The enchanting Fada, her dark grulla color nicely offset by the long, dry grassesSunday was another day with repeated squalls and often times instead of slashing rain, there was biting hail.
I ran for the house, and I thought the herd would dash for cover in the woods, but they did not! Instead, they put themselves on the lee side of our house and snugged into a fairly tight group while the hail pinged and bounced off them. Occasionally, they would lower their heads and shake them, but otherwise didn't demonstrate that it was as uncomfortable a situation as it seemed to me.
When the storm clouds passed by the herd moved off to graze in the freshened grasslands. They appeared to be in grazers heaven--plenty yet to eat, no biting insects, no extreme heat--what's a little hail when the benefits are so terrific?!
Zorita, looking lovely after a rinse from a passing autumn squall
Fada (left) and Interessado looking so similar in color this autumnThe past few days as I was out among the herd, I was able to capture a lot of fun photos and moving footage because of the high degree of energy in the air from the unsettled weather. This energy found added expression in rambunctious behavior among certain herd members. Those who didn't feel a compelling desire to leap and run with abandon or get involved in "contact sports" were Doll, Dee, Belina, Bella and Ciente--everyone else cut loose from time to time.
Altamiro plays with Zeus, while the rest of the grullas mill about seemingly disinterested in the dramaThe pups, seemingly ever present with me when I'm out with the herd were not on their best behavior, wanting to much to "play" with the foals which were so keen to be sparking about with abandon. This got Altamiro feeling he needed to demonstrate a bit of discipline by chasing the dogs off:
After the satisfaction of sending the dogs off a distance (temporarily) the young Sorraia stallion decided it was time for a roll in the close-cropped grass. Fada felt it was important to observe her father's efforts and then entice him into a sprint race:
Fada continues to look as if she is the reincarnation of an Upper Paleolithic cave painting. And while 2 month old Interessado's mane has begun to lay over, Fada's even at five months persists in remaining upright. So curious!
Five month old, half-Sorraia filly, FadaAnd one final photo of the lovely Zorita to end today's entry. Later today, or tomorrow, I will put in some more photos and moving footage of frolicking foals and a sparring stallion.
2 comments:
Lynne,
Zorita looks wonderful. I was wondering how she was doing. She really looks great. It seems she has adjusted very well in the ”wild”. I wonder if she is carrying a foal already? How is she in the group, does she have a special friend or connection with one of the others?
Annemiek,
I think Zorita looks wonderful too. Its as if this new world for her enhances her Sorraia characteristics. She hasn't altered in size, but she no longer looks like a pony. It is quite possible Altamiro settled her shortly after she integrated with the herd in September, because she has shown no further tendency towards a heat cycle. That would make for an August foal if she is pregnant.
In the group, if one were to describe a hierarchy, she seems to have arranged a place for herself below the other mature horses, but above the mules and foals. She does not seem to have a special friend, but her connection with Altamiro remains evident and th two of them will often be grazing side by side.
We are so thankful to have been able to bring her to Ravenseyrie, she completes the herd beautifully.
Thanks for your comments and questions, Annemiek!
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