WILD PONIES OF THE PLAINS 



TWO cowboys and a half-breed Indian 

 were stopping for the winter at the 

 " Lone-Tree Ranch/* They spent most 

 of their spare time in watching and following 

 the wild ponies that roamed over the rolling 

 prairies of the neighborhood. There were 

 thirty-five or more of these proud, wild ani- 

 mals in the band ; some were sorrel, others bay, 

 and still others yellow and iron-gray. They 

 were led by a gray stallion with a beautiful 

 mane that blew before the breeze in wild con- 

 fusion; and his long tail majestically swept the 

 ground. By his side was usually to be seen a 

 beautiful black mare. She was the largest pony 

 in the band and was of Oregon breed, a taller 

 and finer horse than the ordinary wild pony. 

 The mare was well built, having straight shoul- 

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