Yesterday, the world lost an incredible horse.
It was 2013 when I first saw the great wild palomino horse Sutter in California. I actually gasped at the sight of him. He was all muscle and gold. His story was just as powerful.
At the age of two, Sutter was caught in a horrific roundup and adopted by a person who abused him terribly. Rescued by Neda DeMayo and Return To Freedom, Wild Horse Conservation, Sutter's gentle disposition responded to kindness and he became a model for compassion and forgiveness. He was especially loved by children who visited the sanctuary just to hug him and feel the velvet on his nose. In 2016, Sutter was named ASPCA' Horse of the Year', and last year he was inducted into the 'Horse Stars Hall of Fame'. The only wild horse to receive these honours.
Sutter was an inspiration to us all, with a wild spirit and a huge heart to match.
Yesterday, at the age of 32, Sutter passed away.
Much love and condolences to Sutter's best friend Neda DeMayo and all at the sanctuary who filled Sutter's days with joy.
RIP beautiful Sutter. Run wild and free forever.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Canada! We have so much to be thankful for... beautiful wide open spaces and natural beauty from coast to coast!
It seems fitting to share this image of beautiful wild stallion, living as free as the wind on Canada's remote Sable Island!
#thankful
Father and Son
Over 500 wild horses live on Canada's remote Sable Island in the Atlantic Ocean. With the exception of one tiny pine tree, there are no trees on the island~ but plenty of driftwood that is carried from the Atlantic Ocean to the beaches. I was thrilled to capture this beautiful moment between a wild stallion and his young son as they snuggled together against an old log.
(photographed with long lens)
Silver King
I photographed this incredible wild stallion a few years ago. He had been captured by gov't roundup~ he fought to keep his mares but was torn away from them. Look at the battle scars. But Silver King's story has a happy ending! Through the work of Return To Freedom, Wild Horse Conservationand donations received from compassionate people, Silver King was reunited with his mares and they run free once again
World Animal Day
It's World Animal Day! It was about 4 degrees Celcius when we encountered this male lion in the bushes before dawn in Savute, Botswana. He had been calling out to his brother all night, and was still calling out when our guide Meier used old fashioned tracking skills to find him. He paid no attention to us as we observed him from a distance in our truck. A challenge to photograph because there was very little light~ but this image means so much to me~ and it is a reminder that all creatures big and small need our protection now more than ever
#WorldAnimalDay
Salute to Sable Island
Exciting news! So honoured to be one of the guest speakers at the 'Salute to Sable Island' in January at beautiful White Point Beach Resort, Nova Scotia! I will be showcasing my wild horse photography at this special fundraiser for Sable Island Institute for research and education. Please share with your east coast friends~ tickets for this wonderful event now available! #wildhorsesofsableisland Details here
Wild Horse Road Trip
Rob, Dude and me leaving for our wild horse road trip April 17 2018. We have no idea what we're doing
On April 17, 2018 we left our home in Manotick Ontario to drive across North America in search of wild horses. 'We' being my husband Rob, my giant dog Dude, and me. Motor home life was new to us. We definitely pushed the limitations of an RV on mountain passes, gravel roads that lead to nowhere, rocky inclines that crumbled as we gingerly inched along... but somehow we traveled 12,970 miles (20,873 km) through twenty U.S states and 3 Canadian provinces, finding wild horses in 13 distinct areas: Sierra Blanca Mountains (New Mexico), Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (Arizona) Tonto National Forest/ Salt River (Arizona), Cold Creek (Nevada), Virginia Range/Carson City (Nevada), Pioche (Nevada), Monument Valley (Arizona), Great Basin Desert/Onaqui Mountains (Utah), Sand Wash Basin (Colorado), Bighorn Canyon (Wyoming), Pryor Mountains (Montana), Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota) and Rocky Mountain foothills, (Alberta Canada). There will be a story forthcoming, with the working title "You Know You're in Trouble When You're Using the Words 'Careen' and 'Cliff''. But for now, here is a collection of some of my favourite wild horse images from all over North America, photographed sometime between April 17th and June 22nd 2018. With massive thanks to my husband for keeping our RV from being airborne, and my dog Dude for always being game to do anything, at anytime, anywhere. Special thanks to the wild horses who continue to inspire us with their unbridled free spirit. Long may you run.
Sierra Blanca Mountains, New Mexico
Sierra Blanca Mountains, New Mexico
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona
Tonto National Forest, Arizona
Salt River/Tonto National Forest, Arizona
Salt River, Arizona
Salt River, Arizona
Salt River, Arizona
Cold Creek, Nevada
Cold Creek, Nevada
Virginia Range, Nevada
Virginia Range, Nevada
Virginia Range, Nevada
Pioche, Nevada desert
Pioche, Nevada desert
Pioche, Nevada desert
Monument Valley , Arizona
Monument Valley , Arizona
Great Basin Desert (Onaqui Mountains, Utah)
Great Basin Desert (Onaqui Mountains, Utah)
Great Basin Desert (Onaqui Mountains, Utah)
Great Basin Desert (Onaqui Mountains, Utah)
Great Basin Desert (Onaqui Mountains, Utah)
Great Basin Desert (Onaqui Mountains) Utah
Great Basin Desert (Onaqui Mountains) Utah
Great Basin Desert (Onaqui Mountains) Utah
Sand Wash Basin, Colorado
Sand Wash Basin, Colorado
Sand Wash Basin, Colorado
Sand Wash Basin, Colorado
Pryor Mountains, Montana
Pryor Mountains, Montana
Pryor Mountains, Montana
Bighorn Canyon, Wyoming
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta
Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta
Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta
Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta
Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta
Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta
Wild in the Pryor Mountains
A band of wild horses gallops over a ridge on the top of the Pryor Mountains, Montana
Wild Stallion in the Breeze
With a mane like this, a slight breeze adds so much drama~ Stallion living wild and free on Canada's remote Sable Island.
Photographed with Kattuk Expeditions on Sable island, Sept 15 2018
September on Sable Island
The wild horses greeted our small group after we landed on the beach on Sable Island... an early sign that this was going to be a very special day! It was picture-perfect. A light breeze, flowers in bloom, and of course the star attraction: gorgeous spirited horses living wild and free in the company of seals and birds! With thanks to Kattuk Expeditions for a truly magical experience we will never forget!
Reflections on Sable Island
Our ride
Sable Island welcoming committee
Sable Island stallion on a ridge
Sable mare and foal
Boys will be boys
Life at the freshwater ponds
Play
Ipswich Sparrow ~ Sable Island
With my wonderful photographer friend Tammy Beveridge (thanks for the photo Garry)
Devon (guide with Kattuk Expeditions) chats with Zoe Lucas, who has lived on Sable Island for almost 30 years. No one knows more about the wild horses than Zoe!
Fred Stillman (owner, Kattuk Expeditions) gathers the group for a celebratory toast!
Zoe Lucas on her beloved Sable Island
The plane has landed
Here Mom, Let Me Give you Some Water
The African country of Botswana banned hunting in 2014 ~ as a result, the wildlife is thriving without fear. That's why I chose Botswana for my first African experience. It is an incredible place. Botswana has more elephants than any other African country~ and given that elephants are so intelligent, they are starting to cross into Botswana because they know they will be safe. This little baby was surrounded by giant parents and relatives who watched over her with tenderness and love.
Voodoo of Sand Wash Basin
I was in Sand Wash Basin Colorado for 3 days this past June and was fortunate to spend incredible time with the wild horses, alongside my friend Meg Frederick. Just received sad news... the wild stallion Voodoo (pictured, on the left) severely broke his leg and was humanely euthanized. In this photo, Voodoo is challenging the elderly stallion Picasso for his mare. It took him several weeks, but Voodoo did not give up and eventually the mare joined him. Rest in peace Voodoo. I am so thankful that you lived your entire life wild and free, in the only home you ever knew.
Elephant Embracing the Sun
On a recent trip to Botswana, there were so many magical moments. This was one of them.
Best Friends in the Badlands
We found a family band of wild horses in North Dakota's Badlands. This pair really made me smile. They were inseparable! Clearly friends for life
Keep Wild Horses Free
My friend, wild horse photographer Meg Frederick is doing what she can to help wild horses. We photographed wild horses in Utah and Colorado together this summer. Like so many others, we share a deep passion for these magnificent animals. in the past few days, the U.S gov't has rounded up 959 wild horses in Wyoming, killing 9 horses including 4 foals in the process. We are not living in the 1800's. This cruelty has to stop. Meg created #MyLifeMatters and has asked all horse lovers, animal lovers, advocates and photographers to keep the #MyLifeMatters movement going. This is a wild horse that I photographed with his feathery friend in Alberta in June. And yes, this issue knows no borders. Details of what has been happening: https://www.facebook.com/FreeWildHorses/…
High Five!
This summer, I spent a few days in Utah's Great Basin Desert as part of my 67 day wild horse trip. My goal was to photograph the wild horses that live in North America, and to share the issues that they are facing. The wild horses that live in the shadow of Utah's Onaqui Mountains are some of the most loved herds in America. Spending time with them is a joy and a privilege. Our hearts were broken over the fact that the gov't was to begin a major roundup of these horses beginning this September. Yesterday, it was announced that the gov't has decided to postpone the roundup until 2019. We will take that as great news, for now! Thank you to all who have added your voices in opposition to the cruel sweeping capture of these majestic animals.
These wild stallions of Onaqui appear to be celebrating! (in reality, they are asserting dominance over each other, but it's ok to think they are celebrating, just for the sake of this post! Lol !)
Old Man
The wild white stallion in this image is affectionately known as 'Old Man'. He is estimated to be close to 30 years old, and has lived his entire life wild and free in Utah's Great Basin Desert, in the shadow of the Onaqui Mountains. I traveled over 2,200 miles to see him, and spent an incredible day observing this magnificent stallion~ who has never lost his fighting spirit. But this fall, Old Man and the rest of the Onaqui herd will face the fight of their lives. The US gov't is planning a drastic roundup of these iconic wild horses~ but it's not too late to stop it. Comments about the roundup are being accepted until July 12th- PLEASE add your voice to help keep wild horses where they belong. In the WILD. Please click here: https://on.doi.gov/2lPaV0F
Also: if you are unaware of the issues facing wild horses, this is one of the best articles ever written on the subject:https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-cowboy-allies-say-all-…
And one more: A look at the numbers~https://americanwildhorsecampaign.org/issue
Ok just one more. If you want to be truly inspired by a wild horse hero, watch this video about Laura Leigh
Face of Freedom
With one ear, this wild palomino wears his battle scars proudly. Living wild and free in Utah's Great Basin Desert, I observed him being very gentle and sweet with his mares. But fully prepared to defend them at all costs. I just completed a two month road trip, covering over 14,000 miles (23,000 kilometres) to observe and document wild horses in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota, as well as the wild horses of the Alberta foothills in Canada. Right now, wild horses across the American southwest are fighting for their right to remain wild and free. They need our help. Please add your voice. Click here: https://on.doi.gov/2lPaV0F
And follow Return To Freedom, Wild Horse Conservation and American Wild Horse Campaign for important links. Thank you!!!
#wildhorseroadtrip
Wild Horses - Freedom Lost
It has taken me 10 days to write this post.... because this was not supposed to be what our 'wild horse road trip' was about. When Rob and I (and Dude the dog) left our home in Manotick Ontario a month ago, the goal was to find wild horses in the American southwest (and eventually Alberta), and to photograph them, wild and free~ from the places they were born, whether on a desert plateau, high atop a mountain range, or deep in a thick forest. I am very familiar with the serious issues facing wild horses. But I wanted to put a positive spin on it. If I could capture the beauty of these magnificent animals in the wild, hopefully I would in some small way connect more people to wild horses. An emotional connection can change the world. My story was supposed to be one of happiness and joy. As many of you know, ten days ago I was photographing wild horses in the desert on a beautiful morning in Cold Creek Nevada. I had no idea that this would be their last day of freedom, as the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) had announced a round-up beginning within 24 hours of the entire local herd, over 200 wild horses. Rob and I went to a town hall meeting and watched residents plead for their wild horses to remain free, to be enjoyed for generations to come. But, in the end, it was a done deal. When it comes to the various revenue-generating uses for public lands, the wild horses always lose. Wild horses don't make money. Having spent that very morning with some of the wild stallions, mares and foals in Cold Creek, I became determined to know the entire story. There are currently over 46,000 American wild horses in BLM 'holding facilities'. What happens to them once they get there? Perhaps we were naive when we drove to the BLM Wild Horse Facility in Fallon Nevada, where thousands of wild horses languish in captivity. We were stopped at the gate. I pleaded to see the horses but they were off limits. We were told to go to the BLM's 'Palomino Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Centre' about 90 minutes away. Here, the wild horses are 'processed'- meaning, they are given a tattoo, a serial number, the stallions are castrated and each wild horse is given a price tag of $125. This facility was open to the public. Rob and I were the only people there. Here are some photos of the holding corrals. It broke my heart. But I also wanted to show the breathtaking beauty of these once-wild horses. That's something no one can ever take away.
We are back on the road, more determined than ever to find horses, wild and free. I will never return to a holding facility. As for Dude, yesterday he spent the day at the Grand Canyon, made friends with a yellow lab, and shared our happy hour cheese and crackers. Sometimes I wish I was a dog.
Wild Horse Round Up in Cold Creek
I drove 4,000 miles to the American southwest to photograph one of the ultimate symbols of freedom: the wild horse. On Wednesday morning, I was in the desert in Cold Creek Nevada~ filled with joy, photographing gorgeous wild horse families. Only hours later, the gov't announced an immediate roundup of all 200 Cold Creek wild horses. They had decided that the horses were destroying the rangeland and they don't have enough forage. Within 24 hours, these wild horse families were being trapped, separated, stripped of freedom, packed into trailers and shipped to holding facilities. The gov't spin was that the horses were 'starving', and this was 'for their own good'. My photos tell another story. It is so heart-wrenching to know that these are some of the last photos of the Cold Creek horses living wild and free. This is the news story: http://www.lasvegasnow.com/…/cold-creek-resident…/1170937456
