Mustang A Day Challenge Guest Artist Debbie Flood

Debbie Flood Western Artist
Guest Blogger for Burro Week

 Debbie Flood  talks about her painting: "Investigators"

Investigators (Wild Burros)
12 x 16 Watercolor on 300lb Arches Watercolor Paper.
by Debbie Flood
$1,200.00

"During this past Summer, I made a couple trips out west. I visited New Mexico and also Arizona. I just fell in love with the Land out there. Sedona, AZ was really pretty, with the red rock canyons of Sedona. Here in this watercolor of the Burros, I used those canyon rocks, trees and cactus as the background for these guys. The Burros are rescue Burros, Knoxville & Hood. They are in the care of Wild Horse advocate, Debra Gulley in California."
Debra and her family live on a ranch that takes in rescue horses and burros and are a voice for those in the wild. Articles that Debra Gulley has written for the Big Blend Magazine online plus the once a month blog talk radio show she does with them can be found here: http://rantsravesrockmagazine.com/DebbieGulley.html
 
Debra Gulley's family blog page can be found here http://fcranch.wordpress.com/
Debra had purchased several Original paintings, as well as a Trail of Painted Pony sculpture from Debbie Flood, and they have become good friends through Facebook and social media.

"When I was asked by Linda to be a guest artist on The Mustang A Day Challenge blog, and that the Burros were the subject of the week, I just knew, I had to help give a voice, through Debra's Burro's, and the hard work she is doing to save America's Wild.  This Painting is dedicated to Debra, her family and all the hard work she has been doing for these animals. "

More about Debbie Flood:

Debbie Flood’s accurate yet painterly Watercolors, of Equine and Western Themed Genre, have garnered her many Museum Exhibits.
Debbie Flood was brought up on an Appaloosa Horse farm, in Maine, where she started riding at the age of 3. She continued to ride and work with the horses until her early 20's. During those early years, she also kept drawing and painting the horse, and to this day, she still paints that love of the horse and the bonds that humans have with them.
Flood’s bright colors, yet strong attention to detail and the ability to handle watercolor with an emotional twist, along with an extensive knowledge of horse anatomy and behavior, has Collectors actively seeking her work throughout the United States and Internationally.
Flood is known for whimsical yet accurate details of children and adults interacting with horses in a Western setting. Though she hails from the Eastern side of the USA, living in Maine, she is drawn to paint the Western landscape and subject matter. Her goal is to portray the emotional bond between horse, human and the land.
Flood has been traveling to New Mexico and Arizona in the summer of 2011 to see firsthand what the land has to offer and she has come back with new insight and meaning for future paintings. Flood also has had Gallery ‘solo’ and ‘Invitational group’ exhibits, which she attended, while in those two States.
Studying the play of light on colors, out on the land, and painting everyday has brought her paintings to a new professional level.

Flood also enjoys working and networking with other artists. She enjoys many art genres, and because of this love of art, she founded the International Equine Artists in September of 2010. Here Flood mentors and helps to promote the artists at all levels in their career through a public website, blogs and a private member’s forum online. Flood is the administrator of the group and curates online member exhibits, and helps the artists to network and market their art.

Debbie Flood's Professional Memberships include:
Contemporary Fine Art International Professional Member 2011- Current
National Association of Women Artists Elected Professional Member 2007-Current
International Equine Artists 2010 - Current Founding Member and Administrator
National Watercolor Society Associate Member 2010-Current
Texas Watercolor Society Associate Member 2011-Current

Her most recent awards:

2011 President's Award, 'The climb' International Museum of Art, Sun Bowl Exhibit 2011, El Paso, Texas.
2011 Judges Award of Merit, Rumbles in the sky, Red River Valley Museum International Juried Exhibit, Vernon, Texas
2011 Third Place, Knot Listening, International Bank Exhibit, Raton, New Mexico.
2011 First Place, Riding with mom, Contemporary Fine Art International online Exhibit.
2011 Honorable Mention, Winter shelter, Contemporary Fine Art International online Exhibit.

Mustang A Day Guest Artist: Sue Kroll

Guest Artist Sue Kroll: 
Specializing in painting Donkeys and Mules.
In her own words:

When I started to paint as a 'career' rather than just as wall decorations for my relatives, I tried many subjects.  But I seem to have found my niche in Mules and Donkeys (or Burros as they are sometimes called). 

I dont know why, but they seem to have a certain attraction for me.  Maybe its because everyone wants to paint the wild mustangs to get the message out about their plight and the wild donkeys and wild mules seem to be left out. 

Yes, there are wild mules!  Although I have never seen one, I have heard about them alongside their mamas in a mustang herd.

 Mules and donkeys are very surefooted, thus their use in packing and precarious situations such as taking tourists down and up the Grand Canyon.  Donkeys can be 'tamed' when taken from the wild, but it seems that mules usually cannot.  Just something about being brought up in the wild makes them want to stay that way.

My interest has taken me to paint 'A Mule A Day' where I have done over 100 mules and donkeys in acrylics and pen and ink.  I have tried to capture their quirks and many different personalities.  Some of the paintings are of wild donkeys, but all the mules are domestics.  I sure wish I could see a wild one in person!

I usually paint in Acrylics, but recently I have been trying my hand in scratchboard art.  I think I love this medium!  My latest one is a mule in harness and I hope to have it finished soon.  Come by my site and take a look around.  All my 'A Mule A Day's are there as well as my new scratch art.

BTW, I am Sue Kroll, Western Artist,
and my site is http://sues-art.com./  Come by and take a look!

Mustang A Day Challenge Painting #244 Burro Week : Lorton Yearling

"First Snow"
Lorton  Adoption Jack Colt From California
6 by 9 inches Watercolor
by Linda L MartinArtist
$125.00
You can purchase this  painting through this link:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/89078041/lorton-adoption-blm-burro-original

 This little BLM Burro was actually from California. Well his mother was. And he was born in the pens. While most of the horses at the Lorton, Virginia Adoption,  this past October 8th, went back to long term holding in Nebraska, This little burro was adopted as  the male companion for three domestic jennies, or so I was told. Many people were disturbed by the low adoption rate at Lorton this past autumn.

I wasn't surprised. At first I thought it was the economy. Then as I thought about it the rough economy didn't really make so much sense to me, as Northern Virginia is still the area of the highest employment rate in the country and the highest standard of living in spite of job market stagnation.

Then I discovered that many places that use to host advertising of the event in past years had not even been given a press release which would have equated with free advertising for the event. I was told by one BLM employee that the event generally adopted out 90 mustangs and burros at a time,  in many of their past successful weekend event.

Its true that some of the low adoption rates may  have been due to the economy but the fact that the normal advertising that had saturated the region in successful years past was missing may have accounted for most of the low numbers.  I would love to see volunteer's with experience in marketing and advertising  help  partner with mustang educators and not only get the word out about these adoption events but also provide support to help sustain these adoptions.

Mustang A Day Challenge Painting #243 Burro Week : Jenny and Jack

"Evening Snack"
Alder Hill Farm's Jack and Jenny
6 by 9 inches Watercolor
by Linda L MartinArtist
$125.00
Buy the painting through this link:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/89075047/jack-and-jenny-blm-burro-of-alder-hill

A portion of the proceeds of this painting go to Alder Hill Farm Rescue. If you would like to donate directly to Alder Hill Farm you can connect through their website http://www.alderhillfarm.org

Mustang A Day Challenge Painting #242 Burro Week : Shy and Jenny

"Long Winter's Nap"
Alder Hill Farm's Shy and Jenny
6 by 9 inches Watercolor
by LindaLMartinArtist
$125.00
You can purchase this painting by clicking this link:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/88997174/shy-and-jenny-blm-burro-of-alder-hill

A portion of the proceeds from this painting benefit Alder Hill Farm Rescue. If you would like to donate to Alder Hill Farm directly go to http://www.AlderHillFarm.org

Mustang A Day Challenge Painting #241 Happy Mustang Cheveyo

Karen Mayfield's mustang gelding Cheveyo.
The 7 years old horse is from Twin Peaks HMA in Nevada. He is a bay pinto and a very happy mustang.

"Cheveyo"
5 by 5 inches Watercolor
by LindaLMartinArtist
$35.00

Karen is associated with www.thewildspirithorse.org, " an  organization committed to the preservation of wild horses and burros in their natural habitat. To Assist those that have been gathered off the range; to educate the public on the horses' preservation and their contribution to humanity."

Mustang A Day Challenge Painting #240 Celebrating 40 Years

"40 Years WHBA"
1976 Breyer Mustang Stallion
To commemorate the Millions of  American Children who wrote to
Congress and the President  until they passed the bill.
6 by 7 inches Watercolor
by Linda L MartinArtist
Priceless

Today is the 40th Anniversary of the Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act , signed in 1971 by President Richard M Nixon and set up to preserve  and ensure humane treatment of all free roaming American wild horses and burros as a part of our unique American History.

I wish to remember and thank all the people who have worked tirelessly to preserve, protect, manage, educate, adopt, train, document and rescue wild American Mustang Horses. You all are very much appreciated.. And I especially remember Velma Johnston, a hero of my child hood,  who taught us all to  face the giant. Thank-you Velma.

You can read more about Velma Johnston also known as Wild Horse Annie here: http://www.unr.edu/nwhp/bios/women/johnston.htm

Challenge Painting #239 Happy Mustang: Shyanne

 Tina Aguirre's Shyanne

"Shyanne"
5 by 7 inches Watercolor
by LindaLMartinArtist

SOLD

In Tina's words:

"I think Shyanne's story is far to often the norm when we talk about adopted mustangs. Her original adopter kept her for the required year without doing a whole lot with her, then gave her a a friend who also found she was going to be too much work. she was then traded to a horse dealer who started her training and placed her up for sale which is where I came into Shyanne's life.

Shyanne was captured as a yearling from the Adobe Town HMA in Wyoming, and was nearing a 5 yr old when I purchased her in September of 2006.  Having been riding since I was very young, having owned horses before I thought I knew enough to train this feisty mare, but she quickly schooled me on how much I did not know, and I had to admit I needed help.

Shyanne has been to three different trainers and still came back to me extremely green and still with some attitude problems. But with the help of some better riders, and younger riders who bounce better then my old bones, Shyanne has finally reached the point of accepting her job and discovering what she likes best which is being outside on the trails. She will work in the arena but you can tell she isn't totally pleased with the idea as she will often longingly look outside the windows as if to say "Are you sure you don't want to go ride out there?" 
The young ladies riding Shyanne with me love her to death and she is developing into a really nice horse and I couldn't be happier. Our journey has been a long one getting to this point, and where most people would of simply given up on her, I  have refused. There was just something inside of her that I knew I had to keep trying, and today I am so glad that I have kept trying with her."

Tina is with the Michigan Mustengo's Chapter of the American Mustang and Burro Association Inc. A 501c3 non-profit organization. The AMBA offers the oldest National Registry for the Mustangs, half mustangs and burros. You can connect through their web page: http://www.mustengos.com/

Challenge Painting #238 Happy Mustang: A Watercolor of Maverick

Maverick trained for the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover with  Dana Kesselring:

"Dana and Maverick"
5 by 7 inches Watercolor
by LindaLMartinArtist
SOLD

In Dana's Own Words:

"His name is Maverick and he was captured in Nevada and I competed in the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover with him. He came to me all cut up and skinny and so afraid, and he is the most loving mustang I have ever owned or trained. He loves to be with me and he is always the first one to greet me.

He is one of my very favorite horses, but unfortunately I can't keep them all. I have adopted him out to T. Boone Pickens and his wife Madeline Pickens, who bought him for the Winns family in Las Vegas, so I know he is going to a great home, and that is why I train these beautiful souls."

To read more about the Extreme Mustang Makeover events or how to participate as a trainer or adopter you can go to the www.MustangHeritageFoundation.org

Would you like to have your favorite mustang painted or to give as a gift? Ask about gift certificates by contacting me at :

LLMartisticServices@yahoo.com

Challenge Painting #237 Happy Mustang: A Drawing of Maverick

Maverick: Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover Horse

"Dana and Maverick"
5 by 7 inches Graphite on Paper
by LindaLMartinArtist
SOLD

I haven't done any drawings for the Mustang A Day Challenge in a while and since  Dana Kesselring is having me paint her horse, I decided to go ahead and do a drawing and post it tonight. This is Maverick. He was Dana's Supreme Extreme Makeover horse. Dana Calls him the most loving horse she has ever trained. I will share more about him and where he came from and where he is going when I post the painting tomorrow night.

Would you like to have your favorite mustang painted or to give as a gift? Ask about gift certificates by contacting me at :

LLMartisticServices@yahoo.com

Challenge Painting #236 Favorite Horses of Sand Wash Basin: Picasso

Picasso of Sand Wash Basin

"Picasso"
8 by 8 inches Watercolor
by LindaLMartinArtist
$250.00

I think that anyone who knows me and has followed the entire project of the Mustang A Day Challenge through its first year, probably knows, that for me, Picasso embodies all that is the spirit of the wild horse in North America. He is the quintessential band stallions that rogue beauty with a gentle eye toward his harem. Over the last year I have painted him 5 times, usually with Monet. He is the only stallion, of which, I have painted the entire harem.

I actually knew Picasso through photographs long before I saw him posted on the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horses page in Facebook and knew what the wild horse watchers had named him.   

The most famous photo of him, by Claude Steeleman was actually turned into a lamp as well as cover photo for his book, Colorado’s Wild Horses published in 2009. The photo was taken of Picasso sometime in 2007-8. In the Fall of 2010 I had seen the lamp in the gallery that was carrying my Christmas Cards. It was a thrill and opened the door for me to explain all about the horses of Sand Wash Basin to the gallery owner. It drew a crowd and hopefully sold some of those lamps for Claude, now that the gallery had background information on Picasso. 

A Portion of the proceeds of this
painting will go to Nancy Roberts
to help aid in her documentation
efforts  on the Sand Wash Basin HMA

Since that day I have found out that a number of internationally known wild life photographers have traveled to the Sand Wash Basin just to photograph Picasso. Today my favorite painting of Picasso and Monet hangs above my desk in my studio. He has been the primary image on my business cards since I painted his single full body portrait 10 months ago. He also graces the profile photo of my FaceBook Page. His coat pattern is unique. Yet throughout the Sand Wash Basin you can see Picasso’s genetic attributes weave like a thread throughout the pintos there. Granted it  it is only possible to know how he is related through DNA testing.

One of the most remarkable stories I had heard about Picasso happened during the 2008 BLM management round up. Someone had told me that Picasso was helicopter savvy. And as a result while most of the horses in the Sand Wash Basin were rounded up, Picasso eluded capture. They literally had to go out with horses and riders to rope him in order to bring him in. I think from several accounts he was more angry about being caught, than he was fearful. There had been according to one account the possibility of pulling him from the range. But in a decision of brilliance by the BLM they, with some prompting from an interested party, released him.  

I say it was a brilliant move by the BLM to release Picasso in 2008 because he is so well recognized that in the past year he has become a sort of Ambassador for the Wild horses. His beauty, his ongoing personal story and family drama has drawn in the hearts and minds of people from all over the world who are now helping to support the accurate volunteer documentation of the herd that will help to preserve it and keep it safe for generations to come. It  is my honest hope that Picasso and his mares will be able to stay together and live out their lives in the Sand Wash Basin of Colorado.

If you want to read more about the Wild Horses of the Sand Wash Basin HMA and connect with other people interested in preserving this herd of wild horses please “Like” TheSand Wash Basin Wild Horses on Facebook.

This concludes my week of Favorite Sand Wash Basin Wild Horses. Obviously, I couldn’t include all of my favorites, so in a few weeks I will do another 5 including some mares, and of course the stallions I had to leave out. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. I will be painting more happy mustangs next week.

Challenge Painting #235 Favorite Horses of Sand Wash Basin: Buddy

Buddy, Stallion of Sand Wash Basin HMA

"Buddy"
8 by 8 inch Watercolor
by LindaLMartinArtist
$250.00

Sand Wash basin HMA in Colorado is approximately 160,000 acres. According to private sources 296 horse have been documented and identified as of December 1, 2011. According to U. S. Bureau of Land Management sources, the last census before the round up of 2008 was 411 wild horses.

It is nearly impossible for one person to see every horse on the range simply because of it size. Even with aerial estimates the numbers would not be accurate. However, since 2009 a growing number of photographers, loyal to the herd have begun continuous documentation of the herd whenever the weather will permit access to the HMA.

Enter Buddy.

 I have a growing fascination for this younger stallion; first, because somehow over the last two years no
one was able to catch him on camera. It is possible that he might have been running with one of the more elusive bands, whose images can only be captured with a long range lenses at a distance because of their shyness. Or perhaps he was hidden away in the vast basin in one of its Valleys far from the prying eyes of human visitors and leasing sheep herders.

The first documentation of him seems to have been sometime in late April or early May. Everyone  who has followed the herd over the last two years was waiting for the appearance of Tripod with great trepidation. Our mutual fear was that because of his injury he might not have made it through the winter.

Part of the Proceeds from the
sale of this painting will go to
Sally Wright for her continued
work in helping to document the
Wild Horses of Sand Wash Basin

 And then one of the photographers said Tripod had been spotted. And with Tripod was a nameless black bachelor stallion that was very soon dubbed Buddy, because he had befriended Tripod.
The black stallion stayed close to Tripod while he adjusted to life without his parents and band. Early in the spring Tripod had been chased out of his band, so the story goes, because as a young stallion it was time to leave and strike out on his own. 

Multiple sightings of the Stallion with Tripod were recorded and shared with the Sand Wash Basins Wild horses group on Face book. With the knowledge that Buddy was on hand to look out after our little lame Tripod everyone was reassured.

As Tripod began to find his way the two spent less and less time together. Buddy was doing what young stallions do. He was looking for a mare and scrapping with the band stallions.

Then in June one photographer reported the gray stallion Snowman had been in a terrible fight and was badly injured. According to the photographers, Snowman was not moving around very well. Several photographers noticed when Buddy was around, he would check on the older stallion and seem to give him encouragement.

It was at that point that I figured out there was something unique and special about Buddy. He had a very nurturing spirit. He naturally looks after the weak and ill. If he can hold his own in battle to win mares then I think Buddy is going to make an awesome band stallion. I am enamored.

To find out more about the wild horses of Sand Wash Basin HMA “Like” their page on Facebook:  Sand Wash Basin Wild Horses

Challenge Painting #234 Favorite Horses of Sand Wash Basin: Apache

Apache of Sand Wash Basin HMA.

"Apache"
8 by 8 inches Watercolor
by LindaLMartinArtist
$250.00

Apache is a sorrel or chestnut pinto bachelor stallion that has really endeared himself to me this year. A lot of artist like to paint him because of his flashy red and white color. But this year he is paying his dues in a big way.

He is a game little stallion. Although I’m not sure who his parents are, to my surprise when I was doing the research for this painting, I came across a photo of him showing his profile. He has a definite bump in his nose much like Picasso, although not as large as that of our premier Sand Wash Basin band stallion.

Apache has a brave heart and isn’t afraid to tangle with the biggest and the best of the band stallions. And here is where the most interesting thing about him starts. Almost the entire summer of 2011 he has been tagging the Band Stallion Brave. And I highly suspect from the photography I’ve seen that he is after a certain 2 year old filly, named Flirt. Flirt and her mother were stolen from Band Stallion Bear. Bear hasn’t been seen all year. I have to say that Bear didn’t seem to be the type to give up a mare without a fight. And if one ensued, I can only imagine it was furious.

When you see Brave and Apache together you can see that Brave has a few hundred pounds of muscle more than Apache. Brave is at least a good 2 hands higher than Apache. Yet, Apache is relentless in his attempts. The tenacious little Apache refuses to stop his pursuit. Apache inches in closer and closer until Brave is so angered that he flattens his ears and charges with teeth bared and eyes blazing.
Photographer John Wagner has captured just such a pursuit in his visits to the range. Each time Apache engages just enough, then scampers away before he is defeated entirely.

A portion of the sale price for this
painting will go to Sally Wright, for her
continued documentation of the
Wild Horses of Sand Wash Basin HMA

It’s a learning process. Apache has spent a good portion of his year learning the weaknesses of the stallions who possess mares. And as he goes, Apache has had his share of injuries and battle scars too. He is growing wiser and stronger. This is the way of the wild stallion. He will continue probably until he wins a mare or two or even three. Then there will be the never ending battle to keep his mares and make sure they have all they need to raise healthy foals.

I don’t think anyone actually knows Apache’s age at this point. I believe, I was told earlier last year that all of the young horses 2 years or younger were removed in the 2008 management round up by the BLM. So at the time of the round ups Apache was probably at least 4, if he was allowed to remain free. So that would make him about  7 or 8 years old.
Some wild horse behaviorists say that a stallion usually wins his first mares about the age of 8 or 9, so this sounds about right. Once a band stallion, he  will probably keep his mare or mares until he is well into his 20s, providing he stays healthy  and sound or is not interfered with by  a round up or  other interference.

If you would like to read more about the Wild Horses of Sand Wash Basin HMA you can follow by liking The Sand Wash Basin Wild Horses page on Facebook

Challenge Painting #233 Favorite Horses of Sand Wash Basin: Corona

One of my very favorite Stallions of Sand Wash Basin is Corona.
  His name is Spanish for the glow around the sun.

"Corona"
8 by 8 inches Watercolor
by LindaLMartinArtist
$250.00

His long light colored main flows around him like a sexy European model. Thus his nick name is "Fabio" as well. He is the first dunalino stallion I've ever seen photos of or heard of. Meaning he is a golden palomino in color while at the same time having leg stripes and a stripe down his back both in a darker shade of gold.

His build reminds me of  those  Spanish Lippizanner horses of Austria. Even though he looks like the equine version of a fashion plate all the time, don't be fooled. His is a strong and powerful stallion, who is quick on his feet, and gives no quarter to stallions that are even bigger than he is. In fact I think one of the reasons for his success is that he doesn't tolerate younger stallions too near his mares. His personal space is really wide.

One photo documenter caught him on camera chasing after several more aggressive stallions and in the background Picasso moved his band further away to make sure he wasn't in the line of fire so to speak.  Corona's mares tend to stay with him. It has been reported that even his filly offspring will sometimes return to his band after they have been taken by other stallions.

A portion of the proceeds from
the sale of this painting will go to
John Wagner to further his efforts in
documenting the herd at 
Sand Wash Basin HMA

Corona is wise and expert at keeping his family healhty. Because of his station among the wild horses of Sand Wash Basin his band seems to be among the top in authority. This means that they are among the bands that get the water first and the choicest pasture.

He is also a veteran of two BLM management round ups that I know of, the last being in 2008 when he and his lead mare Cheyenne were captured on film leading the band into the capture area. He kept his mares and the younger horses close together  while his lead mare led the way and from what I could tell the band was released together after they were examined and  the selected mares  had been given the  PZP birth control drug.

I have so many reasons I  admire this stallion for his strength, his efficiency in managing his mares and foals And certainly his beauty.

You can read more about Corona and his band and all the horses of the Sand Wash Basin HMA in Colorado by "Liking" the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horses page on Facebook.

Challenge Painting #232 Favorite Horses of Sand Wash Basin: Tripod

Tripod of Sand Wash Basin HMA in Colorado

Tripod is one of the most amazing horses of Sand Wash Basin HMA in Colorado and also one of the wild horses most in Jeopardy.

"Tripod"
8 by 8 inches Watercolor
By LindaLMartinArtist
$250.00

To me, and a lot of other people, Tripod is Sand Wash Basin Royalty. His Sire is the mighty dunalino band stallion, Corona. His dam is the beautiful pinto palomino mare Cheyenne. I have seen Cheyenne and Corona in photographs that date back to before 2005. They have produced a number of pinto palomino and palomino offspring. Corona and Cheyenne produced a cremello foal in 2009. As the story was told to me an an intern working for the Humane Society of The United States discovered the little creamy white foal. They named him Tripod. 

Beyond simply being another beautiful offspring of this amazing mustang pair, Tripod also has an unusual background that makes him unique among the herd.

Sometime during birth or immediately after the young stallion was injured on his right hock. It was a crippling injury that has permanently deformed his hock joint and causes him to partially drag his hoof at an odd angle. When the injury was discovered he wasn’t expected to live but then a miracle of sorts happened. The Humane Society contacted the local BLM office and they sent out a Veterinarian to assess the  foal.  What they discovered was that the foal's family band was looking after him quite well. So it was decided that he would stay on the range and his family would raise him.

Through the tender care and careful nurturing of his father, a seasoned band stallion; the provisions of his mother, an experienced mare, and the protection of his band, the young Tripod made it through his first year. In fact the young colt thrived and grew and when the time was right just like every other young stallion on the range he was driven from his band by his mother and father to make his way in the world in the Spring of 2011.

A portion of the Sale of
the painting of Tripod
Will go to aid Nancy Roberts
in her efforts to document
The horses of the Sand Wash Basin HMA

Tripod is a normal healthy stallion in every way, except for the crippling injury he received at birth. Over the summer of 2011 he has been spotted by the photo documenters with a number of bachelor stallions including the likes of Benson and Cowboy and a relatively new find, a black stallion known as Buddy who was Tripod’s companion at the beginning of the summer.

This concerns some of us as we have been following him. Right now Tripod moves about at his own rate of speed. He has adapted to his injury well. But a big question follows him. If he is forced to run for long distances; if he is chased by a helicopter will his bad leg hold up under those conditions?

Complicating the situation is the fact that capturing the horse that will be fully grown, means that he will react as a mature wild animal in captivity. In not understanding what is happening, he could injure himself unnecessarily in a confined space if he makes it to the capture sight.  I for one believe that as a humane act it would be better not to force him into capture, and not to chase him with a helicopter or any conveyance including a horse and rider.

The Best recourse would be to let him live out his life, however long that is, as he is now, on the range, since he is healthy and can take care of himself.  If that is not possible for some reason, then he, and several others, (mares) who have exhibited lameness, are perfect candidates for bait traps so they don’t have to go through the rigors and dangers of  forced runs in a round up. Then if rounded up I think the idea of  having some private individual or organization set up ahead of time to take Tripod  right from the range to a safe place to live out his life in safety and with the Blessing of the BLM( if that is possible) is the best recourse. 

Tripod is one of my favorite horses of Sand Wash Basin. He is resilient and proof that mustangs are tough and resourceful when it comes to survival. Sometimes their amazing strength and beauty even over comes the most bleak of odds.

You can follow the horses of The Sand Wash Basin in Colorado through the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horses on Facebook. Just link in and "Like" the page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sand-Wash-Basin-Wild-Horses/101181969939406

Challenge Painting #231 Memorial to Sundance

 Sundance Of the Steens: A Memorial Painting Celebrating the Life of an Amazing Stallion
 

A Life Well Lived
"Sundance"
8 by 10 inches Watercolor
by LindaLMartinArtist
$300.00

A few weeks ago A very popular South Steens HMA band stallion known as Sundance was humanely euthanized by a BLM employee as a result of the vigilance of the  volunteer photographers who follow the horses and keep track of their families and their movements.  Sometimes because of the vast range the horses run on its not possible to  assess the condition of every horse and make sure  that if they are in trouble such as Sundance was, that they dont have to suffer especially going into winter. This is one of the reasons I try when ever possible to support these photographers and their efforts at documentation. They are invaluable in the preservation of our national treasure the Wild Horses of America.

I admit I took a bit of Artistic license with the painting but I hope that  I was able to capture the Spirit of this great band stallion as he was before he lost his battle with age and the harsh realities of the range.

Photo of Sundance by Maggie J Rothauge. Used by permission

Thank you to  all those  involved with  finding and keeping track of this horse to help the BLM do thier job efficently and humanely. And thank you to Maggie J Rothauge who named and followed this mighty stallion and captured him time and time again in her photography.The sale of this painting will benefit her efforts on behalf of the Horses of the Steens.

To see more of Maggie's wonderful work and more photos of Sundance and his band of mares you can Visit Maggie's page on Facebook: Oregon's Wild Side