Wild Horses in the Wild
Just east of the High Sierras mountain range in Western Nevada lies the beautiful desert of Carson Valley. There are wild horses here roaming on huge ranches and government BLM land. Their DNA goes back over 400 years to the arrival of the Spanish on the continent. Thanks to a committed group of conservationists they continue to survive, despite the encroachment of civilization and the competing interests for land use.
These are beautiful, inspiring animals. There are many bands, each one controlled by a dominant stallion who is constantly challenged by younger stallions, or the stallions of other bands who try to take their mares. The bands graze separately, and often come together to socialize. It is largely peaceful until the males get active. When a serious challenge is made, it can be life or death.
Stallions testing each other
Mares grazing with an injured foal in the background
Peaceful evening
A band is herded by it's stallion
Early evening social hour
Desert clouds
Only tree in the valley
Bachelors at play
The black stallion "Big Blue" and his mare, "Lady."
Nursing foal
On the run!
Afternoon grazing
The wild one
If you attempt to see these horse, please respect them. Keep your distance. Bring a long lens and a capable 4 wheel drive. Respect the Native American lands and private ranches. Leave no trace. Make a donation to the conservation groups who truck in water for them.
Thank you for viewing!
