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!

Filming Wild Beauty: How Ashley Avis Captured the Plight of America's Wild Horses

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West is a documentary on wild horses by award-winning filmmaker Ashley Avis.

EquuStyle: Were you a wild horse advocate before deciding to write, narrate, direct, edit, and produce the film “Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West?

Ashley Avis: I grew up with horses, an experience that truly helped shape the course of my life and career.  However, it wasn't until my late twenties that I discovered the plight of wild horses in the Western United States when I was brought aboard to write and direct a reimagining of Black Beauty, which was released by Disney in 2020. 

In being tasked with modernizing Anna Sewell's iconic classic, which inspired my great love of horses as a child - I wanted to honor the spirit of what she had crafted.  Few people know Black Beauty was not written as a children's book - it was an animal welfare plea for the horses of Anna's time in the late 1800s.  And so, in researching modern-day issues horses are facing today, I began reading about the roundups, the cruelty, the corruption, and the startling inhumanity. 

That is what moved me, along with my husband and producing partner Edward Winters, to embark on Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West.  That independent documentary took five passionate years to craft.

A still of a wild stallion

Tenderness of wild horses

Closeup of a wild horse head

Wild horses on the move

EquuStyle:  What motivated you to make the film?

Ashley Avis: Originally, we went out to capture footage of wild horses in their natural habitat, so that we could bring authenticity to our narrative film, Black Beauty.  Ed and I raised a little bit of money to embark on that first trip to Utah, Wyoming, and Nevada - experiencing the extraordinary beauty of wild horses on the range, along with our first roundup.

The devastating Bureau of Land Management operation was on the Triple B Complex in Nevada.  I will never forget hiking with our heavy camera gear to the top of a mountain, while the BLM officials (several with guns) informed us we couldn't put up umbrellas in the 100-degree heat because it would "scare the horses."  Mind you, those poor mustangs were miles away from us, being chased at eye level by dueling helicopters. We were horrified.

Wild horses on the move

What struck me about that day, as a former journalist, was that the agency had clearly hidden the "trap site" (the metal corrals where they stampede and capture the horses) so that the public, along with our film crew, could not see what was happening.  Trap sites are often where the injuries often happen, as horses break their legs and necks trying to escape, or get back to their families.  

After witnessing that roundup and realizing the antiquation and brutality of it - we wanted to know why.  We soon came to understand that wild horses were being eradicated by the federal government in deference to the commercial livestock industry.  A battle over land and powerful special interests.  We realized at that point we had to keep going, we had to create a second film - a Blackfish for wild horses.

EquuStyle:  What were some of the greatest challenges that you had to overcome to get the film funded and produced?

Ashley Avis: The greatest challenge besides raising the money, which is always hard - surrounded access. The BLM officials eventually got wind of what we were doing, and they did not want us documenting roundup cruelty, or the fact that BLM officials kill healthy horses for senseless reasons - those they deem blind, arthritic, or have a club foot.  The agency officials we came into contact with were deceptive, they routinely blocked the trapsites from our view, in one instance they even forced us away from shelter during a thunderstorm, making us stand out on the open range in the rain as we filmed.  They routined and flippantly denied our Constitutional rights as journalists. 

A young wild foal enjoying freedom

The other great challenge was sadness.  As a horsewoman, witnessing these atrocities befall innocent wild horses; pregnant mares, newborn foals, and the brave stallions trying to protect them - was very difficult to bear.  However, my emotions were of course nothing compared to what they went through.

EquuStyle:  What were the conditions like during the filming?

Ashley Avis: A great deal of our Wild Beauty journey was truly spectacular - and I encourage everyone to get out and see the American West. 

Our crew drove over 20,000 miles over thirteen different states, and diverse landscapes.  The rich forests of Oregon, the crimson rock moonscapes in Arizona, the sagebrush seas of Nevada.  We had a tiny crew of five - it was myself, my husband/producing partner Ed, my younger brother/producer Richard Avis, our cinematographer Kai Krause, and a camera assistant.  My parents even joined us on one trip - while my Mom cooked food for the crew out of the back seat of their rental car.  It was a family affair.

Two young wild foals

Wild horse afternoon glow

Wild stallions sparring

Ashley Avis with wild horses

There were the darker moments as well, such as visiting the holding facilities where wild horses are warehoused like livestock.  These places are often cramped, dirt pens where there is no room to roam, or gallop.  The closely bonded families are separated, and you hear them cry for each other.  Sometimes there is not even shelter from the elements - heat or rain.  I have seen these government facilities flooded with rain and muck.  The BLM doesn't post photos like those on social media.  But that is the truth behind how they 'humanely manage' our federally protected national icons after a roundup.  

And most people find this shocking - our tax-dollars are paying for it.  The BLM's budget to 'manage' wild horses, which is largely spent on costly roundups and holding - is over 150 million dollars a year.

EquuStyle:  Did you or your film crew consider giving up when armed BLM staff were aggressive with you during the filming?

Ashley Avis: Never.  The more injustice we saw, the bolder we became.

EquuStyle:  What part of the film is most disturbing to you?

Ashley Avis: That's a hard question.  My gut reaction was when we went undercover in Texas, into the slaughter pipeline - covertly filming as wild horses and burros got auctioned off to kill buyers.  I desperately wished in that moment I had millions of dollars - I would have rescued them all.  

But I think the most disturbing part of filming Wild Beauty was seeing the horses we had come to know, after they had been subjected to a roundup. 

Write members of Congress to protect wild horses

The herd we became closest to were the Onaqui horses in Utah.  We featured them in Black Beauty and got to spend years visiting them.  In the controversial roundup of 2021, my heart shattered as we watched those horses chased by the helicopters.  They ended up in a dirty, half-flooded holding facility - their once resplendent coats caked with mud, water halfway up their knees.  It broke my heart.  If you look into the eyes of a free wild horse, it stirs a sense of inexplicable joy and wild in you.  To then take in the same, clouded gaze of a horse who has been stripped of its family and freedom - you will be haunted for the rest of your life.

EquuStyle:  What part of the film is most hopeful to you?

Ashley Avis: Oh, so much.  Seeing the families in the wild.  Witnessing a filly grow up to become a lead mare, or watching a stallion engaged in a battle - then soon after striding over to gently nuzzle his sleeping foal with exquisite tenderness.  Those were the moments that made being out on the range so special, while also reminding us what was at stake in their protection.  And it brings me joy to be able to share that with people around the world.

The children also inspire hope.  Before the roundup of the Onaqui, we launched a campaign called "I Stand With WIld Horses" - encouraging young people to write letters to their Members of Congress, or to the President.  Suddenly hundreds of people were posting to social media, holding up signs with those words, tagging their lawmakers.  It was incredible.  When we arrived at a rally in Salt Lake City in Utah - there it was again on the Capitol steps "I Stand With Wild Horses."

I think there is great hope to be found in the next generation speaking out on behalf of our world in Wild Beauty.

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit to the West

EquuStyle:  How have viewers of the film responded?

Ashley Avis: It has been overwhelming to witness how audiences have responded, particularly in theater where you can really feel that emotion surge.  There are instances of joy, levity, and laughter - along with horror, anger, and a profound sense of injustice.

It moves me to tears when people walk out of the film angry - but with passion.  And they say things like, "I didn't know this was happening.  This is wrong.  What can I do to help?"

EquuStyle:  After watching the film, what action or actions do you want viewers to take?

Ashley Avis: Awareness is key.  We must urge our Members of Congress to take action and to stop the brutality and corruption against wild horses and burros, before we lose them completely.  This is a fight over land and special interests, and wild horses have been caught in the middle.

We are asking people to become educated by visiting www.wildbeautyfoundation.org - and to make calls to their Representatives, urging them to co-sponsor The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act (H.R. 3656) which if passed, would end the use of antiquated helicopters in the roundups - helping to curtail this cruelty.

EquuStyle:  How have wild horse photographers and advocates Kimerlee Curyl, Carol Walker, and Sandy Sisti used their influence on social media to promote the film?

Ashley Avis: I often stay, particularly to children - storytelling has great responsibility.  We are all storytellers, so what are we choosing to put out into the world?

There is such rich storytelling in art and wildlife photography.  The stunning work of Kimerlee Curyl, Sandy Sisti, and Carol Walker is so affecting - each image is a glimpse into a world, into a story.  And these extraordinary women don't stop there - they are also tireless in their advocacy.  They use their artistic gifts and social media platforms to bring wild horses to new audiences to inspire change. 

Before I met Kimerlee Curyl back in 2017, I was so moved by her photography that her images became references to how I wanted to cinematically explore framing "Beauty" in our feature film Black Beauty.  She is very inspiring to me.

EquuStyle:  Have horse rescues and sanctuaries been approached to promote the film to their supporters?

Ashley Avis: We have spread the word far and wide, encouraging everyone to share the film, and to get the message out not only to the equine audience - but to a global audience.  We also provide links to the documentary free of charge for educational purposes - to schools, universities, and other groups. 

EquuStyle:  Are any other organizations helping with the marketing and promotion of the film?

Ashley Avis: The long-term ripple effect Wild Beauty has is something we will never fully know - so many people and organizations around the world have shared it.  We are appreciative to every one of them, because it is teamwork that will ultimately inspire change.

Noted collaborators during the years it took to create Wild Beauty were Western Watersheds Project and The Cloud Foundation.

EquuStyle:  In what ways has the film impacted the mission of Wild Beauty Foundation?

Ashley Avis: In every way imaginable.  Black Beauty led to Wild Beauty, which led to our first rescue of thirteen horses (any horsewoman will understand me when I joke... I promised my husband I would start with one...).  Those "Lucky 13" inspired the creation of the foundation, which led to using our platform as filmmakers to shed a spotlight on the issue.  Things only got bigger, and as The Wild Beauty Foundation became a voice in the space - we soon found ourselves on the way to Congress.

Our mission as a nonprofit is to raise awareness that inspires fundamental change to protect the horses of our time, through film, education, rescue, and advocacy.

EquuStyle:  Have you noticed an increase in the number of youth and adults seeking information about how to advocate for wild horses?

Ashley Avis: I am blown away by the messages I receive - not only from adults, but from children around the world who want to know what they can do to help.  I recently hand-delivered about fifty postcards from kids to individual Members of Congress when I visited Washington D.C. in April.  The impact those letters have is incredible - their sincerity cuts through the political noise and inspires lawmakers to listen.

Take action to protect America’s vanishing wild horses

EquuStyle:  Do you think your recent meeting on Capitol Hill was productive? Did you accomplish the goals you set beforehand?

Ashley Avis: Nothing moves very quickly in Washington, which is the hard truth.  However, I do feel we successfully launched a pretty large boulder down the bureaucratic mountain during our most recent trip, this time screening portions of Wild Beauty within the United States Capitol.

We were lucky this past April to have Oscar-nominated actress Diane Lane alongside us.  Diane saw the documentary and asked how she could help.  Her presence opened so many doors, and we added several new co-sponsors to a bill we are fighting for.  We have such incredible champions now - notably Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) who is the sponsor of The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (D-PA), among others.

EquuStyle:  H.R.3656 - Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2023 was introduced in the House on May 24, 2023. What can citizens do to influence the passage of this vital legislation?

Ashley Avis: Awareness.  So many people, including horse people, simply do not know this is happening. 

I would say, after four trips to Washington D.C. in the past three years - perhaps half the Members of Congress we have met with know anything about the roundups, and if they have heard of them - they rarely know about the brutality.  Your calls and emails to help educate their staff do make a difference.  So please, if you're moved by this article - make that call, send that note, visit istandwithwildhorses.org to share your thoughts using our automated form.  Please be moved to act.

EquuStyle:  Why do you think politicians are reluctant to pass legislation to stop cruel helicopter and fixed aircraft roundups of wild horses?

Ashley Avis: The deep pockets and ceaseless lobbying by the livestock industry - which is determined to eradicate wild horses from their rightful habitat in favor of commercial cattle and sheep grazing.  The helicopter roundups are also a business.  The contractors are awarded hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars to do this work - and they certainly don't want to lose that money train.  The most awarded contractor by the BLM has been paid over thirty million dollars.  

We are up against several powerful opponents.  But we are not going away.  

EquuStyle:  After learning more about the motivations behind the BLM, livestock ranchers, politicians, and other critics of wild horses, do you believe wild horses have a chance to remain on public lands?

Ashley Avis: I do.  The BLM is, unfortunately, doing a great job of deceiving the media, whether it's telling stories out on the range that are not based on fact or science, or putting out news stories that state wild horses are overpopulated, degrading the rangeland, etc.  They use this 'reasoning' as false justification to remove a few hundred federally protected wild horses, before releasing thousands of cattle and sheep to graze on precisely the same land.  According to the BLM's own data, livestock are the leading reason for rangeland degradation at figures over 70% - but they don't tell the press that. 

I cannot imagine a world in which we lose nature.  I am encouraged by the public outcry that has resulted in part from Wild Beauty being available to a global audience - and I do believe we will change this.  But to be successful, we need to band together and fight.

EquuStyle:  What are the Wild Beauty Foundation’s current and future strategies to advocate for protecting and preserving America’s wild horses?

Ashley Avis: Currently, we are working hard on the passage of significant legislation to protect wild horses, while planning our next Washington D.C. event.  For the future, we are developing a video curriculum for children in schools called "Wild Horse Week," and constructing a plan to grow our efforts at the foundation.  If you can help in any way, let us know!

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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.

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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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