For those who may be infrequent visitors to the Lower Salt River, and, to a lesser degree, those who visit every day: have you ever taken a photo of a baby and then, a few years later, wondered, “Where are they now?” Well, you’re in luck today as we take you back to March of 2016.

March of 2016, a beautiful, bouncing baby boy was born, and we christened him… Cilantro. Cilantro grew up, as most youngsters do, under the watchful eyes of his mom, dad, aunts, and uncles. It truly does take a village to raise a child. However, like many young stallions, not long after Cilantro’s second birthday, he was asked to leave the family and head out into the great unknown. The rejection of a youngster from what was once a loving family is difficult to watch and hear, but we will cover that in another post.Well, our boy Cilantro found himself all alone, with no family and no friends. So off he went in search of other horses to pal around with, and sure enough, it didn’t take him long before he discovered other young stallions in the same predicament.

Are you aware of just how long it takes a young stallion to grow into his body, so he may compete against the older, stronger, and wiser lead stallion? It takes most stallions several years before they can attain their own band, while some stallions never become lead stallions but happily remain strong lieutenants their whole adult life. Cilantro definitely proved himself not to be a wallflower and was able to achieve his own band in 2021.

Cilantro’s small band, like many others, is why we refer to the Salt River wild horses as “As the River Flows.” One of these days, we may have to create a song in the fashion of a two-step do-si-do because Cilantro has gained, lost, and regained mares a few times since 2021. He started with one mare, lost her, gained two mares, eventually lost them, and currently has two mares. He also helps out his best friend Luna with his mares when Luna is too busy with Nichy and Lainey.
We will continue watching Cilantro and his band, along with all the other bands that call the Lower Salt River home, as they have for hundreds of years. Please make sure to stay invested in the plight of our horses, read all of our posts, and share them with your family, friends, and strangers. Our horses cannot exist without you and your support. The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group manages these horses under contract with the AZDA, “For the People, By the People.”

#astheriverflows

Photos by SRWHMG Pam Buschbacher and Destini Rhone