NORTH DAKOTA BADLANDS HORSE

REMEMBERING whisper

On Saturday, March 28th, we were notified by a friend that they saw a new foal. I set out to confirm it was mare Serendipity (Pepper), who we were expecting to foal soon. Sure enough, she had a beautiful filly! The two were not with the band (Illinois), it is common for mares to go off on their own to foal. I spent a few hours observing and photographing them. This was Serendipity’s first foal but she appeared to be doing a good job taking care of her foal.
Shortly thereafter, another horse tracker and I observed Serendipity return to her band. In an unfortunate turn, mare Oakley (Starlet) ended up with the filly. Several things happened to cause the separation of mother and foal. We notified the park and observed until dark. While difficult to witness, this type of behavior can occur in wild horse bands.

Another dedicated horse tracker checked the band a few days later, and Whisper was no longer with them. Her remains were found a few weeks later by a volunteer.

Watching her short life and death is one of the hardest things that we have to witness. 

We will never forget you sweet little ones who visit us for such a short time. 

Run free little one.💔