Wild Horses of the Salt River
Tonto National Forest
Before the rumble
Band of wild horses
At any given time there are approximately 250 wild horses along the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest. The horses have lived along the Salt River since well before the Tonto National Forest was created in 1902. They often hang out down by the river at dawn or dusk, sticking their entire noses into the water to munch on the eelgrass.
The setting sun behind me cast gorgeous golden light on the mountain
The natural structure of a family of horses is the band.
The dominant stallion is usually around 6 years of age and older. As the leader of a band of mares and foals, he is the boss.
If I close my eyes she cant see me
"I'll just stand here in front of this surreal landscape and look stunningly beautiful for you!"
Stallion on high alert ready to defend his band
The stallion sires all of the offspring in his band. He typically travels at the rear of his band to keep an eye out for other stallions and ensure that his family stays safe. His role is to protect his band from danger and increase his harem of mares and foals.
Stallions will often paw the ground or strike out to show their strength and power
Wonder why his tail is so short? Horses use their tails to swat flies
massive head and neck
Pretty posing
When two rival stallions approach one another they rarely break out into a severe fight. Posturing, snorting, and pawing usually occurs and then they part ways or the more experienced stallion will chase the lesser off. When a fight does occur it is often a lot of biting, kicking, and chasing.
Two stallions posturing prior to a conflict
A young stallion, at the breeding age of two years or more, will be driven from his maternal band by the dominant stallion. The banished youngster will continue to follow the band at a distance until he finds other ousted young males to join up with. These groups are called "bachelor bands."
Two bachelor stallions practicing their fighting skills
Bachelor stallions are usually younger stallions that do not have any mares of their own.
Sometimes the bachelors will come together and create a group of other young stallions called "bachelor bands". These groups of bachelors are usually seen following family bands, but they spend most of their time play-sparring amongst themselves.
Bachelor stallions
Ouch!
Wild horses are descendants of the Spanish mustangs and Indian ponies and referred to as “mustangs.” Mustang originates from the Spanish word "mesteno," which means stray or wild. Wild mustangs live in family groups called “bands.
interesting marking
Sunday morning relaxation
happy go lucky
A satellite (or lieutenant) stallion is an adult male that is allowed to hang on the outskirts of a band that already has a band stallion. Sometimes he is a challenger, but more often he is a horse that serves a purpose, and thus is allowed by the lead stallion to hang close. He can be an extra set of eyes for the band, and often will stop and face a threat while the band and lead stallion run for safety. Occasionally the satellite will challenge the band stallion for control of the herd.
Two bachelor stallions playing around
Let's play take down!
horseplay
The lead mare is "second-in-command" to the dominant stallion in the band.
She is not always necessarily the oldest mare, but the most respected.
She is usually the one to lead the band to water and new areas for grazing.
Ever watchful, she will take the lead for a fast retreat if danger is present.
mom and baby
Mares can become mothers as young as 2 years old. Band mares are very close to one another and sometimes they can be more loyal to each other than a stallion. A mare may not be happy with the change if a new band stallion takes over the band.
After foals are born mares go into their foal heat within 4-15 days of foaling. Most stallions take this opportunity to breed their mares at this point. This is a period of time when other stallions may be especially fierce in trying to steal a mare from another band. At times, the stallion will drive her out of and away from her band at a fierce pace. The foal may have a hard time keeping up and sometimes gets separated and even dies.
This baby was only 2 and a half weeks old when I photographed him
Pretty markings and coloring
Horses are observably relational creatures. Some see them only as 'stock,' as if they are devoid of feelings and the capacity to have friendships. However, this just is not the case. Anyone can observe a band for only a few moments and easily see the affection, squabbles, and protection they demonstrate.
