We have been monitoring and documenting the Salt River wild horses for many years, and we have spoken many times of their love of family. The love of the momma to her baby is visual from day one, they nurse and nuzzle the foal all day. Sometimes it is harder to notice the love a stallion has for his baby, after all they must be on alert and protect them from all predators and of course those annoying bachelors. However, if you quietly watch from a distance (50 ft minimum), you may witness the adoration they exude for their foal. Their displays of affection may not last as long as mommas, but it is there.

Our volunteers have witnessed a yearling with an injured leg, hopping along trying to keep up with their band, while dad slowly walks by their side, encouraging him every step of the way…6 weeks later that yearling was healed and still with his band. Stallions have been observed being silly with their youngsters as well as teaching them how to snorkel for eelgrass. So, at the end of the day, stallions are not all that different than their human counterpart. After all, family is family…and this is “as the river flows”

Don’t forget while you are doing your holiday shopping online, please consider donating for the horses. The Salt River wild horses would love nothing more, than to find an extra bale or two of weed free alfalfa in their stockings this year.