I have 8 Quarterhorses at my barn on 60 acrers. This past weekend a friend bought his first horse. I've been helping him look for a month now and he finally settled on a real nice Mo. Foxtrotter. He is boarding the horse with me until he gets his own place in the country. We kept his horse in a separate lot adjacent to the pasture for a day to let them get acquainted over the fence, then yesderday we let them all out together. Our pasture is gentle rolling hills. The herd ran and ran, together, up and down, over the hills. Must have ran for a good 15 minutes. You know what it sound like to have a herd runing full out like that..........absolute music to my ears. 

Checked on the lil' feller this morning to make sure no big fights overnight and all is well.  Dont ya just love a herd of horses running?

Especially when it's the wild herd of mustangs I saw in Nevada last summer.  They were beautiful.

Haven't ya heard that gaited horses aren't suppose to lope/canter! Just kidding. I about died when I went from QHs and Arabs to gaited and was told they are not suppose to lope/canter. Hmmmm... they do it in the field and I don't think me telling them they are not suppose to is going to stop it.I lope mine and it is a wonderful rocking horse gait.

Be careful - you might be selling off those QHs for a smooth gaited ride~

This time of year the horses get frisky. They are feeling good, weather is mild, slippery ice is gone, Mine start running around the corral.  Tails and heads up high. It's a sight.

But the Wild mustangs are in class of their own running across the open spaces. I camped out by a water hole last September, Middle of the night I hear them come rumbling into the water, calm night the sound  really carried.  Here's a picture the next morning as I pulled out. The ran across the road.

PaintedHorse, I have a Mustang who was captured in Utah. Guess who is boss mare in my pasture?

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/photos/show-album.asp?albumid=78&currentpos=1

That's a great looking mustang Ike.  and what a name  "Mustang Sally" 

Looks like you are still riding her barefoot.  How's her feet holding up?

I talked to the Division or Wildlife last November. They said they were going to capture and remove a LOT of wild horses and donkeys off the San Rafael Swell this coming summer. So some of those in the picture will probably be in a Mustang adoption someplace this summer.

Mustang Sally;

Thanks Jon.  Sally will be 27 this year....her feet are in great shape....and she is ready to go anywhere, anytime.

I hope I am in that health and mindset when I am that old. I've lost some weight since that pix so she does not have to work so hard, and I only ride her now on easy trails. Best $ I ever spent on anything was getting this Mustang. She has taught me so much. We have a very special relationship.

If I was younger I would not hesitate to get another Mustang. But for now I've got my hands full with a new 5 yr old 16H Red Dun.

They wll come steal your mares at night.

You can not chase, harass or bother the wild mustangs. They will usually run away from you as soon as they recognize you as a person. This is  about as close as you get, unless you are lucky enough to have some run by you.

It usually easier to get close to Deer and Moose than close to the mustangs

Thanks for the photos, PH. The herd I saw last summer numbered around 35. I'll tell you, I got choked up when I saw them running wild and free. Same kind of choked up I get when I stand at an event where you face the stars and stripes while they play the Star-Spangled Banner. Wish everyone could have the opportunity to witness them firsthand.

Sorry to hear about your mare & fold genebob. 

 Mine are beginning to ignore the hay bales and nibble the green stuff sprouting in the pasture.....Spring is right around the corner.....I hope.