It had long been a hope of mine to see and photograph the Corolla wild horses on the North Carolina Outer Banks (OBX to locals). I was lucky enough to take a guided tour a few years ago, so that itch had been scratched. But I wanted to spend some real time with them - at the appropriate distance - taking photos and really taking in the experience.
There were several hurdles that would need to be overcome. Guided tours are very strictly regulated to protect the herd. Taking a tour and getting some good shots from the back of a truck was iffy at best. Also the herd has thousands of acres to roam so there’s a very good chance no horses would even be seen on a tour. The area is only accessible with a four wheel drive vehicle. The area is sometimes not accessible during high tide. And on and on.
I contacted a tour company to explain that I was a professional photographer who wanted some great shots of the horses and went over my options. I could hike out onto the beach. For several miles. Nope. I could rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drive myself. Meh - I’ve never driven a 4WD and you need to know things like letting a specific amount of air out of the tires and how to drive in deep deep deep sand. Nope. A local could drive me around. A strong possibility.
In the end, the man I was speaking to offered to drive me himself! We made plans to meet up and hope for the best.
I hardly slept the night before. The weather forecast was for strong (30 mph) winds. I was nervous about having my equipment out on a sandy beach in those winds. I kicked myself for not bringing my rain covers. I was afraid we wouldn’t find any horses. I was afraid I wouldn’t have my camera set up right and everything wold be out of focus. The running checklist in my mind was huge and getting longer by the minute.
The next morning I had a few hours to myself to prepare - mentally and gear wise - and I used it wisely. Double checked everything, set up the camera for what I THOUGHT conditions would require, double checked the meeting location (3 min away). I didn’t want to blow this amazing opportunity!
We headed out in the guide’s jeep. I noticed that it was nowhere near as windy as predicted. When we made the turn into the dunes for the first time it was confirmed that I could never have done this on my own. Getting through deep sand on a dune is a whole lot of gas pedal, fishtailing, praying and hoping. My heart is racing just remembering!
It was a wonderful day. We found several different small bands of horses. I was able to get out of the jeep and shoot away, minding their movements so as not to disturb them. It was an incredible experience just to be there with them!
Driving back down the beach after a very satisfying afternoon as the sun was setting, I was reflecting on the successful shoot. Suddenly we spotted another small band in the dunes!
The car was stopped and I reassembled my gear and started shooting, marveling the entire time once again at the wonderful wild horses.
This mother and baby were enjoying the peaceful afternoon sunshine. Just the thought of the process of a foal growing up without human interference filled me with happiness. They know how to be horses, how to grow up, how to survive. Without us.
I was humbled.
