Capturing Resilience: Richard Rodriguez Explores the Beauty of Rescued Horses Through Modern Art

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.

"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.

"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 x .25

"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" 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

https://governorsartshow.org/

PHIPPEN MUSEUM WESTERN ART 51ST ANNUAL SHOW & SALE 

5/24/2025 - 5/26/2025

120 S. Cortez Street

Prescott, Arizona

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/743349294/8/

BROADMOOR ART EXPERIENCE - Live Painting and Sculpting

7/19/2025 - 7/20/2025

Broadmoor

Hotel1 Lake Ave.

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906

https://broadmoorgalleries.com/richard-rodriguez/

ART ASSOCIATION OF JACKSON ARTS FESTIVAL

7/26/2025 - 7/28/2025

240 S Glenwood St,

Jackson, WY 83001

https://artassociation.org/art-fair/

THE CAWDREY GALLERY

Opening Night Reception: 8/7/2025  

206 Lupfer Avenue Unit 102

Whitefish, MT 59937

https://cawdreygallery.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp

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

https://www.saintlouisartfair.com/

COORS WESTERN ART "YOUNG GUNS ART SHOW"

12/18/2025

Reception: 12/18/2024  6:00 - 9:30 PM

National Western Complex

4655 N. Humbolt St.

Denver, CO 80216

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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

#RichardRodriguez #fineart #equinefineart #horseart #ColoradoHorseRescue #rescuehorses #equinewelfare #animalwelfare #equustyle #equustylemagazine

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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