A week ago our big mare "Emma" gave birth to her baby foal who we named "Brujita". Brujita's father is the Paint Stallion Kasike. Brujita has the coloring of her mother and the spots of her father and will grow to be a large horse but not quite a large as her mother.
Modern day horses are of course not native to this continent and were brought here under very negative conditions of invasion, genocide and robbery, however this particular animal was quickly recognized as valuable and adopted widely by Indigenous people here. Horses embody power, speed, and survival. Within moments of being born, Brujita, like every foal born, struggled to her feet and began licking her Mother searching for milk. Emma cleaned her baby by licking her dry, and within a hour or so the baby had found her mother's milk. That same day Brujita was already bucking and testing out her first galloping steps. Within a couple days she was able to quickly move around her field obviously in love with her speed and agility! Watching her quickly adapt to her new surroundings and the speed with which she was able to get on her legs and move was a lesson in survival. Horses are flight animals, although they will defend themselves with teeth and hoof, they prefer to run from predators. This instinct was obvious from the foal's first moment.
On the other side of the fence the male Llama drove the two donkeys away from the area where Emma gave birth to the baby. He did not want the curious donkeys to go near her. He was clearly protecting the baby foal.
Brujita on her first day in the grassy field.
She goes exploring!
Emma enjoys fresh grass.
Afternoon Nap!
The foal, ever alert raises her head as soon as she senses movement from her mother.
Brujita scratching herself on a tree.
Going around in circles scratching herself.
Brujita bucking and running learning how to use her legs.
Brujita galloping, right photo: a moment of affection between mother and baby.
For us as Paleros the horse is a very powerful animal, especially for our Monanso. The horses have been very important spiritually on the Land and have been included in certain catalystic ceremonies. This particular birth was very momentous because both the Mother and Father live here at the Land. We have worked towards this for a long time and look forward to seeing Brujita grow.
No comments:
Post a Comment