EquuStyle Art & Travel's First Year Anniversary - A Celebratory Retrospective!

Australian Carla Grace is an award-winning wildlife artist who offers online painting tutorials.

As we celebrate our first anniversary at EquuStyle Art & Travel, we reflect on the incredible journey we have experienced. In just one year, we have connected horse lovers with the stunning world of equine inspiration, showcasing everything from fine art to breathtaking photography, exciting horseback riding adventures, myriad nonprofits helping people and horses, and those advocating for freedom and protection of America's wild horses and burros.. Join us as we look back at some remarkable highlights that defined our inaugural year.

Exploring Equine Fine Art

Equine fine art is not just about images of horses; it captures their spirit, grace, and majesty. For many, equine fine art serves not only as decoration but also as a tribute to the bond between humans and horses.

This year, we presented a diverse group of talented artists whose creations go beyond traditional boundaries, bringing the beauty of horses to life. We showcased over 115 equine fine art and photography works, with styles ranging from vibrant oil paintings to heart-stopping photographs to intricate equine sculptures.

When you click on an image in this gallery, you will discover information about the artist and a link to the article about the artist in one of EquuStyle Art & Travel Magazine's first four issues.

“A Beautiful Day”by artist Susan Leyland is one of her signature-style Horse Block Sculptures.

Prolific Impressionist William "Bill" St. George was featured in the Spring 2024 issue.

Warm Bays and Blues by Melody DeBenedictis

“Night Herd” by American artist Michael Ome Untiedt is featured in the premiere Winter 2023 issue.

Capturing Moments with Horse Photography

Horse photography has emerged as a captivating art form, allowing us to freeze moments that tell powerful stories. Throughout the year, our readers were exposed to magnificent photography that highlights not only the beauty of horses but also the emotions they evoke.

From exhilarating action shots of two wild stallions fiercely sparring to serene portraits of horses as equine fine art, these images illustrate the stories horses convey through their movements. We were honored to feature several of the world's most talented photographers who share our passion for capturing the magnificence of these animals, creating a community where art meets advocacy. Several fine art equine photographers focus on mustangs to generate awareness about their wild populations through engagements on social media posts.

3 Brothers by fine art equine photographer Tony Stromberg.

"Picasso Runs Up" by preeminent photographer and dedicated wild horse advocate Carol J. Walker.

"Battle at Red Rock"by highly-acclaimed wildlife photographer and wild horse advocate Sandy Sisti.

Onaqui wild horse surrounded by golden sunlight in the Utah desert.

Otherworldly Horseback Riding Destinations

One of the year’s highlights was uncovering exceptional horseback riding destinations around the globe. In the Summer 2024 issue, we featured the enchantment of horseback riding in Iceland! We curated guides for two unique horseback riding adventures and retreats offered by Colorado-based Women's Quest. Imagine being enthralled by dramatic waterfalls, lupin covered valleys, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes.

Exploring Iceland on horseback with Women's Quest

Women's Quest is a best-in-class, boutique adventure travel company. You may choose from two outstanding once-in-a-lifetime horseback riding adventures. Each Icelandic equestrian experience showcases how horseback adventures foster deeper connections with horses while exploring diverse settings.

Make plans now to spend a life-changing week riding Icelandic horses through bright green valleys of lupin wildflowers, magical beaches, and epic waterfalls. Seeing Iceland's magnificient scenery on the back of a smooth-gated Icelandic horse is an adventure you will always treasure!

Photography Workshops to Capture the Essence of Horses

This year, we highlighted a series of photography workshops designed for enthusiasts eager to hone their skills. Led by experienced photographers, these workshops focus on techniques tailored to capturing the beauty and personality of horses. From the rolling hills of the American West to the snowy mountains of Colorado with Cowgirls with Cameras each location offers unique experiences that celebrate the bond between rider and horse.

Join Cowgirls with Cameras for a spectacular equine photography workshop and retreat. Photo by Phyllis Burchett

Participants learn to utilize natural lighting, master composition, and understand horse behavior, helping them elevate their photography skills. Each workshop included hands-on experience, and insightful critiques from professional photographers, creating an environment for attendees to develop their artistry while sharing their passion for horses.

Traveling to See Wild Horses

The magic of wild horses continues to captivate hearts. This year, we took readers on journeys to renowned locations, including 23,0000 acres of high desert grasslands of The Wild Horse Refuge, the coastal pastures near San Luis Obispo, California and the picturesque landscapes of the American West where the Onaqui wild horses still roam. These trips not only offer unforgettable experiences but also enhance awareness of wild horse preservation efforts.

An article by Founder and CEO Pat Craig details how The Wild Horse Refuge is developing a community of wild horse supporters who are purchasing land to ensure rescued wild horses will remain protected in their secure habitat. By sharing these stories, we inspire equine enthusiasts to witness these majestic animals roaming free.

Iconic stallion Michelangelo and Mia lean onto each other at The Wild Horse Refuge.

Wild horses on the move at Return to Freedom, Wild Horse Conservation near Lompoc, California.

Take an amazing tour to learn about Onaqui wild horses with Jen Rogers and Wild Horse Photo Safaris.

Equine Therapy Nonprofits and Horse Rescues

Colorado Horse Rescue exists to build a better future for horses, one life at a time.

At EquuStyle Art & Travel, we understand the healing power of horses. This year, we highlighted various equine therapy nonprofits making strides in improving lives. In addition, we focused on the admirable work being done everyday by nonprofit horse rescues, such as Colorado Horse Rescue.

Many nonprofits providing equine-assisted services may operate on a shoe-string budget but are able to deliver outsized results. Several equine-therapy organizations also make it possible for retired or rescued horses find a new purpose. Be sure to check out these extraordinary equine nonprofits, horses, and the stories about people benefiting from the healing power of horses.

The Right Step, Inc. in Littleton, CO provides adaptive riding lessons

Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center provides clients equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT)

A client of Horses for Mental Health connects with a horse during a session.

Temple Grandin Equine Center offers equine-assisted services for people with disabilities.

An active military service man with an equine therapy horse at Operation Equine in Parker, CO

A young boy leading a Percheron therapy horse at Hope Reins in North Carolina.

Equine therapy leverages the bond between horses and humans to foster emotional healing and personal growth. By sharing inspiring stories from successful programs and the transformations they ignite, we aim to raise awareness and encourage our audience to support these vital organizations.

The Importance of Wild Horse Advocacy

Our commitment to wild horse advocacy has never been more significant. This year, we produced informative articles addressing ongoing challenges faced by wild horse as habitat loss as a result of aggressively removing large numbers of wild horses and burros.

Ginger Kathrens advocating for wild horses

We featured the extraordinary advocacy work of Ginger Kathrens filmmaker and Founder of the The Cloud Foundation who has been actively campaigning on behalf of wild horses and burros for more than 30 years.

As she was filming Cloud and his family (made famous through her own Nature series documentaries on PBS) Kathrens noted,"I began to realize that we were losing America's wild horses. They are being rounded up by the thousand, losing in an instant what they value most: freedom and family." Kathrens has witnessed and advocates because "Some of America's last truly wild horses live on our western public lands. They live in deeply bonded family bands within a complex society of intricate realtionships. And they are in danger of being 'managed' into extinction."

Ginger Kathrens has also written three books about Cloud. Cloud disappeared in late 2016 and his body has never been found; appropriate for a legend. In the spring of 2011, Congress declared Cloud an ambassador for all wild horses living in the American West.

Since 1997, Return to Freedom, Wild Horse Conservation has been at the forefront of wild horse conservation, identifying and pioneering minimally-intrusive solutions at its sanctuary that can be implemented on the range for long-term herd management to keep wild horse and burro herds wild and free. Founder and President, Neda De Mayo believes “True conservation is only possible when all stakeholders have a voice and a shared desire to protect a resource. Time has taught us that we conserve what we love, we love what we understand, we understand what we are taught.”

"Thunder and Lightning" by Sandy Sisti

Internationally-acclaimed wildlife photographers and wild horse advocates Sandy Sisti and Carol J. Walker reveal their long-standing dedication and unrelenting commitment to protecting and preserving America's wild horses.

To further inform the general public, Carol Walker launched a bi-monthly podcast Freedom for Wild Horses, which "explores wild horses and their families, behavior, and iconic symbol of our western heritage."

The critically-acclaimed 2022 documentary "Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West" was featured in the Fall 2024 issue. Our interview with director, writer, editor, narrator, and co-producer, Ashley Avis illuminated many of the controversaries surrounding the enforcement of the Wild and Free-roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971 . Her nonprofit, The Wild Beauty Foundation "seeks to cast a spotlight on stopping antiquated wild horse roundups, mass holding facilities, slaughter, and the breaking apart of equine families; along with the senseless torture and killing of wolves & wildlife. 

An important documentary about the plight facing America's wild horses by Ashley Avis

By promoting awareness and education, we seek to inspire our readers to unite for the protection of these iconic creatures. Our dedication to wild horse advocacy remains strong, as we believe that together, we can create a significant impact on their futures.

Looking to the Future

Reflecting on our first year, it’s clear our journey is just beginning. We are immensely grateful for the support from our community of horse enthusiasts, artists, photographers, advocates, and travelers. Your passion motivates our mission, and we look forward to further exploring the realms of equine art, photography, and advocacy.

In the coming year, we plan to expand our offerings, introduce new experiences, and explore deeper topics related to the equine world. Your feedback is invaluable, helping us create a platform that showcases art and travel while fostering a supportive network for everything equine.

A Toast to Our Journey

EquuStyle Art & Travel's first anniversary is a celebration of artistry, community, and our unwavering commitment to horses. We invite you to continue this remarkable journey with us as we explore the enchanting world of equine fine art, breathtaking photography, and captivating horseback riding destinations.

Here’s to many more years of celebrating the incredible bond between humans and horses!

Thank you for being a vital part of our story!

Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure with Wild Horse Photo Safaris

Memories of Onaqui Wild Horses Linger Long After the Photo Safari

Wild Horse Photo Safaris (www.wildhorsephotosafaris.com) is a labor of love and a offers unique, custom tailored, ecologically conscious photographic viewing experience through my business A Place In Time Photography, LLC (www.APlaceInTimePhotos.com).

My private year-round tours start and end in the small rural town of Tooele and can accommodate any photography skill level from novice or professionals. Even non-photographers who simply love horses and wildlife have raved it’s been one of the best experiences of their lives.  Tooele is very easy to access only a short 25 minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Pensative Onaqui wild horse

Onaqui wild horsepower!

Onaqui wild stallion rears

Onaqui wild horse grazes

By choosing to accompany me with Wild Horse Photo Safaris on range you are getting the advantage of a unique and customizable experience from someone whose life is entrenched the wild horses on a daily basis.  I've spent over 2,500 hours documenting the herd, the individual family members, their locations, patterns, hide outs and likes and dislikes.  This enables me to help my guests have the best experience possible during your tour. 

It also helps you to feel confident that our time with the wild horses is done in a way that is most at harmony with their location and comfort levels and with the intention of preserving their natural behaviors and surrounding ecological resources for years to come. 

While in Utah’s west desert, my guests will be provided with comprehensive information about the Onaqui herds, band structure and individual horses.  You'll learn their names, stories and what challenges they have had and may still face both on and off the range.  You'll also learn in real time about wild horse behavior and how to read their body language, mannerisms and interactions.

All of my photo safaris are private and limited to small groups traveling together to help ensure the best experience for you and for the Onaqui horses as well.  Tour lengths vary and range from 4 hours, 6 hours to sunrise/sunset per day and multi-day bookings can also be accommodated. 

Onaqui Wild Stallion

Onaqui wild stallions sparring

Beautiful Onaqui wild horse

Previous guests routinely rave about the undeniable spirit of the Onaqui wild mustangs and share that they can’t stop thinking about them long after returning home. 

·         Devona from Arizona shares “What a wonderful experience of light and joy with this wonderful lady.  She has devoted years with dedication and love … holding them in compassion for the rest of the world to witness.” 

·         Lisa from Arizona says “I can’t really find the words to express how my experience with the horses affected me.  It was amazing, breathtaking and soul stirring.  I absolutely fell in love with the Onaqui. They are so special. I fell in love because I was able to hear their stories, history, family dynamics, etc. from someone, Jen Rogers, who has a passion and love for these horses that can’t help but rub off.  It’s contagious.” 

·         John from Virginia shares “It exceeded our expectations.  We saw more wild horses than we could have imagined.  We were able to get close, but not disrupt them in any way.  We can’t say enough good things about our guide Jen.  She knows everything about the horses.  She knows them all by name, how old they are, which horses are in which small group and the behaviors of each horse.  Jen loves all of the horses and is a passionate advocate for them.  Thank you Jen for the experience of a lifetime and one of our best days ever.”

Conservation efforts, including photographic documentation, education and protection, have always been at the forefront of my mind even as a young girl.  I spent long hours near woods and streams learning to identify tracks and understand wildlife behavior.  This has carried me through the years as I traveled abroad exploring several countries where I loved volunteering time and photography skills at animal sanctuaries or private reserves.

An affectionate moment between two Onaqui wild horses in Western Utah

My prior travels and interest in conservation set the foundation for me to start my own locally based 501c3 non-profit Red Birds Trust (redbirdstrust.org) to help preserve and protect the Onaqui wild horses both on and off the range.  Red Birds Trust has worked with various other wild horse advocates around the US to speak for the betterment of the care of the Onaqui wild horses, held numerous range clean up events, sanctuary spotlight events, and assisted in the placement of 150 Onaqui wild horses to date.  Many of these Onaqui we rescued have been bought from kill pens and were slated to be sent to slaughter after they were rounded up off the range and their placements with private owners fail them.

Wild Horse Photo Safaris

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EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Jennifer Rogers of Wild Horse Photo Safaris for sharing an excellent article and her gorgeous photographs. As founder of the wild horse advocacy nonprofit Red Birds Trust, Jen Rogers dedication to educate the public about protecting and preserving America’s vanishing wild horses and, in particular the Onaqui wild mustangs, is immensely inspiring.

All images copyright Wild Horse Photo Safaris -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Jennifer Rodgers and Wild Horse Photo Safaris.

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2,000 Pounds of Hope. 3 Broken Hearts. One Place Called Hope Reins.

Annie a Percheron equine-therapy horse at Hope Reins in Raleigh, NC.

When Aaron Guin texted his wife Amanda that he was ‘done,’ she didn’t know what he meant until she heard the police sirens. He’d been at home with another deep bout of depression, so she and her two young kids were staying nearby at her parent’s house until Daddy felt better.

But this time it was different. The beloved husband, doting father, 82nd Airborne Ranger, and neighborhood Mr. Fixit, lost his battle with the demons that haunted him since serving in the Gulf War. Aaron Guin, who could tinker with anything and make it work, sadly couldn’t repair his own life. He killed himself at his home on a Saturday evening. This is how life ended for Aaron Guin. But for Amanda, Garrett and Ashlyn, this is where their journey of hope and healing began.

Aaron’s suicide devastated the close-knit Guin family, especially Garrett, who spent every free moment glued to his father’s side, playing football, gardening and serving as his young handyman apprentice. Amanda tried desperately to reach her son, but his thoughts and feelings remained hidden behind a veil of detachment.

When a friend suggested the equine therapy program at Hope Reins, Amanda was skeptical. “I thought, really? Garrett’s going to open up to a horse?” But after their first session at Hope Reins, the 7-year-old seemed instinctively aware of his new 2,000 pound friend’s gentle strength and moved easily around the huge Percheron, a breed known for its mighty stature.

Garrett with Abby in 2015

It was a natural connection. The massive horse became Garrett’s confidant – one who could shoulder the weight of his darkest pain without ever divulging a word. He would talk and Abby listened.

Session after session, Amanda watched in wonder as Garrett would brush, walk and then ride Abby bareback through the green pastures at Hope Reins – beaming with pride and accomplishment.

His caring session leader, Karen, who remained a comfortable distance away, would watch in amazement, too, as God’s handiwork helped create a bond of love, trust and openness just when it was needed most for a lost little boy deeply missing his best friend. “I can’t even put into words how good it makes a mom feel that a horse can do a job that I can’t,” says Amanda.

The Guin Family, Ashlyn, Amanda and Garrett

It’s been almost eight years since the Guin family first contacted Hope Reins. And a lot has happened since then. Garrett’s sweet equine mentor, Abby, passed away in 2018 from severe colic. He’s now a strapping 5 foot 10 inch high school junior who loves basketball.

His sister, Ashlyn, forged her own path over the years as an accomplished equestrian at the ranch finding great solace in Shiloh, a beautiful white pony. She and Garrett both volunteered in Hope Reins’ Kids Give Back, where they provided leadership to young program participants and learned how to apply these skills in their own lives as well.

Amanda took her pain and started volunteering at TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) to help other military widows struggling with the death of a loved one. Her passion for the cause formed a conduit between TAPS and Hope Reins by aligning both nonprofits so other families like hers could be helped through equine therapy. TAPS has been a cherished partner of Hope Reins.

“I could have never made it through Aaron’s suicide without Hope Reins.”

“Pain is the ultimate equalizer,” says Amanda. “No one is immune from experiencing a crisis in their lives like we did. But I thank God for Hope Reins.”

For more information about Hope Reins or to make a donation: www.hopereins.org.

A rescue horse at Hope Reins

Bree with Spirit

Avolina and Twinkle

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This beautifully animated short video gives an overview of how Hope Reins helps children and horses with wounded hearts find healing.

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Joey the book

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Joey: How a blind rescue horse helped others to see

Editors Note: Several years ago I discovered the life-changing work of Hope Reins after reading the book Joey: How a blind rescue horse helped others learn to see .

This heartwarming true story about an Appaloosa named Joey who was rescued by Kim Tschirret and brought to Hope Reins deeply touched my heart. Author Jennifer Marshall Bleakley's book is beautifully written and shares the love, dedication, and deep commitment of everyone who supports Hope Reins vital ministry to provide faith-based mentorship programs for kids in crisis with the aid of rescued horses. Even a blind rescue horse named Joey has awakened hearts, offering hope and healing.

EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine is greatly honored to feature the remarkable work of Hope Reins.

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EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Christy Burkey, Director of Marketing and Communications at Hope Reins in North Carolina, for sharing a beautiful story with her excellent wordsmithing, photographs and video. Our sincere thanks to Founder and CEO Kim Tschirret, the staff, volunteers, and board members for using their time, talents, and energy to provide "true hope and real healing" for kids in crisis. A special thanks to the rescued horses for their resilience and generous spirits.

All images copyright Hope Reins -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Hope Reins.

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