I had to hike quite a ways in and when I spot them this is what see.
He goes into a little ravine and just kind of collapses. I know there is something wrong.
This is Mingo's yearling filly, Mango. She seems concerned when she see her little brother/sister is acting strangley. She comes over the the scene to investigate.
Here is Picasso, the older loyal band stallion. He stays a bit of a distance from the mare with her foal.
The other member of the band is Monet, a Sombrero mare escapee. She is looking really good. She seems to enjoy this wild way of life. She is lucky to have Picasso's wisdom to guide her around the range. She stays out of Mingo's way as well.
Mingo is a devoted mustang mom and stays close to her foal. I know foals just drop and take naps, but this was different. He seemed in an unnatural position down in that little ditch.
See what I mean?
Picasso paces a bit. Prince and his band are near by and they have started to push off....Picasso seems like he would like to leave too..
But the mare waits and then the foal pops up!
He gets up, but does not look strong. He wobbles and weaves on those great big legs.
I could not determine if it is a filly or colt...
His back legs never got to working properly and he finally goes down again.
...and he does not get up. We wait.
Mango gets in a little nap, but does not last long...
hum de dum when is he going to get up and play with me?
Mingo is very calm, but concerned. Ditto with Mango...always learning from her wise old mom.
Mango gives him a little sniff and a couple of nudges. He does not get up.
I had to make sure he was alive. He was. I am hoping he is a newborn....there was dried blood on Mingo's legs...and that is just exhaused. But in my heart I feel like something is wrong.
Here comes Picasso to the rescue!
He has put on weight and looking full of vim and vinigar.He is ready to go (probably to the water hole), but of course will not leave without his lead mare and her babies.
Here they are looking over at Prince's band. There were no new foals in Prince's band. Madeleine had really greyed out and all members looked healthy.
Through this encounter I really got to love the little yearling filly, Mango. She seems super smart and sturdy. She was an early filly last spring. She was strong from the very start.
Here is the handsome band. Monet is listening to the whine of dirt bikes in the distance.
Patiently waiting...
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....and here is how I left them. Nature will decide the fate of the little white foal.
