Wild Horses of Southern Nevada

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Did you know there are only two groups of wild horses or horses that have never been domesticated?  The first group is the Tarpan Wild Horse is from Europe and Asia, and the second group is the Przewalski’s Horse also known as the Mongolian Wild Horse from Central Asia and the Gobi Desert.

“Wild Horses” as the term is used today is in reference to herds of horses that roam freely, including the Mustang in the United States and the Brumby in Australia.  These horses are feral horses, who are descendants of horses that arrived in America with the Spanish Conquistadors in the 15th century. 

The Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971 recognized Mustangs as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, which continue to contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people.”

During my travels around Southern Nevada, I have come across a small band of wild horses also known as mustangs.  I have been around horses all my life and was very excited to have found a symbol of the American West… a mystery never full explained and only seen in my mind or on the Hollywood big screen.

Not sure what to expect I watched these beautiful creatures from a safe distance, but curiosity got the better of me.  How would they react to me and would they accept me as a non-threat, someone who only wanted to admire and love them for them.

My first encounter was with a bay stallion, who nickered at me and seemed to connect with me.  The bay came towards me and I towards him, he blew softly at me, and I blew back on his muzzle.  Time seemed to pause and it was only him and I, I was able to stroke this wild creature, and I was not afraid nor was he.  I know then as I know now, it is my purpose in life to protect these wild creatures from the world that does not know of them or the plight.

I have been out to the wild horses many times now, and try to go on a regular basis.  Every time is a magical experience; I have been embraced by the wild horses, and accepted by them.

On occasion I see new mares that a stallion has acquired, I see the bachelor stallion bands grow as the young stallions are driven from their original bands, and other time I see my old friends.  On occasion I can connect with a horse that was unsure of me at first, but patience and quiet moments have paid off.  One stallion has even returned with his band to greet me, and has stayed with me for some time.

In closing I would like to stress that I do not encourage anyone to approach or interact with the wild horses as I do.  (I have taken a few people out to see the wild horses, but only after explaining how to interact with the wild horses.  Ensuring their safety and that of the wild horses is very important to me.)  I have over twenty years experience with horses and I am confident around them.  When I am with the wild horses I do not force them to do anything they do not already do naturally, what you see here is what I have seen after hours of patient observation.  (You can meet them here: Friends of the Wild Horses of Southern Nevada) 

What follows are the photos of the wild horses I have come to know and love.  I have chosen to share them with you, in the hopes that you will come to see their beauty, elegance, and grace as I have.  I will continue to visit the wild horses, and I encourage you to keep an eye out for the horses as I expand on my photos of these beautiful creatures. (You can see the Wild Horses here: Wild Horses of Southern Nevada)

It is my hope that you will help me protect and save the wild horses from their biggest predator… humans.  Wild horses are wild and it is this freedom that is threatened, but with your help we can keep them free for generations to enjoy.

Equestrian Moments