Chief/JimmyDarkSand Band (feat Kanoa)

I had seen the new foal in The Chief/Jimmy band a couple of weeks ago, but not this close. We originally thought it was a filly, but "she" is a little colt....perfect in every way. A friend of the mustangs has named him Kanoa meaning "One Who Runs Free".

This band actually has three stallions...JimmyDarkSand, Roper and , this gorgeous bay, Chief. He has claimed Kanoa and his mom ...it is clear. He acts like a proud father. Last year Vermillion, Kanoa's dam, ran with Brave, but they were always close to Chief's band. The three grey mature mares in this band are very bonded. The stallios put up with each other for the mares (I think).

There's Jimmy, another bay. This summer he claimed Barbie, the dark grey, but now I am not sure which mares are his, this band is a bit confusing!

This is a very late foal. I am glad he has a mature mom and a strong band ....without them he would not have a chance in these brutal range conditions. Soon The Basin will be covered with snow , the water sources will freeze and the forage is thin. Winter is so tough out here. I would say "Ole Man Winter" is the number one predator around here.

The 2 yr old filly, Spook. Kanoa is her brother. We call the pretty white mom, Vermillion. There was another 2 yr old filly in this band, but she is with Dan. I would say about half of the 2009 fillies (2 yr olds) have left their families. Some have left and come back...no inbreeding here.

There is another 2011 foal in this interesting band...this one...Dreamer. It has been fun to watch him change colors. For now he is a red head grey. His mom is quite aloof with him and he hangs back with his yearling sister ,Megan ,and the cocky little dun stallion, Roper.

That's Barbie in the center, it is her 2 yr old filly that has left the band (Britta). She really looks stunning right now. A true Sand Wash gem.  Here you can see the three different shades of grey mares. Are they related?

Dreamer and Megan.

That's Roper. He has been dogging Jimmy and Chief all summer.

Isn't she a beauty? This is the one called Barbie...no foal for her this year, nor last.

Darcy...mom to Dreamer and Megan. She also has a 2 yr old colt running around with the bachelor stallions (Hawk).

Soaking up some rays...it is getting cold out there!

Dreamer and Megan...again.

Kanoa with his dam and his band stallion, Chief.

The little guy with his sister and primitive looking mom. She has some nice striping on her legs.

He will keep his newborn fuzz through the winter...what color is under there is anyones guess. For now he almost looks grulla.

Never alone for too long.

All of the mares help to watch over him.

We leave in peace.