My child My Son.... a Salt River Wild Horse Mare's Heartwarming Bond

Salt River Wild Mustang Mare and Her Son,,,,2022

For anyone who has never had children, it does not mearn they do not know what it means to be a parent, or protector.

Being maternal or paternal does not have to be only for family. And giving birth is not solely what makes a mother or father..

In the wild, this could not be more apparent. A family band consists of a lead Stallion, at times a Sentry or two, a littany of mares and their offspring. The stallion is often the father of most or he may have aquired a mare from another stallion. Mares are partinular, and they are not always loyal, dpending upon the stallion, his persistence. The mares are a force - strong willed and they look out for each other, and each others offspring. If a mare in the wild dies, it is the aunts who will take on the foal or yearling and become an adoptive mother.

Depending on how experienced the mother, some are more attentive and attached to their foal than others. I even have giggled when the stallion is pursuing mom who is nursing and gives the stallion a swift kick. They will fight and protect their babies, and they will also correct when they dont behave, just like human moms.

So my introduction into these images along with her story, share one example of the mother son bond with wild horses.

This beautiful mare and her curious foal, are still the last time I saw them- together. That is very rare, since the stallion in a band will kick out his sons at the age of about 2. This is so they can forge a life of their own, and start their own families. It is hard for the colts, soon to be stallions. Leaving the comfort of their birth band, mother and siblings. But it is natures way of preventing inbreading between family.

The foal in the first images was a few weeks old in 2019. Thought I do not typically photograph foals, due to enough of them not surviving, but this is the area I was hiking. Its always a joy to watch the mares stand with the side eye, watching over their foals. As the babies go from running in circles around the band, kicking an playing to needing a nap post nursing - soaking in the sun These famlly bands are a cohesive unit, some more than others. But with the birth of a foal, its guardianship at its finest.

All the members of the family provide a body made shield and wall of protection against predators and other stallions wanting to steal a mare. Babies will often test the limits of space, as children do and explore until they realize they are lost. The whinnies call out to the family and if they get too far a frantic mom or dad call out to guide them back to the band. Ironincally I've see ,, it is often the fillies more than the colts.

This particular foal, has remained with his mother for over 2 years. Whether a stallion does not want to "piss off his overprotective mare", or whether he has a soft spot for his yearling after the 2 year mark, we don't and can't know. But that is the beauty and magic of the wild,,, its not defined or a science - its the epitomy of Mother Earths art.

This foal, evolved and grew into a stunning and very intriguing stallion. However, he is also a mamas boy. I think she is with another stallion, the one who the now stallion son, is bantering with - but the two of them seem to have forged a strong bond

Sons, because boys are expected to grow up and be strong and not show emotion - (in the human world, at least historicall,) the relationship with their mothers are unique. A boys mom allows him and he will at times feel safe to be himself around her, who accepts him and is ok if he doesn't become a strong willed and assertive or less than sensitve man. Mothers will allow and encourage his sensitivity. There is no pressure only love and understanding.

The names of this family - Ill leave out, because their story is what defines wild horses, a name is a way we connect. But what if we do this by visually picturing their world and hearing with our heart.

In the images, he shows strength, prowess - stunning as he runs and gallops across the desert through the trees. But I'm fond of watching the invisible thread that is like a lead between he and his mother.

And not only from a distance but up close. I have so many images  like the other where he is at her flank and her tail is brushing as if to shoo away the desert flies. They are incredibly soulful. His eyes, which is why I think he could be related to the stallion who also stayed with his birth band, are the eyes. If you ever see the eyes of a horse, they all speak volumes.

It doesn't matter, really, it is just one of the things I observe when I photograph them. It is not about my taking a pretty picture. My time and documenting visually is to peer into their world and share their story. We cant do this if at times we don't just sit and watch them.

Just watch,,, breath - inhale all that is around you and listen.

There is more to their appearance than beauty just as there is more to a blaze, than a cool marking - it is what is inside the soul of a horse that will gift you with a feeling that can't be put into words by mere mortals. They are other worldly, and their gift to heal by their mere presence is unmatched by any big pharma medicine or therapy.

So enjoy these, like mother like son,,, where one ends physically the other begins. Kind of like human mothers and sons,,,,,,,because I believe they have a language of their own. You know moms, and sons, its a look where no words ever need to be spoken.......

Gift these families with your voice. Please support wild mustang organizations fighting to keep them "TOGETHER" seek out those who know and love them, they are a gift. And thank the ones that continue to be always close by to insure we hear their heart through the hoofbeats and gaze upon a creature that is the epitomy of internal beauty, external strength, and immeasureable sensitivity ....

Humans rarely come this close to pristine innocent perfection

The wild mustangs are at risk and currently the Salt River Wild Horse families have once again been threatened to be rounded up and removed from the river. Families like this will be ripped apart, and could end up at kill auctions. Their only chance is for the public to never waiver in their support, signing petitions, voting, contacting your politicians, news outlets and anyone who will listen. It is also imperative to support the sanctuaries that are securing wild mustangs giving them a place forever, if they are removed. The thought of this is devastating, to think that the future children of the world will only read about them in books. And that they are all gone, and lost their freedom.

Our government needs to do and be better to protect our American Icon. And to protect families like th is, who are only guilty of being free on public land, both state and federally

Learn more by visiting Salt River Wild Horse Management Group - a 501c3 and American Wild Horse Conservation Group. There are others, but for the Salt River herd,,,,,,,this is were you can learn how to help

Photos taken from the week born, in 2019 through 2024.

The magic of the river, and our American Icon,,,

Arizona