Don’t you love the days you set out not knowing what to expect and they turn out spectacular? This weekend we set out to do some reconnaissance in an area, that was paid no mind previously. At first it looked like it would just be a nice day for a quad ride. Finally we decided to stop on a ridge top and go scout things out. About half way things were looking promising, lots of signs and a few bedded does spotted. Then suddenly we came upon a big white mare standing amongst the poplars. Slowly we inched closer to realize there was a herd of 6 feeding and sleeping. I pulled out my camera to get some shots, the camo must have paid off because we got within 30 yards and stopped. Suddenly from the over the ridge comes two does running about 10 yards away past me. The next thing I wondered was what the heck was chasing them. Great I was getting prepared to see a wolf or even worse a cougar spring over the hill. After watching the horses and their lack of concern over the situation we proceeded to sneak closer.
Finally either they scented or heard us. The mares and yearlings circled and the stallion ran forward to investigate. He was impressive, puffed up, prancing trying to figure out what the heck we were. At one point they started running a circle around still trying to sort things out. Then suddenly things seemed to come to a calm, maybe understanding we weren’t going to harm them he simply stood and watched us, letting us get closer. The rest of the horses went back to feeding. After a while we carried on investigating the rest of the ridge. It was a very fun experience to get so close to the wild horses and take some great photos.
Spotted a white horse in the distance...
Spotted
The leader
Very cool experience, that has happend to me twice, once in mexico and once in Northern California. So awesome to see horses in the wild like that. Thanks for sharing.
They are beautiful to see. This is the first time I’ve gotten close enough for photos and have them stand still for it.
Where were you guys? I always find it humbling, oh so humbling when we stumble across these guys. When we stay out west at night and can hear them thundering around our cabins it gives me the chills.
AMAZING that you got photos! 🙂
My Uncle used to spend the Winters wrangling these guys in the 50’s…such crazy days.
We were a little north of Water Valley. I’ve run in to them a few times but never have they stood still, they usually run as soon as they hear or see you. They are quite pretty, the stallion had the shaggy mane and tail. I was happy to see they were all in such great health. Where is your cabin,?
Twenty miles or so west of the Bearberry…and the term cabin is used very loosely, it’s just a cow camp…but when we were growing up, it was such a big deal to go spend summers riding out there.
So utterly beautiful! What an amazing moment!
What an amazing set of pics!!! Thanks for sharing Brandy!!!
Awww I wish I had wild horses that I could go sneak up on & photograph : ) They are gorgeous
It was very cool, with these ones being so fearless it was a great experience.
Oh. Those are beautiful.