may you live a long and peaceful life on the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range.

Thank you Jack Sterling for the use of your photos of Ruby!

2018 Wild In The Pryors Camping Tours

August 1, 2017November 4, 2018wildinthepryors

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.

Below 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).

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

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.

Reviews 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

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

Has a Missing Horse Reappeared?

March 10, 2017March 10, 2017wildinthepryors

A couple of weeks ago, there were some photos posted on the Pryor Mountain Mustang Center’s Facebook page. These photos, were taken by Dennis McCollough. It showed three dark-colored horses, two of which were easily identified as Orlando and Oglala. The third was not as easily identified. Another wild horse follower, Dawn Ness, was also in that area and took some photos.

This black horse appeared to be solid black. There are only two horses in the Dryhead that are solid black. Seattle and his son Issaquah. Issaquah has not been officially seen for a couple of years now. But not surprising, the Dryhead is a huge and vast area, and anyone that would see him from a distance would possibly make the assumption that it was:

1. Seattle, the son of Tacoma and Three Bars, was born in 1997. He was reported to look very thin this past fall and also has a very distinct swollen knee on the right side. This horse was not him.

seattle1 — Seattle, photo taken by Laura Curtis.

2. Chief Joseph, son of Bakken and Seattle, born in 2009. Without spotting his back right hind, he could easily be thought to be his full brother Issaquah. But this horse had no right back hind, (as seen in Dawn’s photos below).

16722393_10211642862564264_2281675570472003209_o — Issaquah, February 2017 Photo by Dawn Ness

16835867_10211645814838069_4619301719211455514_o — Issaquah, February 2017. Photo by Dawn Ness

3. Inniq, son of Sitting Bull and Ceceila, born in 2008. Several people thought and think it was Inniq. But Inniq has a very destinctive star, and this horse does not have one. (Thank you Dawn for taking that photo of this horse with a clear shot of his forehead with out a star!

17211806_979309805504148_6966311779594966651_o — Not Inniq! Photo taken by Dawn Ness.

The first person to make the comment that it was Issaquah, was Alex Pitterman. Alex has followed this herd for many years and is virtually a walking encyclopedia with what he knows about this herd. At first I thought maybe it was not Issaquah, but then I began to think about the vastness of the Dryhead and how he could easily be misidentified for one of the other black horses. I am convienced that the horse that was spotted is indeed Issaquah. Thank you Alex for bringing it to our attention!

As a young bachelor, Issaquah was almost always seen with his 1/2 brother Hawk (they share the same sire). In fact I would call them HawkandIssaquah, because they were rarely apart.

But when Hawk gained his own band, Issaquah was not allowed to join him and so this most likely started the mix up of his identity and the assumption that he was no longer with us. Issaquah may also have decided to go off on his own and was not as visable. I saw him once along Burnt Timber Road, about 3 miles from the bottom, by himself in August of 2014, and I am betting that once others start to think about their sightings of black horses over the last few years, especially at a distance, we may all realize that Issaquah was there all along.

Whatever the case, I am convienced that the horse that was spotted in late February is indeed Issaquah. And with all of the death and disappearances of the many horses over the last few years, this news of yet another survivor is very welcome. It’s great to see you Issaquah!

Sandy

Who Will Have Foals in 2017?

February 12, 2017February 12, 2017wildinthepryors

jasper-band — Most of Jasper’s Band, July 2015, right to left: Jasper, Okiotak, Milicent, Ketchikan and Oklahoma, (Lariat is out of the frame).

We must be careful with this special herd, in 2016, there were 10 deaths, and 11 births, leaving only a population increase of 1 horses. You can click on the post I did in October 2016, ( The Horses that have Passed) if you would like to learn more about that. Since I wrote that post, the death of Quivira (Moenkopi foal) increased the deaths to 10. Keeping a close watch on the population gain and adjusting the PZP accordingly, will make this herd healthy and viable to carry on into the future. We must carefully watch which mares are vaccinated and what horses are removed and make sure that we keep an equal balance of representation for all of the horses on the range, regardless of color, or favorites.

I anticipate that 2017 will be a low birth year. Below are the mares who may foal.

Dry Head Horses

Halo, 2007 daughter of Waif and Corona, currently in Fools Crow band.

Wild in the Pryors

2. Jewel, 2009 daughter of Waif and Corona, currently in Fools Crow band.

jewel

2. Kitalpha, 2010 daughter of Buffalo Girl and Durango, currently on her own, with her two daughters, but was with Hickok.

kitalpha1 — Kitalpha, photo by Laura Curtis

Mountain Top Horses

Hataali, 2007 daughter of Sapo and Shaman, currently in Morning Star’s Band.

hatalli

2. Hailstorm, 2007 daughter of Aztec and Cloud, currently in Morning Star’s band. She has never foaled.

hailstorm-2

3. Hera, 2007 daughter of Audubon and Morning Star, currently in Galaxy’s band.

Wild in the Pryors hera

4. Heritage, 2007 daughter of Warbonnet and Lakota. Her only living offspring was removed in 2012, she has not foaled since. She is currently in Doc’s band.

hertiage-2

5. Isadora, 2008 daughter of Rosarita and Starman, she has not foaled since 2011. (the foal is deceased). She is currently in Morning Star’s band.

6. Jacinta, 2009 daughter of Rosebud and most likely Tecumseh, she is currently in Garay’s band.

7. Jasmine, 2009 daughter of Aztec and Cloud, has never foaled, currently in Doc’s band, but moves around frequently.

jasmine-2 jasmine

8. Juniper, 2009 daughter of Sapo and Bolder, currently in Horizon’s band. She has never foaled.

juniper-2 juniper

9. Ketchikan, 2010 daughter of Gold Rush and Two Boots, currently in Jasper’s band.

ketchikan-2

10. Kohl, 2010 daughter of Quelle Colour and Lakota, she is currently in Garay’s band.

kohl kohl-2

As with every year, I will keep you posted on the new births as soon as I learn about them.

Sandy

Lakota’s Gift 2017

January 3, 2017January 3, 2017wildinthepryors

This year will be the 4th year of “Lakota’s Gift”. For the past 4 seasons, I have awarded a four day camping trip to an inspiring Pryor Mountain Wild Horse follower in honor of my favorite horse, Lakota. This person needs to be passionate about this special herd of horses and have some basic knowledge about them.

To be considered for this award, please submit an essay telling why you should be awarded this gift. Please include some information about yourself, what you know about the horses and what you hope to give back to the horses by being selected for this award. All essays must be submitted by February 1, 2017.

All trips start and end in Cody, Wyoming.

Past recipients of this award have been: Jonathan Stander, Brianna Harvey, Abbie Branchflower and Lexi.

You can submit your essay to this email: wildinthepryors@aol.com

Sandy

Below is a slideshow of some of the many photos that I have taken of Lakota. Please give it sometime to upload before trying to view.

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Merry Christmas!

December 23, 2016wildinthepryors

As this year comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for following my blog. To my guests, past and future, I thank you for joining me on what may be one of the best adventures with wild horses there is. While there are other wonderful wild herds to be seen, the beauty that surrounds these Pryor horses on the mountain top, is hard to explain until you can experience it yourself. And for those of you who may never get that chance, I hope that the photos and video’s I post, will give you a glimpse of what it is like.

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Wild in the Pryors!

Thank you all for your support,

Sandy

Socializing On The Snow/ June 28, 2015

July 1, 2015July 1, 2015wildinthepryors

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tag: Pryor Mountains

2018 Pryor Foal # 8/ deceased

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