The Wild Horses of Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Every photograph I make has a story. The equestrian portraiture that I enjoy making began as a love story when I was a young girl. The first time I spotted I horse, I shouted with glee, “Horsey”. That same passion has been at the core of my existence and brought me to this land of free and wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This is the story of a stallion and his herd.

Rising at dawn I drove the park loop searching for any sign of a horse be it a tail swish, an ear or even fresh manure. The particular morning, I made this image began with a sight of a head just over the ridge. I parked my car and slowly walked toward the other side of the hill for a better viewing spot. My efforts rewarded I found band stallion Silver with his large herd of mares and youngsters.

Some grazed along the shadows, they moved slowly up the hillside. Their black coats almost made them disappear in the shadows of the mountains.

There on top of the hill was band stallion “Silver.” So magnificent with his flowing gray mane and tail set against the white color of his body. Every watchful for any danger that might approach his herd.He stood in the same place for a very long time.

It became apparent he had injured a front leg. He was not putting any weight on it. To move, he would rear back on his hind legs and shift ever so slightly his good front leg.

My heart was aching. This was a terrible injury. Knowing well what it takes to survive in the wild, this seemed like potentially a life-threatening leg injury.
I photographed him in awe and silence. I sat and just spent time watching. When I felt it was time to move on, I started walking down the hill towards my car. Feeling torn about leaving, I turned back and to my pleasant surprise he had turned to watch me depart and so had his herd. I was able to make a few more images of him and his tribe.
Two days later Silver disappeared. His herd was split up between some of the major stallions in the park He was no where to be seen., Less than a week later, he was found deceased. A mighty legend in the park moving on to peace and a place in heaven.

The photograph of his tribe was chosen to hang in a juried exhibition at The Jewish Federation on Chapala Street in Santa Barbara, California. It’s a terrific show if you are in the neighborhood, stop by. The show is up until February 22, 2018.