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"DAMONTE" WILD HORSES
FIND A HOME
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Reno Horses Relocated in Lyon County
A band of horses in the south Reno area had to be removed when their only water hole became surrounded by a new subdivision. They were released deep into the Virginia Range however by the next day they had returned to their original grazing area in Reno, checking out the new landscaping in the subdivision.
The horses were given one more chance at range relocation and were placed in the Fernley edge of the Virginia Range. While out on a ride at Stockton Flat, we discovered that the band was alive and well and had established a territory at the lower elevations on the Flat. Fortunately the other horses in the region preferred the higher elevations so everyone seems to be getting along.
All we had was an old point and shoot digital camera with us but we were able to get a few shots of these horses.
Very curious horses.
The band is not afraid of Kathy Graves and "Chicago."
The horses actually come up to see us whenever we ride by.
Another view of the band. The old stallion, "Sentinel" is on the right.
We went out a couple of times to get better photos of the Damonte horses and of course if we had the good camera with us they were nowhere to be found. (With 10,000 acres to wander it's easy not to be found.)
On Sunday, September 16th, Kanani and I were doing some repairs to the stock tank (replacing a leaky float valve, lifting the broken plastic tank back over the fence, etc.) and doggone it if the Damonte horses weren't gathered up behind us waiting to get to the water. We suspended our activities until they had their fill and this time I had the better camera at hand.
"Surprise! We're here!"
"Will you guys clear out so we can drink?"
Unlike some bands, the Damonte horses are very polite and have a definite drinking hierarchy, small groups of horses drinking in succession and backing away for the next horses to drink. (The Buckskins, in contrast, roar up like a truckload of rednecks headed to the tavern at quitting time.)
Lining up in the proper order.
Horses filling up.
A late August foal and her dam.
All done. Headed back out to graze.
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