Eyewitness Report by Carol Walker ~ Director of Field Documentation for Wild Horse Freedom Federation
Photos by Carol Walker music by Opus Moon’s “Wild Horse Anthology” available on iTunes
On this early morning in Adobe Town, I have one of the encounters that I always hope for.
I see a large group of horses quite a long way from the road, so I prepare to hike out to them. The wind is blowing, and the trucks are driving by, so I make sure I park well off the road.
The first thing I notice is a striking buckskin mare and her look alike foal. They keep watching me closely as I approach, so I stop and pause frequently. I keep getting closer, and they move around, but they are becoming more interested in me, and less fearful. It is a dance between curiosity and fear, and the curiosity is winning. I finally stop and sit down, and then the whole group starts walking toward me. I am delighted, and trying to keep my fingers warm as I push the shutter button.
I see the mares and foals pause and look in another direction. I follow their gaze, and there are two stallions, coming in fast. They are more focused on the family of horses than they are on me until they get closer. The two stop and stare at me, and decide to run by me, running faster and faster as they get closer. It makes me laugh and reminds me of the pronghorn antelope who love to run in front of my car, beating me as they cross the road. After they pass by, the beautiful bay stallion comes in front of his family, watching protectively.
The next morning when I head out to the herd area it is clear that there is a storm coming in. I see a large family with antelope running by them. By the time I turn around two hours later, they are moving into another more sheltered area with natural windbreaks, something the wild horses trapped in holding facilities cannot do. I notice how calm the wind is here, and the horses relax and graze, at ease even with the storm approaching.
Next I see the band I encountered my first evening of this trip, and the older stallion is so unconcerned about me that he turns his back. His family is moving toward a sheltered area as well.
As I drive up the hill I see another wild family sheltered from the wind, with a gorgeous backdrop. The mare and foal stay together, but the stallion and his two year old circle around me to get a better look.
The last wild horses I see on this trip are a stallion and his mare up on the hill where the wind is howling. They are right next to the road, and I am barely able to keep my camera steady as they approach me. Even though the temperature is falling, they appear perfectly at home.
As I drive out of the herd area, I feel very lucky that these wild horses have allowed me to spend time with them in their world. I hope that I will see all of these wild families again this coming year, and that there will continue to be wild horses in this area for many years to come despite the grazing associations and the oil and gas development. I truly believe there is enough room for wild horses, and will continue to do all I can to make sure that there always will be.
Click (HERE) for Part II
Click (HERE) for Part I
Categories: Horse News
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
Reblogged this on hocuspocus13 and commented:
ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL
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Another beautiful production! Thanks Carol for helping those of us far away experience the beauty of our wild horses.
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Dear Carol, Thank You for all you do, i am so envious, to be with them is so awesome , and to be accepted by the Mustang is such an honor , the Mustangs are the most beautiful animals on this Planet we so need to protect them from all harm……………… We all work on different levels to achieve this , each one of us dedicated to Freedom and Peace for these magnificent beings ,FEB 13th I had a meeting with John Ryan, Senator Sherrod Browns Aide, i was told i had only 15 mins, I made numerous notes to discuss the Safe Act and how it is imperative to Pass this Act immediately, i included 2 videos one from Simone Netherlands and also a slaughter video, i was so wanting to make this a great meeting, it ended up to be over an hour, Mr Ryan was unaware of most facts and details about our mustangs, once we entered the room for discussion, I did not need all those notes i prepared , I did not need them, it flowed so beautifully, he took notes and asked many questions of everything i said i had every answer and then some he was so very interested, I took a friend with me who is a motivational speaker, when i was finished and we left she said knowing nothing about the Mustangs she was totally impressed with my presentation and was brought to tears many times throughout my presentation, I told her that I can thank Carol Walker , before i left for the meeting i read part 1 and part 2 of your there is still room for our Mustangs in Wyoming , I believe it was the inspiration of reading them that prompted me………………..I left him with only the best info on the safe Act to be given to Senator Sherrod Brown who is on Committee for the SAFE ACT who has not yet committed to a CO sponsor, Mr Ryan said he would most defiantly get back to me within a week…………..
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Arleneorlando thankyou so much for your perservearance in getting the info to our Ohio govt. I will be emailing Sherrod Brown’s office and referencing your meeting with Ryan.
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Michelle !Thank You ! follow up is awesome !!!!!!!
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Arlene, does sound like you made a convert. You’re right – Carol Walkers pictures & articles bring home just how beautiful the horses are and how necessary to our environment they are. We have to stop the careless slaughter of our horses & burros and all the wildlife – predators & prey. I finally watched Dayton Hyde’s movie yesterday. He has done a good job caring for those horses – hopefully his work will be carried on when he’s gone. But it appears that area is under attack as well – from uranium mines. They have managed to slow it down – but its like everywhere else. How sad if his sanctuary, Pryor herds, and ISPMB are the only places that the horses & burros can be safe & then only a few. Those people and many others have all worked so hard to save & care for these horses – really makes me feel guilty for just sending emails & donating a few dollars when I can.
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Mr. John Ryans interest alone on all concerning our Mustangs was a beautiful thing !!!!!! Please everyone make these meetings with your elected officials , dont give up it took me months to get this meeting and i pray it was well worth it !!!!!
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Dear Maggie , I also watched Dayton Hydes Running Wild movie on Netflix , what a wonderful man he is, he has a lady partner who shares his passion, she will carry on for him !!!!
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So beautiful, thank you. I wish I can see them in person some day, before out US government eliminates them all. Your pics remind us all to keep on fighting!
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Speaking of Wyoming, check out the spawn of satan that replaced Slaughterhouse Sue.
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Thank you Carol for taking such amazing pictures of the wild horses. They look so happy and at peace where they are. It is a shame that the ones that have been captured show that they are sad and look lost in their settings ! Hopefully one day man will leave the wild ones alone and let them remain free and happy !
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Yes Michelle. I SawThe Article On ThIs Replacement. Personified In male Form. What’s With The Wyoming Population? Is It Something In The Water??
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These horses have learned to survive in a harsh environment like most other wildlife, and its working well for them as they all look well fed without the help of man.
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Arlene, GOOD FOR YOU…WELL DONE!
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Thank You Louie !!!!! I t was awesome waiting for Mr. Ryan to get back to me about our meeting !!!!1
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THANK YOU Carol. Such a beautiful tribute. The people in the eastern states need to see what a treasure they have. How many of them even know that there are still Wild Horses in Wyoming?
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Reblogged this on "OUR WORLD".
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My mustang mare, Sierra, is from Adobe Town HMA. She really looks like her relatives! Keep fighting for these horses! She was a dark gray when adopted as a yearling in 2003, but now she is almost white with yellowish tipped mane and tail.
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