El Mariachi’s “Thunder Road”
August 26, 2009
Something I just had to share – a very mini El Mariachi update I received from Michael Blake today (posted with permission).
Dear Pam and Tom —
Brief update. All five horses have been covering the fenced acreage with each other. Mariachi and Hope have filled out and seem content. Even Hope is less paranoid. Yesterday when I went down to feed, Tomas, Little Boy and Samantha were standing together inside a rear stall. Hope was outside and alone. Mariachi had disappeared. Worried that something terrible could have happened to him, I walked into the arena, whistled and called out his name several times. No answer. I called and whistled again. No answer. I started toward the open gate, knowing I would have to make a search, when the road to the barn started to pound with hooves. Here he came, galloping with thunder. He flew through the gate and came to a stop ten or fifteen yards away. The look on his face said, “what’s up?”
Later–MB
Absolutely magical…
El Mariachi - June, 2009
(For those of you who may be new to this Blog, El Mariachi and Hope are both wild horses. Related story: “Rescuing An American Icon“)
Related story (another update from October, 2009): https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/el-mariachi-and-hope-update/
Pam Nickoles Photography 
August 27, 2009 at 12:37 AM
I am speechless. He is back.
August 27, 2009 at 12:47 AM
He looks great. So glad to see him restored.
August 27, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Ha! That’s AWESOME!
TJ
August 27, 2009 at 2:01 AM
Fantastic!!!
August 27, 2009 at 2:06 AM
Mariachi looks great!
August 27, 2009 at 2:34 AM
it sounds like he is having somewhat of a wild life again..thank GOD,YOU and Michael for giving him that
i can now look at the gorgeous photo of him in the wild…and know..he is again.. a healthy and happy boy. what a gorgeous animal
now we gotta stop the GOV from driving em all down…
this has to stop !
August 27, 2009 at 3:20 AM
GOOSEBUMPS!!!! Michael’s update, and seeing Mariachi looking SO much better, gave me goosebumps!! š
August 27, 2009 at 3:23 AM
Excellent update – glad to hear he is happy and learning to trust.
August 27, 2009 at 3:51 AM
how deeply satisfying that must have been. He obviously trusts Michael if he comes that close. Trust is a precious gift….be it from a horse, a dog or a human. I am glad that Michael knows to cherish it.
August 27, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Hi – thanks so much for the update – in this photo of June, he looks like he has begun to fill out already! Great news re his responding to Michael’s call – let us know when he responds to YOUR’S, and more photos? L & P to all, Bill and Pat
August 27, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Glad to hear they’re doing better!
August 27, 2009 at 5:54 PM
Outstanding!! God bless you, Michael Blake! This is wonderful news!!
August 27, 2009 at 7:04 PM
WOW! What beauty! Thank you Mr. Blake and thank you Pam for sharing him with us.
August 27, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Thanks everyone for your comments – every time I picture this event in my mind, I can’t stop smiling. I can’t wait to see the whole bunch of them again (including Michael!). October – that’s when we’re headed down. So excited! Hopefully, it will be a little cooler by then. When I spoke to Michael last night, it was 103 degrees there. Hot!
August 30, 2009 at 7:58 PM
I look forward to meeting El Mariachi and photographing him. So glad to have connected with you. Let me know when you’ll be here in October. Just you or coming with your husband?
Yesterday on my truck thermometer it read 112…whew. Today a teeny bit cooler. The dogs are flat as pancakes in the air conditioned living room.
September 1, 2009 at 1:39 AM
There is something so Earth in the sound and feel of a mustang acoming! It is felt so deep inside! He is gorgeous!
October 5, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Hi Pam,
I came across the story of El Mariachi when surfing about round ups. I couldn’t help but notice him in the photos you took, what a gorgeous mustang! He is breathtaking in color and stature. Striking in every way and so strong and healthy. After reading on about his fate after you had adopted him, the latter photos made me gasp.
Reading even further on about his new home with Michael Blake, a smile came to my face as I recognized the backdrop for El Mariachi and Hope’s new home. I live in Tucson, Arizona and my brother lives just a hop, skip and a jump away.I have taken many photos in that area of the landscape and wildlife. I feel privileged to live so close to such a beautiful mustang! Our weather is REALLY cooling off so it should be really nice when you visit. High 83 , low 58.
I too have a rescued mustang that we call Sierra. She was rounded up in July 2004 from Elko NV. We rescued her from a feedlot in Fallon NV in 2006 through the Grace Foundation. They are truly extraordinary animals and I love spending time with her and taking photos of her. She is a bay Pinto. Thank you for sharing your story and photos.
I hope you enjoy your visit with him in October and am looking forward to seeing new photos. I hope your mom is able to make the trip with you as I know she has a connection with El Mariachi too. I hope she is feeling well.
Thanks again,
Cindy
October 5, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Cindy, I too live in Tucson. We should meet sometime!
October 5, 2009 at 10:06 PM
http://www.flickr.com/stillintime
Hi Lori,
That would be nice. You can see some of my photos at the address above and can reach me there.
Take care,
Cindy
November 8, 2009 at 4:08 PM
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November 8, 2009 at 6:09 PM
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January 8, 2010 at 12:36 AM
What an uplifting update.
January 20, 2010 at 2:13 AM
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