Young Bachelor Stallion, “Pocket”

(June, 2010) Just as we dropped off a hill and into a gorgeous valley area within the Salt Wells HMA, we sighted our first horse way off in the distance. Our first trip to this area and already we spotted a horse – a good sign.

This is BIG country. He looked so small against the vast landscape.

We pulled off on the side of the road, I grabbed my camera and started making my way out to see this solitary horse. As I did, he started moving in my direction.

I was surprised at how willingly he was coming towards me. It doesn’t happen very often. I decided to stay where I was. I steadied my monopod in the dirt and watched his approach through my lens.

He was definitely interested. He'd picked up his pace.

A handsome young bachelor stallion. Hi boy.

I was taken aback a bit at just how close he came to me. Not actually fearful, but certainly cautious. He was a wild horse afterall. I knew I needed to stay out of kicking and striking range just in case he got “a wild hair.”

Just so you know, this is too close. I'm backing up in this photo.

Well, maybe this boy has seen his share of people – I just didn’t know, but I wasn’t going to take chances with him. He still startled and spooked at some of my movements.

I started back towards the Jeep. He followed me making wide circles, stopping and looking at me with his sleepy, puppy dog eyes. That’s when I laughed and asked him if he just wanted to get in my pocket and come with me. “Pocket” became our reference to this stallion. It seemed fitting.

Just like another stud colt we observed at this HMA, (Firecracker) Pocket seemed young to be all alone. Maybe he was just craving a little company. I continued to talk to him and he continued to respond. I’d never had an interaction quite like this one.

When we finally decided to venture on, Pocket followed me all the way back to the Jeep playfully kicking up as he jumped across the bar ditch and onto the road.

Little show off. Look at you. Aren’t you something?!

I had visions of him running after us like a dog, but of course he didn’t. I’m such a sap. My heart ached a little as he got smaller in the rearview mirror. It had been a special morning with this curious, young horse. I was grateful and sad at the same time.

If he wasn’t rounded up last fall, I wonder what he’ll be like when I see him next year as an older and wiser stallion.

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Photo Of The Week – 10/27/10

Big, eye-catching palomino-colored band stallion from the Salt Wells HMA in Wyoming. (September, 2010).

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Salt Wells’ ‘Lil Firecracker

We called this young stud colt from Salt Wells “Firecracker” because we found him on July 4th, he was so full of himself and because of his strawberry roan coloring. Not a name, just a reference to a particular horse that made an impression on us.

He seemed pretty young to be off on his own. I wondered where the rest of his family was, but there were no other horses around. He was out there alone. Well, except for his “buddy” the t-post. Both times we came upon him, he made a bee-line for the t-post where he seemed to find some sort of comfort. There were tons of little hoof tracks around the the base where he had continually circled it. I think it was because of this perceived loneliness that we spent quite a bit of time with him.

Windblown tail!

What a sweet face – I really fell for this youngster. If he’s rounded up this month, I hope he finds a wonderful home and if he’s lucky enough to remain free, I look forward to following him as he matures. I bet he’s going to be something.

Such an alert boy

Snorting at Tom who is out walking in the other direction

I hope he found another bachelor or two to hang out with. It’s hard to picture the young ones (any of them) out there without companions. Stay safe ‘Lil Firecracker. We really hope we’ll see you again next year…

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Photo Of The Week – 07/21/10

A band stallion and one of his mares from the Salt Wells HMA near Rock Springs, Wyoming. (Photo taken July, 2010)

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(Photos are for viewing purposes only. Images are copyright protected and owned solely by Pam Nickoles Photography. No reproduction or downloading permitted. Feel free to share the link, not the images. To share, click on the blog entry title. The permanent link will be displayed in your browser’s address bar. Copy this address to share.)