Source: Nature: "Cloud: Wild Stallion of the Rockies"
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In this video segments from Nature, filmmaker Ginger Kathrens chronicles the life of Cloud who is now a two-year-old bachelor (a male horse who has not mated) living in a group of wild horses in the Arrowhead Mountains of southern Montana. Family is important to horses, and this group of bachelors’ behaviors shows evidence of the camaraderie that can exist among a bonded group of horses. The playful, gentle interactions not only communicate trust and security among members of the group but also act as practice for more adult behaviors. For more about Cloud, watch "Cloud Foal" and "Cloud Age - Four" in the three-part series of videos.
Download and ShareThe following Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions are best suited for elementary or middle school students using this video in an English language arts or science lesson. Be sure to modify the questions to meet your students' instructional needs.
What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?
Frame (ELA) What is characterization?
Focus (ELA) How are Cloud and Diamond characterized, represented, and described?
Follow Up (ELA) Cloud and Diamond are the characters. How are the characters similar and different? How does the filmmaker describe each horse to give each his own personality? What aren’t you told about the horses that you would still like to know? How would you develop Cloud’s and Diamond’s characters differently or more fully?
Frame (SCI) What are the cycles of life through which we move?
Focus (SCI) How would you describe the life cycle of a horse?
Follow Up (SCI) Assuming Cloud will grow into a stallion, what do you think the next stage of his life will be like? How might his family life change? Describe the life cycle of a horse like Cloud.
Tillet Ridge, where Cloud was born, is separated by an impassable canyon from an even bigger ridge called Sykes.
When I don’t see Cloud on Tillet, I scope over to Sykes. A white horse! It has to be Cloud.
But, how can I get a closer look?
A five hour, bone jarring drive down Tillet and up Sykes is my only alternative.
When I glass onto the ridge I spot a group of bachelors... and Cloud is with them.
He watches as I approach, but doesn’t run.
This is Cloud’s new family. Their gentle play underscores the importance of friends and family to wild horses. In this, I don’t think horses and people are so different.
Within a few days Clouds, group begins moving to the mountaintop.
Waiting there is another group of bachelors and Cloud’s brother, Diamond.
Pleasantries are exchanged.
Everyone gets acquainted or re-acquainted, then they join into one rowdy gang.
The bay is older and heavier but the bold white foal has become a bold adolescent.
His brother’s play is a notch more intense.
When Cloud approaches, Diamond snakes him away, asserting his dominance. I’ve noticed how a forceful bachelor will practice being a band stallion by treating a younger male like a mare, herding him as if he were a she.
Despite Diamond’s dominance plays, the brothers remain close friends.
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