A HARDSCRABBLE LIFE
The wild horses of Sand Wash basin

With rain clouds threatening overhead.
We kept one eye looking for horses and,
One eye watching the ever-changing sky.
Believe me.
That sandy dirt road would quickly become impassable.

Today, we located several different bands,
With major diversity in color and markings.

I am fascinated by the wild stallion.
What a hard life he leads.
As the protector.
He fights for his band,
Warding off predators and other stallions.

When traveling, he takes up the rear.
Moving stragglers along and watching for trouble.
Many carry battle scars.
Like hoof prints permanently embedded in the side.


And, this painted stallion in the middle.
Missing an ear.
Although his comb-over does seem to cover it up.


We're back home and I'll be catching up with your images over the next few days.