The 2019 year is coming to a close soon. For the past several years, I have been publishing this post to honor and remember the horses that died during the year, this year is no exception.
A part of me just wanted to let it slide by, this post is never an easy one to make, but in the end, I realized that I needed to continue this tradition and give these wonderful wild horses one last post of love. The mountain is a special and spiritual place, even though these horses are gone, their spirit continues to touch anyone who visits and takes the time to listen.
The horses below are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Baja. Baja was the 1996 son of Tonapah and Looking Glass. Baja was an incredably strong band stallion. He held on to his band until the fall of 2017. That year he was 21. The average life of a wild stallion on the mountain is 19, and for him to not only out live that, but to continue to hold unto his band until he was 21, was an amazing accomplishment. He was one of the most beautiful stallions on the mountain. He is truly missed. His legend lives on with his beautiful daughter Quahneah and her offspring.
2. Duke. Duke was the 1996 son of Flicka and Bigfoot. Duke was also a strong and consistent band stallion. He too lived to the age of 23, losing his band the winter of 2017-18. His legend lives on with 7 offspring left on the range.
3. Fiero. Fiero was the 2005 son of Sacajawea and Merlin. A beautiful stallion with an amazing bloodline, Fiero died too soon. Unfortunately, he has no known offspring on the range.
4. Jemez. Jemez was the 2009 son of Strawberry and Blizzard. Life is tough for these Dryhead stallions. So few filly/mares for these amazing stallions, Jemez’s life was cut short due to an injury. He also has no known offspring on the range.
5. Lobo was the 2011 son of Sapo and Bolder. Lobo was an amazingly beautiful horse. Just coming into his own, he disappeared the winter of 2018-19. I have fond memories of him as a young colt, sparing with his 1/2 brother Killian. He has no known offspring on the range.
6. Tiny. Tiny was the 2019 foal of Waif and Kemmerer. He was first seen by Dennis McCollough in April 2019. He was never seen again. Thank you Dennis for the use of your photos.
7. Warbonnet. Warbonnet was the 1993 daughter of Tonapah and Geranimo. This beautiful mare was very close to Phoenix, you could often see the two of them grooming, napping or grazing together. Her heritage lives on with her daughter Heritage and her son Tecumseh.
Rest in Peace, Wild Horse Souls. Your spirit lives on, and you will always be remembered.
Sandy