When I first began my mission to photograph all the wild horses in the United States
(A lofty goal I have since revised to be more realistic),
I didn't know what BLM stood for, nor what their purpose was, or about the federal law protecting these horses, or even about the differences of opinions about how to protect the horses -
including whether or not to dart the mares with birth control -
and I didnt know about ranchers or sheepherders, or any of that. I just (naively) thought the horses were treated like any other wildlife and that everyone would obviously desire their presence and appreciate their beauty.
I was shocked and saddened when I first began learning that there are people who actually hate the horses, wanting them eradicated, or people who think it's funny to make them run or to throw rocks at them! I was ignorant about special deals made between the BLM (the governing body that the federal law put in charge of protecting the horses) and ranchers who may despise the horse's presence on public lands because they 'compete' with their livestock's access to free forage. I didnt even know there were such prejudices and greed and hate and backroom deals sealed with a handshake and a wink. I almost wish I could go back to the days of oblivion when I thought the wild horses were regarded as a national treasure- a link to our past- a symbol of freedom, and a reminder of a time when life was hard and people had to be hard to survive. But my eyes have been slowly opening over the past few years {though much of it against my will}, while reluctantly relinquishing the luxury Ive enjoyed of hours spent in the presence of these wild beauties at 'no cost' to me because I didnt pay the cost of carrying the burden of knowing about the threats to their existence.
Sweet moment
Beauties
Parade to the watering hole
Bolt with Mama
This colt was feisty! Mom sure had her hooves full
This trip was my second one to Onaqui Mountains. This is one of my favorite places to be with the wild horses for many reasons. For one, they are stunning! There is such a diversity of color and patterns among them. For another, the backdrops of the mountains and the desert range offers a spectacular backdrop for photography. And finally, the community of concerned people who work hard volunteering their time and energy to protecting the horses is encouraging and inspires me to step up my game a bit.
One Ear- in the early morning light the grasses look almost as orange as he is!
Known as Goliath
I believe I can fly!
Old Man, aka Gandalf, is probably the most photographed wild horse at Onaqui. He is documented to be around 30 years old. He prefers to stay by himself but is willing to throw a few punches now and then.
The white horse is known as Old Man or Gandalf & is probably the most documented horse on the range and has been observed for the last 30 years.
Pow!
I'm warning you, back off!
Dash and Old Man having a scuffle
Known as Dotty
Known as Amigo
Hustling to the water hole
synchronized strutting
Known as The Blue Eyed Filly
Wind Knots
Horses are peaceful animals and prefer not to expend any more energy than necessary. So when I approach a herd and all noses are to the ground - doing what it is horses do - I know all is well in their world and I feel at peace because they are at peace. I wait patiently for a head to pop up and study me curiously or scan their immediate area to ensure there is no danger or threat lurking nearby. It is when the coveted head pop occurs that I snap that image. Usually I sit nearby and watch and study them. Regarding the distance to keep from the wild horses, the general rule is minimum 100 feet. This is about two bus lengths. Of course sometimes the horses approach me and I must rudely back up and away from them. I tell them Im not meaning to be rude but it's for their own good. Then there are those occasions when horses begin to move in my direction from behind me and catch me by surprise of the shortening of the distance between us. When that happens I relocate myself completely. It's a dance I do with them. They move closer, i move away. They move away and I move closer. It's a dance I enjoy. But there is always the risk of a conflict arising between members of the herd, resulting in at least some posturing and at most some full on rearing and kicking and running. This is when things can change quickly and I must calculate quickly how many clicks I can fire off before moving to a safer location. It sounds worse than it really is but it does happen quickly! It helps to know horse behavior and be able to read their body language to be ready to move from whee Im sitting or standing before I find myself in a dangerous position.
Stallion on the right is known as Lucas
Known as Clorox
Stallion known as Stargazer
Stargazer
Stargazer
Stick out your tongue and say "Ahhhh"
Shall we dance?
BOOM!
Is there anything sweeter than a foal resting?
Cremello
Stallion snaking band members in the direction he wants them to go.
Known as Clorox
Bolt
Known as Bolt
Known as Dash
The setting sun bids goodnight /
Sweet dreams until the morning light.
