Spring finally comes to the mountains

Spring is here, and after the winter we've just had, it feels like everyone at the ranch can breathe again.

Coming out of winter

The horses are shedding their winter coats. You find tufts of hair on every fence post, and underneath, their summer coats are coming through sleek and bright.

Winter was hard on them. We fed them all through the cold months, but like every year, they still lost weight. That's normal up here, and it's exactly why this breed is so tough. They get through it, and the moment the snow pulls back, they're out on the slopes grazing on the first new grass. You can almost watch them fill out again day by day.

Horses on the skyline of a hill in spring

A big part of that is down to our horsemen, who look after the herd through every storm. Thanks to them, the whole herd has come through the winter safely.

The herd grazing on a green spring hillside

Foaling season

Now the best part of the year is starting: the foals are on their way.

It's also one of the busiest times for our team. Right now we're cleaning out the stables, getting the horses vaccinated, getting ready for the move up to the summer pastures, and already planning how much hay we'll need for next winter.

A grey spotted Chaar horse grazing on the spring pasture
A spotted Chaar horse grazing among spring plants
A dark mare and her foal on the spring hillside
A spotted foal suckling from its mother
Green hills above Lake Toktogul in spring
A chestnut foal with a white blaze beside a spotted horse
A grey horse grazing on the spring pasture
The herd spread across a spring hillside

Thank you for your support

None of this happens without you. Every member, every donation and every piece of CHAAR merchandise helps us feed this herd through the winter and bring new Chaar foals into the world. Thank you for being part of it.

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Endurance and adaptability: why the Chaar horse was made for these mountains

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The history of Chaar horses: why we must revive and protect indigenous breeds