Marian P. Merritt - Lagniappe

Where the Bayous Meet the Mountains

Monday, May 10, 2010

Wild Horses couldn't drag me away...

Yes, the title of this blog was taken from a song titled "Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones from their 1971 album Sticky Fingers. It is said that the song originated as a song for Keith Richard's newborn son Marlon. It was 1969 and Keith regretted that he had to leave his son to go on tour. The song has recently re-emerged to entertain a new generation by Susan Boyle of Britain’s Got Talent fame.

But do we really know the power and strength of Wild Horses?
Are they still around?
I always think of this song when I see these awesome creatures.

A few days ago while doing Stormwater Inspections at Oil & Gas facilities, I was fortunate to see several wild horses out in the Piceance Basin of Western Colorado.



Amazing animals! Interesting how they continue to thrive amidst the heavy oil & gas exploration and producing activities in the area.


On one lucky day I got to see this little fella/gal (not sure which) "Horse puppy" cross the road to follow the rest of the herd. He/she stopped in front my vehicle and stared for a second before trotting off to catch up with mama. What a blessing!







The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) conducts an annual horse round-up to manage the land and the herds.




Interested in adopting one of the wild horses?




Check out the BLM website for full details:
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro.html

Nice to know they still exist and are doing well. According to BLM statistics the herds can double every four years. So each year they are rounded-up and evaluated. While Colorado doesn't boast the largest number of these wild animals, Arizona and California do, there are approx. 700-800 in basins throughout the state. I must say, it's always a treat to see them galloping through the sage brush.

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