{"id":80405,"date":"2025-09-26T08:00:53","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T12:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.saltriverwildhorsemanagementgroup.org\/?p=80405"},"modified":"2025-09-26T23:40:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T03:40:36","slug":"the-death-of-a-bandmate-and-the-funeral-that-follows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.saltriverwildhorsemanagementgroup.org\/?p=80405","title":{"rendered":"The death of a bandmate… and the funeral that follows."},"content":{"rendered":"

You may have noticed that many of our recent posts have focused on family and emotion. Today, we continue with that theme.
\nDeath is not an easy subject to face\u2014neither in our own lives with those we love, nor in the lives of the animals around us. But if we pay attention, we see that all animals exhibit emotions around death.<\/p>\n

Our volunteers have been honored to witness wild horse behavior that most people will never observe\u2014and that some may even choose not to see. The death of a bandmate, and the funeral that follows, brings together nearby bands to pay their respects to the grieving group.
\nWhen a family member dies\u2014whether from illness, injury, or colic\u2014the lead stallion lets out a long, shrill whinny while his band hovers near their fallen companion. In the distance, faint vocal responses can be heard. Within the hour, the sound of hooves begins to approach. One by one, other bands arrive nearby.<\/p>\n

The ritual begins. The visiting stallion greets the mourning stallion with a sniff and a snort. After this introduction, the visiting band approaches, stops, sniffs, and sometimes touches the deceased horse before moving on in single file. This scene is repeated with each band\u2019s arrival. When the final band has paid their respects, the family is left alone to maintain their vigil. This watch continues until the lead stallion decides it is time to move on.<\/p>\n