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Hello, friends! I’d like you to meet someone very special….
Halal’s Smokey Mountain Man!
(The picture above was taken when Smokey was only a few hours old.)
Smokey was born on April 4, 2017. He’s an adorable chocolate (silver dapple) Rocky Mountain Horse sired by our stallion Rocky Mountain Man (a Sewell’s Sam son). Smokey’s mom is Kilburn’s Sundown Molley, a Kilburn’s Chocolate Sundown daughter. Yep, that’s right – Smokey’s grandsires are both RMH foundation stallions!
Remember Murphy (Halal’s Cast Your Lot)? He’s Smokey’s 2-year-old full brother. You can click here to see his foal pictures.
Smokey was born amidst some interesting circumstances. My dad unexpectedly had to fly to Missouri for a weekend speaking engagement, so we were praying that Molley would hold on until he returned. On top of that, we had some pretty major storms moving into the area over the weekend, and Monday brought a mini twister that took power lines down and blew an old metal barn roof through the fence and into the pasture. Thankfully my dad made it home safely on Monday afternoon…and Tuesday morning we found a foal in the pasture! Perfect timing.
Behind the name…
Last summer brought a severe drought to upstate South Carolina, which provided the perfect conditions for a pretty major wildfire very close to us. The air was hazy with smoke for weeks. In memento of that unique occurance, referencing the foal’s dark chocolate color and our geographical location, and mimicking the sire’s name, we chose the name “Smokey Mountain Man” for the little guy. (The prefix “Halal’s” comes from our farm name, Halal Mountain Horses. Halal means “Praise Jehovah.”)
By the way, you can like our farm Facebook page for periodic updates. 🙂
Smokey definitely takes after his daddy with his dark chocolate coloring, a refined head, hooked ears, and a well-proportioned body. Inquisitive and confident, he’s going to make an amazing trail horse when he gets a little older!
Smokey does great with people! Katelyn loves to spend time with him and Molley just chilling out in the pasture (you can see some humorous pictures of this further down).
Smokey has had a voracious appetite since birth! If he doesn’t find what he’s looking for, much head-butting ensues.
Whoops! Lost my balance! What a patient mom…
My mom loves to go out in the pasture to pet the foal, too. So cute!
Yeah…at about 2 days old he was already exploring tricky terrain and eating weeds. Definitely a trail horse in the making. Gotta love the Rocky Mountain Horse personality!
Josh had brought a bucket along for catching minnows down in the creek. Apparently Smokey thought it looked interesting.
“Oh yeah! That’s the spot!” It didn’t take Smokey long to figure out what humans are good for: scratching hard-to-reach places.
One of my favorite Smokey instances was when he discovered he could use his hind leg to scratch his face – only he couldn’t quiiitte reach, so he overcorrected and socked himself in the jaw. 😛
Haha…love this picture! “Watcha got there, Kate?”
Brenda Howard says
He is beautiful, I love the swirl on his forehead, he is sure going to be spunky….all boy he is not a doubt there. Thank you for the beautiful stories that you share as well as the wonderful recipes that you bless us with. Someday when finances allow I would love to get your books so I can have your beautiful pictures and recipes all in one place but I have been able to lose 33# since December so it works.
Gayle says
Smokey is so adorable!!! Great pictures!!!
wanda says
Oh those horses are sooo awesome!! 🙂 I just love horses so your post was welcomed very gladly. lol You do an amazing job with your pictures! Keep it up!! 🙂
Pam says
Thank you for showing your pictures. Beautiful horses! My grandfather was a farmer and bought his grandkids a pony. We had so much fun. Enjoy!
Jan says
Briana,
Such beautiful photos! You are so fortunate to be able to experience this. I must say I have enjoyed your posts and recipes. Have made your cheesecake recipe several times. My husband and I have recently started THM so you have been a real help. Thanks!
Jan
Tina says
Briana, thanks for sharing the foal pictures, Smokey is beautiful and your narrative was fun to read too. I enjoy your recipes and blog, yet need more inspiration to stay on track for a much healthier life.