Foothills Brumbies

Tags

Boise, Brumby, hiking, horses, mountain biking, photography

A recent hike in the foothills above Boise yielded an unexpected delight. The property I was hiking is private, but the landowner has generously provided access to the public for hiking and mountain biking. While I was off the trail to catch my breath and investigate some lizards that were doing push ups on the dead branches of an old willow tree, I heard this poor fellow puffing up the trail.

It did my pride good to see him resort to walking his bike up the hill.

A few minutes later I glanced up the hill to my right and my heart skipped a beat.

A herd of horses grazed contentedly.

I plodded to the top of the drainage and enjoyed an awesome 360 view from which I could see other parts of the city sprawling below, a network of trails and the few remaining patches of snow marking Bogus Basin, my beloved ski area.

I headed back down the hill. By now the horses had nibbled their way down to the main trail. I sat down beside the trail just to see what would happen.

Led by this sleek mule, the horses wandered close to me.

Coming closer . . .

So close that I needed to get to my feet before I was under her feet.

Whatcha doin’ down there?

With the Jenny practically in my lap, I had no choice but to start rubbing her itchy spots.

Off which she had many.

Her friend also had some spots in dire need of scratching.

I did what I could, but I’ve only got 2 hands . . .

This boy was also interested. He reminded my of my mom’s stallion, Frosty.

Jenny kept coming back for more. Don’t you love that do?

Eventually the herd ambled on up the hill.

They made my day. Obviously they weren’t really Brumbies. They were seriously tame and well cared for. I appreciate the landowner even more for letting the public mingle with his horses.