Musings of an unhinged mind.

As I left on this 600 mile journey to photograph the wild horses of southeast Oregon, I couldn't help but wonder if I would see much more than vast miles of desert and mountains. Though beautiful country, I was totally focused on seeing the elusive horses that roam free on this magnificent landscape. 

Well, not only did I see 3 different herds, 2 of the Spanish Kigers and 1 of the pintos, there was time to observe the ways of these wild beings. 

Much to my surprise these horses were in very good shape and quite beautiful too! 

This was not a "drive-by shooting", where the horses were close to the road just waiting to be photographed. Rather it was arduous hikes over steep hills strewn liberally with lava rock and sagebrush.

As soon as the horses determined that I was too close, they would move off to a safer distance....and so the trek began usually taking several hours to finally work up close enough to get good photos. 

One herd of Kigers was led by a particularly aggressive stallion that would occasionally charge towards me....as I was unfamiliar with the behavior of wild herd leaders I chose the coward's way and got myself out of there. Then after a reasonable time and watching the stud relax, I would once again make my way closer. Several hours of cat and mouse gave me the reward of close up photos that I was after. 

In the painting you see about half of the horses that were in this group....mares, foals and lieutenant studs. On the far left is the main stud, on full alert to my presence, ready to move his herd out of the area if needed.  

I hope you enjoy seeing them through my eyes and brush and the landscape that they inhabit. 

Kiger Mustangs of the Steen Mt. Wilderness      Oil       24x36"            $2800 gallery wrap