Hello everyone. This past week was a rough one in the park. With heavy hearts, we report that we have lost another stallion. 2013 Band Stallion, Guardian has passed away sometime in the last week. He passed before Sidekick; however, his remains were not discovered until Friday. This information was passed along to me, and yesterday morning, I hiked to his body to confirm for Wild in North Dakota and myself that it was Guardian. We do not know his cause of death.
We used to joke about how Guardian could never keep a girl for very long, but I see that differently after thinking about his life these past few days. He has held so many mares over the years, sired several foals, some that even surprised us, led packs of bachelors, and had an uncanny knack for finding a single mare faster than any other horse. He looked out for and guided the young boys and was one of the best sires we have had the pleasure of watching in the park.
When you add all this up, you realize one thing: he may have only lived in this park for 11 years, but in those years, he truly LIVED! He experienced the park like so few stallions do and led a fantastic life. He could fight with the best of them and even spend time alone, but deep down, he was a lover, as we all saw in his final days. He chose to stay with Snip’s Gray as his band moved on and showed us in one last play how he truly was this herd’s ‘Guardian.’
Below is a look at the gorgeous stallion Guardian over the past ten years. We are blessed to have had the time we did with this amazing stallion, but our hearts hurt today for the loss of him and Sidekick. Run wild and free forever, Guardian, and know that you were loved
Guardian and his dam, Sumac (August 2015)
Guardian and his presumed foal Katie (Bender). Watching him with her was very special. (Aug 2020)
2013 Band Stallion, Guardian (July 2018)
This is the first time I saw Guardian and his dam, Sumac. They were walking with Stallion Granite’s Boy (pictured here) at the time. Half Moon would take them shortly after. (May 2015)
Mare Freckles, Katie, and Guardian – Over the years, Freckles was the one mare Guardian fought to get time and time again. They made a beautiful little family at the time. (Aug 2020)
On the move to cause some trouble – Stallion Guardian (Dec 2018)
2013 Band Stallion, Guardian (April 2024)
His final act of kindness – taking care of Snip’s Gray. I cannot think of a better way to go out on top. Love you, Guardian ❤
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