The Intersection of Art and Advocacy: Photographer Scott Wilson's Passion for Wild Horses

"Hazard" shows a mare and foal being chased over a barbed wire fence by a federal helicopter

EquuStyle: How did your encounter with the iconic stallion Picasso inspire you to become a PhotoAdvocate?

PICASSO THE LEGEND

Scott Wilson: Witnessing Picasso in full battle mode in Sand Wash Basin certainly piqued my artistic interest in wild horses, but my efforts on the PhotoAdvocacy front began a number of years prior, using my platform as a landscape and wildlife photographer to build awareness of colon cancer, the benefits of early detection, and the need to reduce the age of funded screening eligibility from 50 to 45. 

Encountering Picasso cemented my desire to train my wildlife lens on wild horses. It was a few years later, with the impending helicopter roundup in September 2021, that I really found a voice as an advocate and cause-related photographer for wild horses.

EquuStyle:  In what ways do you believe photography and photojournalism support animal welfare causes?

Scott Wilson: There is a virtuous circle created by photographic art and photojournalism where the art plays a key role in helping to make us more aware and appreciative of the wild lives with whom we share the planet, while photojournalism brings home the conflicts, threats and human menace impacting their livelihoods and habitat.

EquuStyle:  Please give some examples of ways your images not only informed, but drove action or specific changes to benefit wild horses.

Scott Wilson: Real change, at the legislation level, often requires a tipping point when legislative efforts meet public momentum. It’s rarely one moment or a single act that will create the change, but a plethora of actions and noise. That’s where advocacy, and within that PhotoAdvocacy, have key roles to play in building the head of steam that will eventually blow the lid off the pressure cooker.  

The helicopter roundup at Sand Wash Basin in September 2021 stopped two days early, due to the weight of advocate pressure and outspoken political leadership from Governor Polis while images of incidents such as a wild mare and her foals being driven into barbed wire at Piceance Basin, in 2022, while being chased by a federal helicopter achieved front-page coverage adding to the weight of public opinion in favor of a different approach.

"West Douglas" is an image of the ongoing helicopter roundups of America's wild horses and burros. Learn more today at https://www.photoadvocacy.org/about

Real change, at the legislation level, often requires a tipping point when legislative efforts meet public momentum. It’s rarely one moment or a single act that will create the change, but a plethora of actions and noise.

In 2023, Colorado passed the first state-funded Wild Horse Working Group into law which has seen $1.5m state dollars invested into a more collaborative approach to wild horse management. My hope is this becomes a model for federal-state collaboration which other states will follow. 

The world’s largest photojournalism agency, We Animals, has built a collection of wild horse roundup images, supported by extensive editorial captions, which is made available to media outlets covering wild horse issues. I also provide roundup images to American Wild Horse Conservation and these are used to highlight extensive flaws in an inhumane federal management program which is stockpiling wild horses in costly off-range holding ($105m in 2024) while more affordable in-the-wild conservation measures remain dramatically underfunded.

There are myths perpetuated by livestock special interests and the roundup industry that wild horses neither have a sense of family, nor feel suffering when they are separated through roundups. PhotoAdvocacy helps to challenge some of those myths. 

Perhaps one of my most evocative roundup images, Wild Unfree, captured moments after a family band of mares and foals were confined in holding, while their band stallion ran free, evokes all of same fear and emotion in their newly-captive faces that a human separated from his or her family would feel and affirms wild horses as sentient being deserving of our respect and their place on the landscape. 

EquuStyle:  You contribute images to support We Animals, the world’s leading Animal Photojournalism Agency. How does We Animals help organizations tell their stories?

Scott Wilson: We Animals’ global investigations and stories expose our complex relationships with animals. They work with NGOs, media and advocates to initiate ethical and cultural shifts in society, and empower human capacity for compassion and change.  The We Animals stock platform is a free global resource for anyone helping animals. They empower campaigners, writers, researchers, students, and activists with the visual tools they need to increase and engage their audiences.

“Wild Unfree” is a disturbing image of two panicked and exhausted Colorado mustang horses moments after being rounded up a helicopter. Authorities shepherded them into holding pens to await shipment. PhotoAdvocacy / We Animals

Alongside images, We Animals includes interviews, research, data, and stories to educate us about animal sentience and behaviors, so all the information needed to spark conversation, awe, and change accompanies the image.

In 2024, We Animals carried out 22 assignments in 11 countries, shedding light on critical animal welfare issues. Over 38,000 visuals were downloaded from the We Animals stock site, contributing to advocacy campaigns worldwide and more than 350 media publications featured work by their Animal Photo Journalists, including The Guardian, Vox, and The Dodo. 

EquuStyle:  How did you capture the photo Anger Management that won the Top Natural World and Wildlife prize in the 2022 World Photography Awards?

Scott Wilson: At the natural history level, Anger Management depicts the drama and tension of a wild Colorado stallion pounding the dirt in his home in Sand Wash Basin, in the northwest corner of the state.  It’s the middle of summer and he has just emerged from a mud pool which is beginning to cake on his body as he kicks up the dust demanding his place at the water hole.

"Anger Management" received the Natural World & Wildlife Award at the 2022 Sony World Photography Awards, organized by the World Photography Organization.

At a higher level, Anger Managements is intended as a statement piece about the challenges wild horses face in the American West, where they basically are under permanent threat of roundup while their land is cleared for the livestock industry. 

Thankfully, the judging panel agreed and the awards coverage helped raise awareness of wild horse issues in 140 countries worldwide. 

EquuStyle:   At the 2022 Sony World Photography Awards, you won Open Photographer of the Year. How did this award influence your photography going forward?

Scott Wilson: I was asked a similar question a couple of years ago, while giving a talk to photography students at a High School in Colorado and it really helped me process the role the award played in helping me to break out of a purely artistic pursuit, to focus more heavily on the advocacy merits of my work and heightened my interest in the photojournalistic side of the wild horse question.

EquuStyle:  Through the Window is a dramatic visual journey. What is the story behind this project?

Scott Wilson: When I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in 2016, part of my treatment regime involved an immunotherapy drug called panitumumab. The side-effect of the drug is an extreme photosensitivity meaning I had to avoid sunlight entirely, which threatened to put a stop to the landscape photography pursuits which I knew would be essential therapy through my treatment. It was then that I recognised the abundance of wonderful wildlife in state parks on our doorstep which I could view and photograph from the protective shade of my car. I began shooting ‘through the window’ between chemotherapy treatments and compiled a book of  wildlife images, accompanied by tales of my cancer journey.  I published the book as a fundraiser for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in the Fall of 2017, just after I was confirmed to be NED (No Evidence of Disease).

EquuStyle:  As a resident artist at Gallery 6 in Denver, you create Art & Advocacy Events. What was the response to the recent event to support ZUMA'S Rescue Ranch's equine-assisted therapy program for people affected by cancer?

Scott Wilson: It has been a dream to combine my advocacy passions – horse protection and cancer prevention – to support the development of a mental health program that tackles the many challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis for patients, survivors and families.

My own children, Andrew and Alba, were 14 and 10 when I was diagnosed with a ten per cent chance of living another five years. I wanted to see more resources that might have helped them process that life-changing news at such a young age.

My familiarity with sanctuaries has taught me the extraordinary connection between horse and human, and the proven therapeutic benefit that veterans suffering PTSD – which has well-documented parallels with the trauma of cancer - have found in equine-assisted mental health programs, such as the Zeal series at Zuma’s. 

Licensed mental health therapist, Misty Sherbondy LCSW, used her experience with veterans at Zuma’s to develop a dedicated cancer-focused program covering topics such as shared experience, coping skills, working with feelings of loss, reducing anxiety and continued healing for patients, survivors and families.

My own children, Andrew and Alba, were 14 and 10 when I was diagnosed with a ten per cent chance of living another five years. I wanted to see more resources that might have helped them process that life-changing news at such a young age.

We held an Art & Advocacy event in Denver in March, 2025, designed to raise awareness and funds to launch a pilot for the Healing Herd Program. The support from attendees was fantastic and we exceeded our target for the pilot which launched at the end of April. 

I am so grateful to Jodi Messenich and the team at Zuma’s for their commitment to bringing the program together. 

EquuStyle:  In what way has surviving cancer motivated you to share your story with others?

Scott Wilson: It’s all about prevention. If you are diagnosed with colon cancer at stage 1, you have a 90% chance of survival. If you are diagnosed at stage 4, you have a 10% chance of living another 5 years. Being in that incredibly lucky 10% gives you a very heightened awareness of how close you were to a different outcome. A colonoscopy will make all the difference, so I simply do not understand folks who are eligible for free screening yet delay or turn it down. 

EquuStyle:  The Sand Wash Basin BLM horse management area (HMA) seems to be a favorite spot for your work. What makes this place special?

Scott Wilson: It has become my human sanctuary. The remoteness, the wildness, the rugged beauty of the landscape and the incredible survival instincts of the wild ones. I often say “their freedom is our freedom” and it is truly liberating to spend time in their company.  

WILD PALOMINO PINTO STALLION METEOR © PhotoAdvocacy

DIAPHANOUS GOLD © PhotoAdvocacy

EquuStyle:  Tell us about your role as the Director of Strategy and Awareness at American Wild Horse Conservation.

Scott Wilson: Everything we do is built around a clear purpose to keep America’s promise to wild horses and to drive towards a vision of lifelong freedom where protected wild horses are able to live and die in the wild. 

Our policy and conservation programs are built around improving the standards and scale of in-the-wild conservation, such as humane fertility control, and rewilding of wild horse habitat which has been systematically diminished from 54m acres in 1971 to less than 27m acres today. 

That starts with leveling the playing field versus special interest livestock groups which dominate public lands lobbying and giving a voice to wild horse conservation.

"Midnight Blue" a wild Blue Roan stallion

America now holds more displaced wild horses in captivity (62,000) than there are running free in the wild (53,000), at an extraordinary cost to the taxpayer who funded $105m in off-range holding costs in 2024 alone. It is thirty times cheaper to treat one mare with fertility control, and keep her eating free in the wild, than it is to remove and confine one horse for life in holding ($48,000).

Most Americans are pleasantly surprised to learn that we still have wild horses roaming ten western states and have little or no knowledge of the permanent threat of roundup by helicopter. 

Our awareness role is opening the public’s eyes to the natural beauty, management failure and fiscal waste on their doorstep and motivating a movement that demands a better outcome for the nation’s protected wild horses and burros. 

Ultimately, we see a sustainable future built on in-the-wild conservation, habitat restoration, ecotourism and legislative recognition of the integral role wild horses play in a modern American ecosystem. 

Everything American Wild Horse Conservation does is built around a clear purpose to keep America’s promise to wild horses and to drive towards a vision of lifelong freedom where protected wild horses are able to live and die in the wild. 

EquuStyle:  You had an extensive career in the corporate world, particularly with Molson Coors Brewing Company. How has this experience influenced your current role at AWHC?

Scott Wilson: You might be surprised by some of the parallels I’ve observed between the worlds of alcohol and wild horses. Both are both high profile issues characterized by opposing views on how they should be handled. In the early 2010s,  I was asked by the UK Department of Health to lead the industry representation on a national effort to tackle alcohol harm in the UK and reduce levels of irresponsible drinking. 

It was one of the most potentially divisive projects, yet the shared mission and collaborative approach to problem solving turned out to be one of the most constructive and creatively rewarding processes that I have worked on. 

The coming together of radically opposing views, recognition that we all have a valid stake in the solution and that no one party will eliminate another, is a real enabler of common ground. 

I believe that’s the mindset driving progress with the Colorado Wild Horse Working Group and really underpins my belief that a sustainable long term solution can be built with the right people around the table. 

Freedom

EquuStyle:  Protecting wild horses and burros is a challenge you have embraced. How can people support their protection and preservation in today's environment?

Scott Wilson: When I talk about PhotoAdvocacy, I am always clear that there isn’t an expectation that everyone gives up their careers and throws themselves at their chosen advocacy issue. The key is identifying the cause that you believe in, where you believe you can make a positive difference,  and intersecting that with the skills and time that you have at your disposal. For some, that might be volunteering a few hours on a Saturday at their local wild horse sanctuary. For others it might be registering as a Volunteer Ambassador for American Wild Horse Conservation and engaging local policy makers on the issue and legislative solutions.  

I happen to have found a movement that allowed me to bring my experience in photography, advocacy, corporate responsibility and communications together in a hybrid career supporting a cause I believe in full-time. 

And the work is far from done.  

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How Can "The Wild Horse Effect" by Chad Hanson Transform Your Connection to Nature?

"The Wild Horse Effect: Awe, Well-Being, and the Transformative Power of Nature" is available for presale now and on sale March 11, 2025

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EquuStyle: Who inspired you to become a photographer?

Chad Hanson: My grandfather loved cameras. I grew up watching him tinker with lenses and light meters. By the time I went off to college, it felt natural to think of the world as a subject, and to see our public land as art. I discovered “visual sociology” in school, an approach to the study of culture that uses photographs. Using photos for academic purposes put me in touch with the depression-era work of Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange. To this day, as a teacher, I still use their images in my courses. With regard to mustangs, though, it was the work of Kimerlee Curyl that inspired me early on. As far as I can tell, she has the best timing in the business.

During the workshops that I teach, on writing and photography, I often urge students to “find their heroes.” I believe there’s value in identifying, cultivating, and curating your influences. Still, at some level, it’s the face of nature that serves as the source of my inspiration. Wild horses stare at you from behind nature’s most charismatic faces, and I find the places where they live compelling too.

EquuStyle: A central theme in your book is "awe." Could you explain what "awe" means to you and how people can benefit from experiencing it?

A wild stallion on the high plains of Wyoming

Chad Hanson: When I feel awe I am utterly struck by what’s in front of me. I experience a feeling of absorption in the moment. I actually become so absorbed that it’s hard to keep track of the moments as they slide from the future into the present. I enter a time-outside-of-time. I’m also set upon by the impression that I am a small part of a greater whole, and when I shift back to my normal mode of being, it’s with a heightened sense of gratitude.

My experience of awe is pretty common it turns out, and today, in places like the Greater Good Science Center, scholars like Dacher Keltner use modern techniques for measuring the chemical changes that occur when we feel blown-away. Levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, tend to free-fall. Serotonin levels increase, giving rise to a sense of satisfaction. Most important to me, when we feel awed, the body releases oxytocin, a hormone that increases what we call pro-social tendencies. Under the influence of oxytocin, we grow kinder, more generous, and less self-centered. A whole body of evidence points to the psychological worth of awe, but the social benefits strike me as equally valuable.

EquuStyle: As a faculty member at Casper College, how do you integrate wild horses into your teaching?

Chad Hanson: I teach a short course called The Wild Horse Experience. The class includes two afternoons on campus. Then we load the vans. We head out to search for mustangs on a Saturday field trip. During the course, I share as much I’ve been able to learn about wild horses, but just as important, students describe their experiences with the horses in their lives, past and present. The course unfolds as a discussion about our relationships with horses, and then seemingly without fail, by the end of the class, the conversation shifts. Whether in the field, or in the van on the way home, we end up wondering out loud about American culture and values. In the end, The Wild Horse Experience always seems to turn into a dialog about our relationship to the natural world.

A wild horse and two other wild horses standing on the snow-covered high plaines of Wyoming.

Wild horses communicate with each other through touch.

EquuStyle: Your words focus on honoring horses and giving them dignity. When it comes to wild horses, how do we treat them with dignity?

Anyone who shares their home with cats or dogs or horses knows that animals feel, show preferences, and possess personalities. In our barns and corrals, we bear constant witness to the intelligence, and sometimes the mischievousness of horses. We work with their idiosyncrasies. We teach them, and they learn. Day in and day out, domestic horses prove that they are both educable and capable of making independent decisions.

Ironically, for most of our history, when we studied horses in the wild, we tended to assume that their behaviors were instinctual and thus the result of biological impulse, as opposed to reason or choice-making. To this day, many biologists assume, “If you’ve seen one wild horse you’ve seen them all,” as if their behavior is simply patterned by “the force of nature.” Their actions: outside their control.   

I’m glad to say, in just the past few years, things have started to change. As a sociologist, I was thrilled to see, in 2021, a peer-reviewed article in the sciences suggesting that wild horses create multileveled societies. In the same year, a group of equine subjects in an Italian study passed the mirror-self-recognition test. Horses know who they are. More important, they know who they are in relation to others. We’re just beginning to understand the social relations that wild horses form beyond their immediate family bands. We need further research, of course, but it is becoming clear that mustangs engage in almost constant relationship-building. They likely identify as part of large-scale bonded groups. They can even create and acknowledge an extended clan. In my mind, each step we take to learn more about mustangs, their intelligence and their social lives, the more success we’ll find when it comes to convincing others to see their worth and dignity.

A lone wild horse surveys its habitat in the Wyoming wilderness.

EquuStyle: What do you believe is the most effective way to change the way wild horses are managed?

Chad Hanson: As a general strategy, the Bureau of Land Management treats wild horses—legally defined as American icons and living symbols of the West—as if they were livestock bound for slaughter. In truth, we do not even afford them that level of decency. The BLM hires livestock companies with helicopters to chase and capture our mustangs. But in agribusiness, they only use choppers to locate animals. Business people would never order a helicopter to descend on a herd of stock. If we scared cattle with helicopters, they would run desperately, and potentially injure themselves in the process. We see cattle as having value (economic value) so we take steps to assure their safety. On the other hand, helicopter roundups in horse herds nearly always end with mustangs injured and killed. There are BLM staff that schedule roundup after roundup, knowing they can expect chaos, death and brutality.

The good news: people are like horses. We are not all the same. There are BLM staff members that appreciate mustangs. Within the BLM, there are men and women who would much prefer to use humane and affordable strategies to manage wild horses. I consider it my job, our job, to find those people and to work with them. They could use our help and cooperation is contagious. I am a proud member of a coalition of petitioners in a lawsuit aimed at stopping the complete elimination of two Wyoming herds, so I understand, when we are backed into a corner, we have to appeal to the nation’s highest authorities. But lawsuits come with high stakes, and consequences that we can’t fully control. Long term, I am committed to creating situations where wild horse enthusiasts and BLM staff can work together on behalf of our mustangs.

Chad Hanson's image of a lone wild stallion in Wyoming.

EquuStyle: In the current environment, with traumatizing helicopter roundups and holding pens, how can citizens effectively demand an end to the violence?

Chad Hanson: I encourage citizens and horse advocates to think big—bigger than we have in years. I am a fan of a concept called the “Overton window.” In short, the idea suggests that, at any given time, there is a window, of a certain size, that limits the number of solutions to public policy problems we see as “acceptable.” Thus, successful advocates “open” the window, stretching it in the direction of their interests. In other words, it helps to ask for more than what might seem currently feasible. It’s the only way to make a proposal that feels “unthinkable” today, turn into tomorrow’s “obvious” or “sensible” approach.

I would like to see a diverse coalition of citizens and equine advocacy groups wondering, in open and public forums, “Why don’t we have a Wild Horse National Park?” What about a series of, “Wild Horse National Monuments?” How about the identification of regions that we could call, “Wild Horse Commons,” in states with adjacent herd management areas? I’m talking about large and well-studied regions, home to genetically viable herds, managed on the range through non-violent, humane and affordable means. Everyone knows that suggestions on these lines will meet with opposition, but none of these proposals will ever come about if we don’t start the conversations.

In the long run, persistent efforts in these directions might bear fruit. And in the short term, discussions about expanding protections for mustangs hold the potential to pull currently “outlandish” ideas into the realm of the possible. If we shift the conversation toward hard-to-achieve goals, then suddenly, the reasonable (but currently out-of-the-question) suggestion to halt the helicopters and treat wild horses with dignity starts to feel like “common sense.”

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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!