This wasmy first time using my Graphics tablet...so excuse the poor background and wonky lineart...

For the club contest "Watch the movie, pick out a member of the herd pictured in the movie (one without a name), and draw it, giving it a history, name, and personality. Can be the foals he grew up with, or a herd member from any point in the movie. "

I chose a ranch horse and managed to make him a part of spirits life..


Herd Name: Drifter
Ranch Name: Snake

History: Grew up in the mustang herd along side Spirit ([link]
Foal on far right) The were friends and often got into mischief together and were often sent to separate parts of the field to avoid problems. As they grew up, like most young colts, Drifter was exiled from the herd, returning once only to find spirit had taken over. So Drifter left, looking to find his own group of mares but what he found was much worse. Wranglers passing by spotted the young one and snapped him up, he was taken back to their ranch where they intended to train him and sell him at the auctions. After some training (and gelding) they tested him out herding cattle and found he was super quick on his feet and extremely agile! He was named Snake and was kept as a ranch horse.

Many years later the ranchers had taken him, and a few other ranch horses, out to capture some wild horses to sell at the market. It was one dark night when Drifter once again met with Spirit, the curious stallion had wandered into their camp while the ranchers slept. ([link] Drifter surprised to see spirit). Drifter tried to warn spirit against going near the ranches, telling him to run, pulling on his bridle, that was tied to the log, showing Spirit what his life would be like if he didn’t leave now! but as usual he didn’t listen. Then the chase began!

Drifter did not put his heart into the herding, his owner noticing the poor work and pushed him but Drifter wanted his old friend to be free and not under the humans command. Try as he might he could not stop the ranchers and Spirit was caught…As his friend lay on the ground, ropes around his neck and legs Drifter could only whinny one thing “sorry” before he turned his head away from the sight… He did not speak to Spirit as they made their way to the Cavalry Homestead, hoping against hope that Spirit would be ok!

He never knew that spirit broke free, never knew that he found his other heart in the eyes of a paint mare…never knew he was reunited with his herd. Drifter had a feeling they meet again..but next time Spirit might not be so lucky!

Personality: Extremely loyal, even to the humans, he does not like to be disobedient because he is fearful of repercussions. Drifter aka Snake on the ranch is quick minded and fast! He has good cattle sense and because he was wild he is very good on his feet. He loves attention but lacks it in life because the humans are not as open with affection.

Pictures of Drifter


Foal in middle rearing (bay of coat not shown in foal fur!)
[link]

Foal on far right- eyes closed (bay of coat not shown in foal fur!)
[link]

Drifter surprised to see Spirit- eyes open
[link]

Drifter warning about the life Spirit might have
[link]

Drifter middle right- eyes mouth open
[link]