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Rescued wild horses gallop through a mountainous landscape with green shrubs and trees at Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary. The scene is dynamic and natural, under a clear sky.
A band of rescued horses trot through the vast natural landscape at the 9,000-acre Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary.

The fate of wild horses and burros in the United States remains a pressing concern for animal advocates. Thousands of these majestic creatures face the threat of slaughter after being rounded up from public lands or sold at auctions. Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary in Oregon offers a beacon of hope for rescued wild horses, providing a safe haven where they can heal, roam freely, and live with their families once again.


Three rescued wild burros walk through a field of purple wildflowers at Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary. Trees and mountains are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Three rescued burros stand in a flower-filled meadow at Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary.

The Crisis Facing Wild Horses and Burros


Each year, thousands of wild horses and burros are removed from their natural habitats by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These roundups involve chasing the animals with helicopters into crowded pens, causing severe stress and injuries. Some horses break their necks trying to escape or reunite with their families. After capture, many end up in holding facilities with limited resources, and some are sold to slaughterhouses in Mexico or Canada despite widespread public opposition.


A 2022 poll by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) found that 83 percent of Americans oppose the slaughter of U.S. horses for meat. The opposition spans all political parties, including 88% of Democrats and 78% of Republicans, according to testimony regarding the poll results from House.gov.


The ASPCA used these results to advocate for the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, a federal bill aimed at permanently banning horse slaughter in the U.S. and ending the export of American horses for slaughter abroad.

Helicopter hovers near rocky cliffs amid swirling dust, for the purpose of rounding up wild horses and driving them into captivity with the help of a person below on a dirt path. Rugged, dramatic scene.
"West Douglas" is an image of the ongoing helicopter roundups of America's wild horses and burros by Scott Wilson. Learn more today at https://www.photoadvocacy.org/about

Yet, inhumane roundups of wild horses and burros continue. As of 2024, the BLM reports over 66,000 wild horses and burros in holding facilities, highlighting the urgent need for compassionate solutions.

In Colorado alone, the 2026 roundup program targets 1,111 free-roaming wild horses to be removed. And, in nine western states the Bureau of Land Management will remove 14,378 wild horses and corral them in overcrowded holding pens.


Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary’s Mission


Spanning 9,000 acres in Oregon, Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary is a Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accredited organization dedicated to rescuing wild horses and burros from kill pens and auctions. The sanctuary’s mission focuses on restoring the health, safety, and freedom of these animals while raising awareness about the challenges they face.


The sanctuary is home to approximately 300 equines, many of whom were separated from their families during BLM roundups. Skydog Ranch works to reunite these equine families, allowing them to live naturally in bands as they would in the wild. This approach supports the animals’ emotional well-being and helps rebuild the social bonds critical to their survival.



Life at Skydog Ranch


At Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary, rescued wild horses enjoy vast open spaces where they can roam freely across the property. The sanctuary is divided into seven main herds, each living in a natural environment that mimics their native habitat. While some equines require special care in rehabilitation facilities, most thrive in the sanctuary’s expansive pastures.


The sanctuary’s team provides ongoing medical care, nutrition, and enrichment to support the animals’ recovery and long-term health. By offering a safe and nurturing environment, Skydog Ranch helps these formerly wild horses and burros regain their strength and spirit.


A group of rescued wild horses stand closely together at Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary, staring forward. The background is a blurred, snowy forest, creating a serene atmosphere.
A group of curious rescued horses living in freedom at Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary gaze into the camera.

Raising Awareness Through Compassion and Change


Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary is more than a refuge; it is a platform for education and advocacy. The sanctuary uses PhotoAdvocacy to share powerful images and stories that highlight the plight of wild horses and the need for humane treatment. These visual narratives inspire compassion and motivate people to support change.


By connecting the public with the realities faced by wild horses, Skydog Ranch encourages informed action. Advocates can help by spreading awareness, supporting rescue efforts, and urging policymakers to find sustainable solutions that protect wild equines from slaughter and neglect.


A brown rescued wild foal with white star and speckled rescued wild horse stand closely at Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary; trees in the blurred background. Warm sunlight highlights their coats.
A rescued adult horse and foal gaze into the camera from their open, natural environment at Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary.

How You Can Help


Supporting sanctuaries like Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary is vital for the future of rescued wild horses. Here are ways advocates can make a difference:


  • Donate to organizations that provide care and rehabilitation for wild horses and burros.

  • Volunteer at local sanctuaries or participate in advocacy campaigns.

  • Educate others about the challenges wild horses face and the importance of humane treatment.

  • Advocate for policies that protect wild horses from slaughter and improve management practices.



Ultimately, every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger vision of a world where wild horses and burros can live without fear of extinction or displacement. By fostering a culture of respect and stewardship for these incredible animals, we can create a legacy of compassion and responsibility that honors their place in our ecosystems. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we can work together to ensure that wild horses not only survive but flourish in the wild, embodying the freedom and majesty that they represent.




Learn a little about Clare Staples, Founder and President of Skydog Sanctuary, who is featured in this video by The Dodo published on YouTube on Nov. 3, 2024. "These horse rescues will make you believe in miracles. When a family of wild horses got captured and separated, one woman dedicated her life to tracking each one down so they could be free together again."





All images Copyright Scott Wilson and © PhotoAdvocacy-all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Scott Wilson and © PhotoAdvocacy




 
 

EquuStyle: When did you first become interested in photographing wild horses? What sparked that passion for you?


Sandy Sharkey: In my early twenties, I was on a trail ride in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains near Banff. One afternoon, I lay on my back in an alpine meadow. My trail horse munched grass beside me, content and relaxed. Suddenly, everything shook, and I jumped up, convinced I was experiencing an earthquake. But it wasn’t an earthquake. It was a herd of wild horses galloping past me on a rocky ridge. It was over as quickly as it began, and the wild horses disappeared into a forest. But it was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen.


Wild Alberta Mountain Horses is the title of a photograph by wild horse photographer and advocate Sandy Sharkey as featured in the Fall 2025 issue of EquuStyle Magazine at equustyle.com
Wild mountain horses traverse the rugged landscape of the Alberta Rocky Mountains, showcasing their strength and resilience amidst the natural beauty of Canada.
At that time, I had no idea that wild horses existed. My life was forever changed. I needed to experience wild horses again and again. I wanted to capture their essence with my camera and share their stories of free-spirited resilience.

A Personal Connection to Wild Horses


EquuStyle: What personal connection do you feel to the wild horses you photograph, and how does this influence your work?


Sandy Sharkey: I believe the most ‘free-spirited’ time of our lives is when we are kids—before the wide-ranging demands of society take root. Over time, that free spirit of youth diminishes under the weight of responsibility. When I’m with wild horses, I feel like that eight-year-old kid again. Wild horses symbolize freedom, embodying an unabashed free spirit that exists in all of us.


"Utah Wild Mare and Stallion" is the title of a photograph by wild horse photographer and advocate Sandy Sharkey as featured in the Fall 2025 issue of EquuStyle Magazine at equustyle.com
A wild mare and stallion share a tender moment on the vast plains of Utah, embodying the spirit of freedom and companionship.

In many ways, connecting with wild horses can reconnect the adventurous soul we’ve buried through adulthood. Someone once told me, ‘It’s not how you feel about someone; it’s how you feel about yourself when you’re with that person.’ The same applies to wild horses. When I’m with these magnificent animals, the awakening of my heart and soul influences my photographic work in a visceral way.


If one of my images captures the free spirit of a wild horse, creating a beautiful connection between human and horse, this is much more important to me than a technically perfect photo.


Memorable Encounters with Wild Horses


EquuStyle: Could you share a memorable encounter with a wild horse that deeply impacted you?


Sandy Sharkey: There are so many encounters to choose from. But one stands out. In the spring of 2018, I was photographing wild horses in Utah’s Onaqui range. One morning, I saw a huge cloud of dust rolling across the desert floor, like a scene from ‘Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner’. The dust was created by a scrappy, smallish wild buckskin stallion known as ‘Buck’. He was covered in battle scars, and several wounds were fresh, but nothing stopped him. Buck was determined to steal the mares from every stallion in sight.


"Battle Scarred Onaqui Stallion known as Buck" is the title of a photograph by wild horse photographer and advocate Sandy Sharkey as featured in the Fall 2025 issue of EquuStyle Magazine at equustyle.com
Majestic and resilient, Buck the battle-scarred Onaqui stallion strides across the rugged landscape, embodying the untamed spirit of the wild.

He wasn’t successful that day, and I’m not sure he was ever successful. But the huge spirit from this small package embodied persistence, true grit, and wild spirit—everything we love about wild horses. Buck is my horse hero.


The Call to Wild Horse Advocacy


EquuStyle: What initially drew you into wild horse advocacy?


Sandy Sharkey: When I first started photographing wild horses, I quickly learned about the challenges they face. I couldn’t continue to share photos of beautiful wild horses without speaking out and raising awareness about the atrocities of wild horse roundups and the slaughter pipeline.


"Utah Fiery Boy" is the title of a photograph by wild horse photographer and advocate Sandy Sharkey as featured in the Fall 2025 issue of EquuStyle Magazine at equustyle.com
"Utah Fiery Boy" is the title of a wild and free, Onaqui stallion rearing majestically against a backdrop of the rugged Utah landscape.

Along with photographic storytelling, I began to host wild horse retreats and trips to other wild horse areas in the world. When we see mankind’s treatment of wild horses, and how it differs depending on geographic location, we can better understand and help shape a future where wild horses are protected and respected.


In the American West, thousands of mustangs have been rounded up by helicopters and removed by the U.S. government, in deference to the demands of public lands ranchers. The system is broken, and the government is resistant to working for meaningful change.


There are over 60,000 wild horses languishing in holding facilities. In contrast, cattle ranchers in northern Portugal accept the ‘Garrano’ wild horses. In Chilean Patagonia, wild horses known as ‘Baguales’ are revered and have become a draw for adventurers. In Mongolia, Przewalski’s horses were extinct from the wild, but due to a successful captive breeding program, they once again roam the Mongolian steppes.



The wild horses of Canada’s remote Sable Island are 100 percent protected, living wild and free with zero interference from mankind. We have much to learn regarding mankind’s complex relationships with wild horses.

Shifting Perceptions Through Photography


EquuStyle: How do you believe your images help to shift perceptions and garner support for wild horses?


Sandy Sharkey: My goal on social media is to have my wild horse images pack a one-two punch. Hopefully, someone is emotionally drawn into a photo—whether it’s a wild horse portrait, a wild horse family band, or an action shot—and they stick around long enough to read the text that goes along with it.


My posts can include hard-hitting calls to action or be sweet or humorous. I try to mix it up as much as possible because different people respond to different things.


Misconceptions About Wild Horses


EquuStyle: What are some of the biggest misconceptions about wild horses that you aim to dispel through your advocacy?


Sandy Sharkey: Wild horses are sentient, intelligent, family-oriented animals that have earned the right to exist peacefully on the landscape. Those who profit from the usage of public lands have created a false narrative about wild horses being a strain on the ecosystem. Nothing could be further from the truth.


Unfortunately, the wild horse has become the scapegoat for rangeland damage caused by human activities, particularly public lands ranching. My wild horse advocacy is rooted in dispelling the false narrative wrongly promoted by special interest groups.


Key Messages in Advocacy


EquuStyle: As a speaker, when addressing audiences, what are the key messages you strive to convey about wild horses?


Sandy Sharkey: It starts with instilling the knowledge that wild horses actually EXIST. I shouldn’t be surprised that most people don’t know that wild horses live in wild spaces around the world. I had no idea myself until that eye-opening encounter in the Alberta wilderness so many years ago.



As a speaker, I always begin by assuming that I’m introducing the wonder of wild horses to someone for the first time. Following that, my role is to convey wild horses’ precarious relationships with humans and how we can work together to elicit positive change.

Engaging Individuals Through Storytelling


EquuStyle: How do you engage and inspire individuals who may have little prior knowledge or connection to these animals?


Sandy Sharkey: I try to engage people in a way that they can relate. Storytelling is immensely important. For example, to wild horses, family is everything. When wild horse families are ripped apart by tragic helicopter roundups, the stallions, mares, and foals desperately call out to each other after being indiscriminately packed into livestock trailers and separated forever. We can’t begin to imagine the heartbreak. But we can certainly relate to our own family relationships and reflect on the tragedy of being separated from a loved one.


A photograph of a "Wyoming Wild Horse Family" by wild horse photographer and advocate Sandy Sharkey as featured in the Fall 2025 issue of EquuStyle Magazine at equustyle.com.
"Wyoming Wild Family"

Impacting Conservation and Policy


EquuStyle: Do you have a story about how your images of wild horses or a speaking engagement directly impacted wild horse conservation or policy?


Sandy Sharkey: In 2023, I was honored to speak at the Wild Horse Conference in Washington, DC. My presentation was titled ‘Storytelling for Change’. Stories connect us all, and it’s the most powerful way to invoke positive change.


A photograph of an Alberta Wild Stallion known as 'Maverick' by wild horse photographer and advocate Sandy Sharkey as featured in the Fall 2025 issue of EquuStyle Magazine at equustyle.com.
Alberta Wild Stallion known as 'Maverick'

To help save wild horses, it’s important for people to have an emotional connection. Strong storytelling can move mountains. I love grassroots campaigns powered by the human heart. I created the hashtag ‘#ButImJustOnePersonSaid300MillionPeople’ to encourage people to listen to wild horse stories and feel moved to act. Every single voice is a megaphone.


Inspiration from Others


EquuStyle: Who are some individuals who have inspired you in your journey as a photographer and advocate?


Sandy Sharkey: There are far too many to mention, and I would likely miss someone! Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with outstanding people who have dedicated their lives to wild horses. I’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder on wild horse ranges with advocates who know the herds and the individual horses, from birth to adulthood to death from old age. It’s always a unique gift when a horse lives wild and free for his or her entire life, which speaks volumes about the high odds of being captured long before that day.


I’m inspired by the photographers, the writers, the organizers of webinars and rallies, the creators of film and music, and everyone who works tirelessly to ensure that wild horses will run free for generations to come. And to the members of the public who don’t look the other way—taking the time to make phone calls, write letters, and share posts. In many ways, they are my greatest source of inspiration.


Guiding Photography Tours


EquuStyle: What inspired you to guide photography tours of wild horses on Sable Island?


Sandy Sharkey: I want the world to know that a place actually exists where wild horses are 100 percent protected. Located 180 miles from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the Atlantic Ocean, the grassy dunes of Sable Island are home to approximately 500 wild horses. Here, they are free to form family bands, give birth, watch their foals grow, and share lifelong bonds with each other, with zero interference from mankind. The horses are managed by Mother Nature, living an existence in harmony with the sea.



Being on Sable Island not only feeds our soul; it restores our hope that one day, all wild horses will be as revered and respected as the wild horses that have survived on this crescent-shaped island for over 350 years. We must never give up hope.


Supporting Wild Horse Protection


EquuStyle: For those interested in supporting wild horse protection, what concrete actions would you recommend they take?


Sandy Sharkey: It’s a good idea to follow wild horse organizations that provide excellent background information, along with current news and suggested calls to action. Here are some respected sources:






It’s important to contact your legislators and ask for humane reform regarding the treatment of wild horses. Elected officials can’t ignore an army of voices.


And while the fight to save wild horses is in the category of ‘David vs. Goliath’, I prefer to look at it this way: WE are not David; WE are Goliath. Thankfully, those with empathy and compassion greatly outnumber those who profit from public lands and want the wild horses eliminated. We just need to stay together and raise our voices.


Remember: #*ButI’mJustOnePersonSaid300MillionPeople*


Wild horses in a grassy field, text reads "But I'm just ONE person," "300 MILLION people," "saveourwildhorses.net."
Elected officials can’t ignore an army of voices.





All images Copyright Sandy Sharkey Photography—all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Sandy Sharkey and Sandy Sharkey Photography.

 
 

In the picturesque landscape of Colorado, Richard Rodriguez embarks on a heartfelt artistic journey that combines his passion for horses with a commitment to capturing the essence of rescued horses that have suffered traumas.


An accomplished architect, Richard Rodriguez made the bold decision to follow his heart to become a full-time artist after after completing an enriching program at the Art Students League of Denver. His background in architecture gives him a distinctive viewpoint on form, space, and structure, which he now channels into his art. Employing brushes, palette knives, scrapers, and squeegees with oil paints, Richard crafts abstract shapes blended with realism on canvas or hardwood panels.

"In my paintings, I navigate the space between memories and dreams. Lines within the artworks represent the creases found in vintage photographs."

Richard contends, "Horses have often carried symbolic weight representing power, speed, strength, and even freedom. Yet in modern art they’ve appeared less frequently." For him it is essential to revitalize the portrayal of horses, especially within the context of equine fine art. By showcasing their grace and strength, he hopes to remind viewers of these creatures' longstanding significance and the stories they tell.


An oil painting titled "In Balance" by Richard Rodriguez of three brown rescued horses standing close together against an abstract, colorful background. They're facing slightly different directions.
"IN BALANCE" 36 x 48 OIL BY RICHARD RODRIGUEZ

At the Phippen Museum's 51st Annual Western Art Show and Sale, Richard Rodriguez was honored to be awarded the George Phippen Memorial Foundation Award for his 36 x 48 oil painting titled "In Balance."


A Personal Connection to Rescue


Richard's bond with horses is deeply personal. He adopted two of his three of his horses from the Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR). Possessing a profound admiration and affection for horses, Richard felt compelled to investigate the potential of capturing their essence through the lens of modern art.


While exploring the concept of using the rescued horses at CHR as subjects in his new body of work, Richard found himself wondering — "Does a horse that has been through the traumatic process of rescue lose its symbolic power to inspire?” This question not only reflects on the horses’ past hardships but also emphasizes their potential for transformation and the beauty they can embody in the present.


He also considered, "Can I capture the essence of these horses in their new surroundings and return their natural dignity through modern painting?" 


On a bright afternoon, Richard visited his friend Megan Goheen at Colorado Horse Rescue. The peaceful setting of CHR served as the perfect backdrop for his artistic exploration. This serene environment not only provided him with a picturesque landscape to inspire his creativity but also allowed him to immerse himself in the profound stories of the rescued horses that called this place home.

Abstract painting of a brown and white horse with a black mane on a textured background with the title "Painted" by fine artist and advocate Richard Rodriguez. Neutral tones with splashes of red and black.
"Painted" Oil on Canvas 8" x 8"

"Does a horse that has been through the traumatic process of rescue lose its symbolic power to inspire?”

Richard spent time observing, taking photos, and silently bond with the herd. Instead of brokenness, he found resilience. Instead of despair, he saw peace. Horses of various ages, breeds, and backgrounds were finding safety, comfort, and strength in each other.


Observing the horses interact was enlightening. Each group represented unique relationships, showcasing how the horses comforted each other as they adapted to their new lives. Regardless of breed or age, these animals found joy in simple moments of play, eating, and resting together. Creating art becomes an act of recognition, with each piece serving as a tribute to their ability to inspire and uplift.


"Shadows" Oil on Canvas 12" x 24"


Creating a Visual Legacy


With newfound inspiration from that day, Richard set out to create a vibrant body of work. His goal extends beyond simply painting horses; he strives to convey the emotional journeys he witnessed. His art serves as a reminder that, while the past may shape their experiences, it does not define their worth or potential for joy. Each brushstroke expresses the dignity, spirit, and beauty of these remarkable animals.


His deep engagement with the rescued horses enabled him to infuse each canvas with authenticity and depth, ensuring that each piece resonates with the viewer on multiple levels.


Richard understands that equine fine art has the potential to reshape public perceptions of rescue horses, presenting them as symbols of hope and strength. By sharing their stories, he hopes to foster a culture in which every horse is honored and offered the chance to thrive.


Stories of Rescue on Canvas: Artist Richard Rodriguez Paints Colorado Horse Rescue’s Horses

Honoring the Spirit of Rescue Horses


In this recent collaboration with Colorado Horse Rescue, Richard has created a dramatic series of paintings that acknowledge the vibrant lives of these horses today rather than just their past traumas. This perspective is crucial, as these works shift the narrative from one of suffering to one of resilience and vitality. Ultimately, Richard’s artistic vision is not just about depicting horses; it is about celebrating the vibrant lives they lead today, reminding us all of the beauty that can emerge from adversity.


"Copper Patina is an oil painting by artist and equine advocate Richard Rodriguez of a brown horse walking with its reflection below. Abstract pastel background with green, white, and pink hues. Energetic mood.
"Copper Patina" Oil on Canvas 36" x 24"

Throughout this collection, he captures the essence of their spirit, showcasing their playful nature, their grace in movement, and the bond they share with humans and their environment. Richard aspires for his work to resonate with advocates for horse rescue and collectors of equine fine art alike. By weaving the stories of each horse into his art, he reinforces the notion that every life holds value—regardless of past experiences.


In exhibitions and galleries, Richard’s works invite audiences to reflect on their own perceptions of horses and, by extension, all animals. He hopes to inspire a greater appreciation for the emotional lives of these beings, fostering empathy and encouraging a more humane approach to how society views and treats them.




Future Aspirations


Richard envisions his artistic journey as more than an individual project; it’s a movement aimed at raising awareness about the importance of rescue horses. Many of these horses carry emotional scars, yet those very scars tell powerful stories of resilience and survival.


By sharing these narratives through his art, Richard invites viewers to empathize with the horses' journeys. Each painting serves as a powerful reminder of the collective effort required by advocates to improve the quality of life for these majestic animals.


Final Thoughts on Richard Rodriguez's Mission


In a world often oblivious to the struggles behind closed doors, Richard’s mission provides a fresh perspective filled with hope. By portraying the essence of rescue horses, he preserves their stories and transforms them into symbols of strength and resilience. It is vital that we collectively honor these animals, ensuring that each horse is valued and given a chance to thrive, regardless of its history.



Art Shows & Events


COLORADO GOVERNOR'S ART SHOW

5/3/2025 - 6/14/2025

Loveland Museum

503 N Lincoln AveLoveland, Colorado 80537


PHIPPEN MUSEUM WESTERN ART 51ST ANNUAL SHOW & SALE 

5/24/2025 - 5/26/2025

120 S. Cortez Street

Prescott, Arizona


BROADMOOR ART EXPERIENCE - Live Painting and Sculpting

7/19/2025 - 7/20/2025

Broadmoor

Hotel1 Lake Ave.

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906


ART ASSOCIATION OF JACKSON ARTS FESTIVAL

7/26/2025 - 7/28/2025

240 S Glenwood St,

Jackson, WY 83001


THE CAWDREY GALLERY

Opening Night Reception: 8/7/2025  

206 Lupfer Avenue Unit 102

Whitefish, MT 59937


ARTS STUDENTS LEAGUE OF DENVER -SUMMER ART MARKET

8/24/2025 - 8/25/2025

200 Grant St.

Denver, CO 80203

Tickets go on sale August 1. Purchase tickets in advance to save time at entry day-of.


ST LOUIS ART FAIR

9/05/2025 - 9/07/2025

225 S Meramec Ave #105

Clayton, MO 63105


COORS WESTERN ART "YOUNG GUNS ART SHOW"

12/18/2025

National Western Complex

4655 N. Humbolt St.

Denver, CO 80216







All images Copyright Richard Rodriguez and rmrstudio.net -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from SRichard Rodriguez and rmrstudio.net


 
 

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