Konik horses in the fog [Pastel, Portrait].

During a walk in the fog in nature reserve 'de stille kern' near Zeewolde [NL] we encountered a herd of Konik horses feasting on plants among the thistles.
This does not appear to be an easy meal for the horses, as many of the animals have scars and sometimes the thistles are still stuck in their skin.

Fortunately, there are more and more places in the Netherlands where these Konik horses, along with cattle such as Scottish Highlanders, can live relatively freely in the wild.

Not wanting to disturb the herd of Konik horses, I had positioned myself at a well respectful distance despite the fog. Sometimes, however, nature comes to you, and in a short time the herd of Konik horses had gathered around me. Up close, they are impressive animals - especially when the stallions watch you with wary eyes in the process.
This 'brown beauty' in particular was very curious and posed right in front of me like a professional model.
I took advantage of this opportunity by quickly taking a few pictures before slowly withdrawing from their immediate vicinity.
Not unjustifiably, by the way, because not long afterwards a "disagreement" arose between two ladies within the herd, which was enforced non-verbally. Even the adjacent Konik horses were pushed away in the process.

But I'm glad I was able to take advantage of the moment and that the weather conditions also helped, because the fog creates the beautiful soft pastel tones in the photo.
Version in Portrait format, there is also a version in Landscape format .

close-up / portrait / Konik / horse / horses / herd / harem / wild / animals / pristine / pure / natural / nature conservation / nature management / thistles / natural behavior / pastel / light brown / brown / green / blue / gray / crop / close / bushes / fog / wild horses / free