Horses have been out in mass on the beach over the last week. We have also had a number of new foals born up here as well. This is a little colt that was born about a week ago staying close to mom as she brings him down to the ocean for his first time.
The mother is in the process of shedding her winter coat - thus is why her fur is a bit ragged. There are a handful of reasons that the horses actually come down to the beach, which is akin to a desert considering there is no food, water, shade, protection, etc. . . One of the reasons is so that the adults can roll in the sand which naturally exfoliates their coats and helps remove the old winter one. The other major reason is because of the flies. This time of year, if there is a strong wind blowing across the beach, these horses are very likely to be out there desperately trying to find some reprise from the torment of the flies. A recent study on these horses found that a wild stallion out here, in peak fly season, can have up to as many as 200 biting flies swarming him. Imagine if YOU had 200 biting flies around you, obviously this would dictate every single thought that went through your mind and play a large role in shaping your behavioral patterns each day.
I recognize where you photographed these gorgeous creatures, and I really hope to get up there to photograph one of these days. So close yet so far.
Your picture is priceless. You managed to capture the sand, the two-tone water, the mare and colt both flicking their tails. Love the way the colt is nuzzling her mom and feel as though the winter coat adds texture. It doesn't get much better than this.
Did you manage to get any captures with a wider crop also? Hope you'll share more.
Did you make it to Franz Lanting? I don't remember seeing you there.
Mustangs on the Beach
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