She’s a peach

Or an apricot!

But that just doesn’t have the same ring to it for sweet girl Kootenai. Lovely.

Heart

Sundance and Kootenai.

This happened almost like the Disney dogs (“Lady and the Tramp”) eating spaghetti; Sundance and Kootenai grazed closer and closer till their faces were touching. It lasted about 1.5 seconds. Then Sundance grazed away, leaving Kootenai just there, with that same wide-eyed look … before she also turned away to continue grazing.

At this point, I’m pretty sure both mares are pregnant (and I don’t think Kootenai is due as long from now as August!?). Skywaker nursing a few weeks ago must have caught Raven in a generous mood. Although I have heard of mares nursing both their newborns and their yearlings, I haven’t seen it here (yet?).

Girls

Here’s a current look at Sundance’s girls Raven and Kootenai:

Kootenai

Raven

Pretty, happy, healthy girls.

Where the water is …

… the wild things are:

Raven, Sundance, Skywalker, Kootenai and Mysterium drink at the trickle, which still is trickling. Corona was waiting her turn.

Lots of deer tracks here, too.

Snow ponies

When first spotted last week, only Raven, Skywalker and Sundance were visible. Kootenai, in her photo in a previous post, is so alert because I had just come over a rise and found her and Mysterium. They were out of sight until I was right above them.

Mama and mini-me – Raven and Skywalker.

Handsome Sundance. He really does have eyes under that gorgeous forelock!

Yes, Mysterium still is nursing.

Raven, Skywalker and Sundance watched Hollywood’s and Comanche’s bands below them on the hill for a while, then followed me to where Koootenai and Mysterium were grazing by themselves. Kootenai is fairly independent and often can be found grazing somewhat separate from the others. They’re never too far away, and young Sundance is a calm and confident stallion to let them wander.

Warm white winter

Don’t you love a rich, warm, golden dun mustang girl surrounded by stunning silver snow?

Gorgeous Kootenai.

Love the warmth of her coat against the white snow and cool blue shadows. And she must be fuzzy and comfy in that warm coat at 8 below!

Commitment

Some friends – two couples – recently celebrated anniversaries. Same day. Twenty-six years and 18 years.

Couldn’t help but think of them when I caught this quick moment between Kootenai and Sundance.

Happy (belated) anniversary, friends!

-8 and be there

Not quite as iconic as Galen Rowell’s oft-quoted “f8 and be there” – nor, I suspect, will it become as universal. But at minus 8 degrees this morning, I was there, in the basin, in paradise turned white.

Seven in winter’s wonderland.

Kootenai and Mysterium

Hayden and Tenaz

Hollywood’s band walking away from the noise of a truck. What kind of crazy person would be out here on a minus-8-degree morning?

Oh, right.

Aurora with her band. For extra credit, name the horse in the background attached to those gorgeous stripes! (Aurora’s daddy, Bounce, whom she resembles so strikingly, is following the bands.)

The temperature didn’t get above about 22 degrees today. Snow-lasting temps. I love it.

Riches

And blessed.

Kootenai and Mysterium near sunset. Riches come in quiet moments that last far longer than gold. But every night – golden colors and healthy horses. Love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year, as every year, I am so thankful for the people in my life. For my family, above all, and for my friends who are like family.

I am grateful for one of the best years of my life and everything that came together that allows me to spend so much time with the mustangs that mean the world to me.

I am grateful for our Spring Creek Basin mustangs, these magical animals that make my heart sing every time I see them.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

Be grateful for all the joys in your lives!