It appeared to be a huge band of over a dozen mustangs that we saw as we left the beach, yesterday. Ah, but at second glance, we noticed widening segregation…
Look again to see White-Socks Blackie, a favorite stallion, standing in between his huge harem and the smaller group to his right. The big male in that band protected three mares.
Back to White-Socks. You've met him before, along with my other favorite, Flaxen, with the white-blonde mane and tale. Now, I'm pretty sure that Flaxen is the offspring of parents who love to nuzzle.
We parked the proper distance from the horses and enjoyed a great photo op. White-Socks never stopped watching his potential adversary. He's got a lot of responsibility on his shoulders - that is one huge harem he's accountable for. And you'll notice that size means nothing, when it comes to male prowess.
Also worth a mention is my conversation had with a Corolla Horse Fund rep who made sure that curious tourists didn't approach any of the equines. It was good to see him and he happily answered a few of my questions. (1) It's true that the herd is down in number to the low eighties. What can we do? Just support the fund, if possible. (2) He was not a hundred percent sure of this year's foal count, but knew that one baby, separated from momma, drowned and another was saved from drowning. They are endangered in more ways than one. (3) Tourists pose a huge problem and threaten the herd almost daily, in season. Many think it's cute to feed them, but in reality, it is deadly. One renter left watermelon rinds out for the horses to find. A foal did just that, consumed them and died, shortly thereafter. Fresh water, sea oats and dune grasses do not equal our veggies. Colic and death… the results of human "kindness." They are looking strong and healthy, without our dietary help...
The kindest thing we can do is to respect the ground rules that protect the herd. It's true that we are all in awe and mean well. But love from a distance is our best gift to Mr. Ed et al.
