I was first inspired to photograph wild horses when I watched a Youtube video created by a fellow wildlife photographer whose work also appears in this marketplace - Tim West. Getting to know Tim through working together, I learned not only where these wonderful animals can be found, but also how they have learned to live together in large herds, forming communities with leaders, followers, supporters and antagonists.
Over the past several years I have visited wild horse management areas of the western United States, where government-owned lands have been set aside as refuges where native wild horses roam free. I enjoy stopping some distance from a small group, then setting up a camping chair or sitting on tail gate. With camera in hand, I have found that observing these small groups of horses not only relaxing, but also cleansing to my mind.
I have observed many natural behaviors, including friendship, as shown by the two mares in this scene. Another of my favorite scenes happens in the spring of each year, when mares with foals can be observed acting out the ageless ritual of parenting and expressing the wonder of discovery.
