Wild Horse Week-The Watering Hole

Yesterday I showed you the whole herd running to the watering hole in the evening. It was almost like they had some internal clock that said it was time to go to water. And “The Man”, remember the lead stallion, led them there. They seem to go to water once, maybe twice a day. Morning and evening.

After they all ran past us, we drove to the watering hole to watch them. They are always excited, and very active then. Rather than watch them actually in the water, I positioned myself where they were all coming out. They take turns getting into the water, the hierarchy thing again, then they all file out the other side. It’s chaotic, and organized all at the same time.

By this time of the evening, it was getting seriously duskish. Not good lighting for photos, but I wanted to get shots of them rolling in the dirt after they had got wet.

Obviously this feels so good to them. They ones that rolled in the dirt, reminded of Torrey when she does the same thing in the house or on the grass.

And yes, that look!! Wild and free.

This series of shots was perfect, check out his mane in them.

The next morning we drove to the same area in hopes of catching them in the water again. They were pretty far from this watering hole, and just hanging out in the morning sun. Let me tell you, these guys cover some territory. They would go several miles a day for grazing, water, or whatever reason they had.

Just like the night before they all started moving, this time toward another watering hole. They weren’t in a dead run this time, so I was able to just walk and keep ahead of them. And, just like before, “The Man” was leading the way. Interesting side note. The area were we found the horses this morning, had an old barbed wire fence that had been taken off the posts and just laid down on the ground. We stepped over it and I remember thinking how dangerous for the horses it is. They could easily get a leg caught up in the wire. It ended at the dirt road were an old wood fence thing is. Once the herd started moving, they were headed in that general direction. All the horses went to the road, around the wood fence part to avoid the wire laying on the ground. I saw a young foal who was about to walk over the fence, instead of around it. His bands stallion saw this, and went over and guided him away from the wire, and to the road around the wood fence. Hopefully, one lesson is all it takes.

Ok, back to the watering hole. I positioned myself facing the herd as they came to the water. First in the water, “The Man.”

Right behind him, and second to the water, was his second in command.

This brown mare is in his family band, she must be the favorite. She was in the front the night before, and again on this morning.

The herd filed in, then back out the other side nearest were I was standing. Again, there is a method to the madness.

Lots of splashing, rolling, and of course drinking.

“The Man” walked along the berm of the water hole, as if inspecting his herd. He never did more than get a drink. No splashing or rolling for him. Not that day anyway.

The old white guy, as we call him, had a good roll though. His buddy I showed you in Monday’s post, the black stallion, was of course nearby.

This mare had the sexy head shake going on.

The other old stallion, came out good and muddy.

As quick as they arrived, they left again. But, there is always some good stallion activity at the watering hole, and I will have photos of that tomorrow.