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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Join Cowgirls with Cameras for Exciting Western Photography Adventures!

Western and Equine Photography Retreats

The Western lifestyle has a unique magic. Capturing that magic in images while immersed in the culture of the equestrian and ranch lifestyle is the domain of Cowgirls with Cameras. Formed in 2019, this partnership of three photographers: Kimberly Beer, Phyllis Burchett, and Cara Taylor Swift offers photographers and artists the opportunity to photograph real working cowboys and cowgirls amidst some of the most beautiful and pristine scenery on the planet.

“All of our events are designed to give our attendees a chance to both photograph and experience the Western lifestyle,” says co-founder Kimberly Beer. “We like to provide immersive adventures that inspire, educate, and build community.”

Cowgirls with Cameras offers a variety of experiences for photographers from beginner to advanced. “We strive to help amateur and professional photographers master their craft with creativity and style. Our workshops, retreats, and classes are open, inviting environments by design, so you can feel free to explore fresh perspectives, acquire new skills, and have fun doing it!” says co-founder Cara Taylor Swift.

Join Cowgirls with Cameras on a Spectacular Photography Adventure

Cowgirls with Cameras operates their experiences to include Nine Key Focus Points that they feel embody their mission to provide attendees with what they want most when attending workshops; seeking growth or expertise; working with a mentor; or accessing a supportive community. These points are:

• Collaboration over competition.

• Open gates to knowledge.

• Empowerment of women photographers.

• Expansion of technical expertise and creativity.

• A safe environment in which to learn and create.

• Community.

• Real world business skills.

• Support to overcome barriers and obstacles.

• The ability to use the images you make during the event.

“It doesn’t matter if you just picked up your first camera today or you’re a seasoned pro — we have an immersive experience awaiting you,” says Phyllis Burchett.

Trapper's Lake Lodge Adventure

C Lazy U Ranch Granby, CO

C Lazy U Ranch Granby, CO

Capture great images

Gorgeous Autumn Foliage

Rustic Western Settings

There are several opportunities for you to join the Cowgirls with Cameras at a Western and Equine Photography Retreat in 2024 and 2025.

Cottonwood Guest Ranch

August 22-27, 2024, Wells, Nevada | $3950

This learning intensive experience is set against the rugged backdrop of the Nevada high country which is unique and beautiful. The Cottonwood Guest Ranch is a multi-generational working horse and cattle ranch that offers an authentic look at the ranching lifestyle. This experience is a perfect mix of shooting, education, and relaxation time. Accommodations are in a cozy lodge and the home cooked food will soothe both your hunger and your soul. “The Cottonwood Ranch Immersive Photography Experience was an unforgettable experience that provided the perfect balance of learning, relaxation, and adventure. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is passionate about ranch/equine photography and looking to improve their skills in a beautiful and inspiring setting,” says former attendee Jackie Harris.

Learn how to photograph western life at Cottonwood Ranch in Wells, Nevada

You can expect image opportunities to include: horses, both loose in a herd and under saddle at work on the ranch; working dogs; cattle; mountain, corral, and open pasture back drops; action and portrait set-ups; both adults and children as models.

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Trapper’s Lake Lodge Photographer’s Adventure

September 29-October 2, Meeker, Colorado | $2500

Gorgeous autumn foliage, horses, and so much more to capture during a photography retreat.

If you have a heart seeking adventure, this experience is for you. The setting is autumn in the breathtaking Flat Top Wilderness of Colorado during peak fall color season. The host facility for this event is the historic Trapper’s Lake Lodge which offers shared cabin accommodations. Meals are provided. This event also includes several shooting locations on working family ranches in the area. “From the moment I arrived on my scouting trip to this location, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the area,” says Kimberly Beer.

Image opportunities at this event include: horses and riders in rugged mountain scenery; working cowboys and cowgirls with a herd of horses and cattle; cowboy and cowgirl portraits; adults and kids as models; working dogs; and magical fall color.

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Horses in the Snow Photographer’s Getaway at C Lazy U Ranch

February 26-March 2, 2025, Granby, Colorado | $4500

Join Cowgirls with Cameras at C Lazy U Ranch

“We had been seeking a fantastic winter location for a long time and we found it at C Lazy U!” says Cara Taylor Swift. The host location for this Getaway is a five star resort complete with cozy cabin accommodations, winter activities, horseback riding, and chef prepared meals included.

“The resort was very comfortable, and the level of service was like none other I have EVER experienced. The dining experiences – no, they were not just meals – were truly first rate!! I got images I will treasure forever, made friends that will last forever and will consider Cowgirls with Cameras in my future plans. I’d also like to point out that as a man on a “Cowgirls” event – I was made to feel welcome and just another participant – everyone was very friendly and nice. It was the experience I was after – horses in snow are so special to me. If you are a photographer with an interest in fascinating and challenging photography – I would say this is the ticket!” says Tim Gillespie who attended this event in February, 2024.

At this experience you can expect: a large herd of loose horses in the snow; riding in the snow; cowgirls and cowboys; portraits and action setups; plus the daily jingle of over 200 head of horses both in and out of the pasture.

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You can find out more information on these and other Cowgirls with Cameras events on their website at CowgirlswithCameras.com. The trio also hosts a podcast called Cowgirls with Cameras which is available on most major podcast networks including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Please read EquuStyle Art & Travel's Disclaimer https://www.equustyle.com/disclaimer 

EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Kimberly Beer, Co-Founder Cowgirls with Cameras for writing an excellent article and the sharing photographs from Phyllis Burchett, Kimberly Beer, and Cara Taylor Swilft.

All images Copyright Cowgirls with Cameras -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Cowgirls with Cameras.

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Capturing the Beauty and Spirit of Wild Horses: An Interview with Sandy Sisti

Sandy Sisti advocates for the innate wildness of all animals and their need to be free

"The Black Stallion" The wild mustang stallion, Mesquite, surveys the grand landscape of McCullough Peaks Herd Management Area outside Cody, Wyoming

EquuStyle:  What is it about wild horses that captivates you?

Sandy Sisti: Initially, I was taken in by their beauty. All horses are beautiful, but there’s just something about the wild ones. No matter how many times I see wild horse herds gallop past, their beauty alone never fails to bring me to tears. Once I began spending time with wild horses, I found that it was their toughness and their incredible ability to survive in the toughest of circumstances that really captured my heart.

EquuStyle:  Can you describe what it’s like to spend time wild horses?

Sandy Sisti: There’s nothing quite like spending time with wild horses. I find the experience to be very peaceful. When I’m upset about something, spending time with wild horses always makes me feel better. They really do have a calming influence. Most wild horses in Wyoming live in areas that are difficult to access, so you’re usually alone with the horses and I really enjoy that type of solitude.

"Lean on Me" This cute little colt was born in early September 2021 to the mare, Theya, and her band Stallion, Tahlequah.

EquuStyle:  How did you come up with name of Wild at Heart Images?

Sandy Sisti: I always liked the phrase “wild at heart”, especially after reading Tennessee Williams “A Prayer for the Wild at Heart…” while in college. To me it captures the idea of wanting to do something out of the norm, something that isn’t expected of you. The phrase also reminds me of the innate wildness of all animals and their need to be free. Now that I’m focused on wild horse photography and advocacy, the name really seems to fit.

EquuStyle:  How did growing up on Long Island influence your craft?

Sandy Sisti: Although there wasn’t much wildlife where I grew up, I always had a camera in hand and photographed whatever animals were around. This included our family pets, along with butterflies, birds, small mammals, and the turtles that frequented our local ponds. Once I started driving, Heckscher State Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge were two of my favorite spots for photographing whitetail deer and birds. Although I didn’t go there often, the Bronx Zoo was my favorite place to visit as it exposed me to nature and wildlife that I would never see in my neighborhood.

EquuStyle:  Did you grow up with or around horses?

Sandy Sisti: Unfortunately, I didn’t grow up around horses, but was always crazy about them. I grew up in suburban Long Island, and there weren’t many, if any, horses in the area. My best friend attended horse camp one summer, but my mom wouldn’t allow me to go with her because she was worried that I’d get injured. I did finally start riding, but not until I was an adult.

"Summer Thunder" When you hear the sound of whinnying and thundering hooves and see a cloud of dust appear on the horizon, you know a herd of horses is galloping past.

EquuStyle:  Did you ever formally study photography? If so, where? 

Sandy Sisti: I never formally studied photography, but always considered photography one of my favorite hobbies, even as a child. When I was attending SUNY Stony Brook as an undergraduate, I was a fine art major (drawing, painting) before switching my major to Biology/Biochemistry. After working in the sciences for many years, I returned to the fine art field as a photographer.

EquuStyle:  How was your professional career impacted after being published in National Geographic and National Geographic Kids magazines?

Sandy Sisti: At the time of these publications, I was mainly focused on wildlife photography in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Being featured by National Geographic helped me to become more well known as a photographer and led to more clients using my work for print publications.

EquuStyle:  What was your experience like when you were honored by The Smithsonian for your image “Surveying the Kingdom”?

Sandy Sisti: It was an incredible honor for my work to be recognized alongside many of the nature and wildlife photographers I looked up to at the time. I visited the Smithsonian a few years prior to receiving this award and made a point to see the Nature’s Best Photography/Windland Smith Rice International Awards exhibit. Even then, I never thought a picture I had taken would ever hang in the Smithsonian. It’s still unbelievable when I think about it.

"Battle at Red Rock" The pinto stallion, TNT Dynamite, lunges at band stallion, Kiamichi, as they near the edge of a steep cliff.

EquuStyle:  Which creative individuals have most influenced your work?

Sandy Sisti: When I began pursuing photography seriously, I focused mainly on wildlife photography. At that time, world-renowned nature and wildlife photographer, Thomas D. Mangelsen, was my greatest influence. I studied his style and incredible body of work and was really taken with his images of grizzly bears. Grizzly bears became my favorite subject, as well, and I spent more than ten years focused on bears, as well as, the other megafauna living in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

At the same time, I was also photographing the McCullough Peaks wild horses, who would eventually become the main focus of my photography. The incredibly talented and internationally recognized horse photographer, Carol Walker, was a big influence on my photographic work with wild horses. Over the years, Carol became a cherished friend. These days, I continue to look up to Carol, not only in her work as an amazing artist, but as a powerful and unwavering advocate for wild horses.

"Black Beauty" Frigid temperatures and frozen fog make foraging difficult for the horses in winter.

EquuStyle:  Do you have a safe distance that you maintain when photographing wild horses? 

Sandy Sisti: The requirement at McCullough Peaks is to stay at least 300 feet from the wild horse herds, and I do my best to comply with that. I usually don’t get any closer than 100 feet to any other of the more approachable wild horses. Many of the wild horses in Wyoming, run off when they hear a vehicle approach, so I photograph them from my vehicle or from a great distance with a super telephoto lens.

EquuStyle:  Have you ever found yourself in a precarious situation with a wild horse?

Sandy Sisti: In all the years I’ve been photographing wild horses, I’ve never found myself in a precarious situation.

EquuStyle:  Why is advocating for wild horses important to you?

Sandy Sisti: If we don’t continue to advocate for wild horses, in time there will be no more wild horses on our public lands, only livestock. This year, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to remove more than 10,000 wild horses from public land with the majority of these horses moved to long-term holding facilities where they will live out the rest of their lives.

"Thunder and Lightning" Lead mare, Taboo, guides her band to a nearby draw as a fast-moving thunderstorm hits the range.

Currently there are more than 60,000 once wild horses stockpiled in long-term holding. If the BLM has their way, this eradication of wild horses will continue. I don’t want to live in a world without wild horses and I know I’m not alone. That’s why I continue to advocate for them.

EquuStyle:  Do you believe social media posts are effective for changing the hearts and minds of people about the need to protect wild horses? 

Sandy Sisti: Social media is a very effective tool to help educate people about the plight of our wild horses. The majority of Americans have never seen wild horses and many don’t even know they exist.

Through the use of social media, we can inform people about the BLM’s terrible mismanagement of our wild horses. In time, many of these people will begin to care about the wild horses and some may eventually become advocates. I’ve seen this happen many times thanks to social media.

"God of Thunder" The stallion, Thor, postures towards a rival stallion intent on stealing his mare, Shakira.

EquuStyle: How has your influence on social media helped with fundraising and motivating people to take action?

Sandy Sisti: I believe that the more people learn about the McCullough Peaks wild horses, the more they care about them.

Sharing stories and photos of these horses on social media gets people involved in their lives and over time they develop a real affection for them. The deep feelings people have for the McCullough Peaks wild horses motivates them to want to help them when they can, with donations, petition writing, etc. Many people who contact me about the McCullough Peaks wild horses have never seen them, but they know everything about them and care about them just as much as I do. Without social media, I don’t think this could happen.

EquuStyle: What would you like people to know about the McCullough Peaks wild Mustangs?

Sandy Sisti: The McCullough Peaks herd is a small population of wild horses that have been effectively managed with PZP immunocontraceptive vaccine since 2011.  Thanks to the use of PZP, their average yearly population growth rate has held at 2% for the last ten years. Because of this, there had been no roundups since a 2013 bait trapping operation where 20 young horses were removed.

"Ice Dancer" Graceful as a dancer, the black stallion, Chippewa, makes his way through the fresh snow early on a December morning.

During the winter of 2023/2024, the BLM initiated a bait trapping operation at McCullough Peaks and permanently removed 40 horses aged from 4 months to 15 years. During the removal of these horses, nursing foals were taken from their mothers, families were torn apart, bloodlines were expunged and horses were injured. One horse, a yearling filly named “Kat Ballou” died from acute head trauma after running into the side of a holding pen while in the care of the BLM.

Now, more than two months after the conclusion of the bait trapping, the McCullough Peaks horses are still in disarray after the traumatic removal of their longtime family members. Although I’m heartbroken about what happened at McCullough Peaks, this happens every time the BLM rounds up and removes wild horses from their rangeland homes. The BLM destroys the horse’s families and the tight bonds that have been formed over many years of living together. In time, the McCullough Peaks wild horses will adjust as best they can to their new circumstances, but we can’t forget what happened to them as we continue our fight for not only the McCullough Peaks herd, but all the wild horses

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EquuStyle: Are there particular horses in the McCullough Peaks herd that you have come to know and they recognize you?

Sandy Sisti: I’ve spent thousands of hours with the McCullough Peaks wild horses in the 15 years I’ve been observing and photographing them. I don’t only photograph the horses when I visit, but I talk to them too. Because I’m an almost constant fixture on the range, I believe that many of the horses recognize my voice and scent. It would only seem natural that they would.

"Stormborne" The stallion, Washakie, rears up to protect his newly acquired family from curious bachelor stallions.

EquuStyle: What do you believe is the best way for people to advocate for wild horses?

Sandy Sisti: One of the best ways to advocate for wild horses is to contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators to inform them about the plight of our wild horses. The only way to truly protect our wild horses is for Congress to enact new legislation to protect wild horses and limit the grazing of private livestock on public lands.

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Freedom for Wild Horses with Carol Walker Podcast

Saving the McCullough Peaks Herd: Interview with Sandy Sisti

All images Copyright Sandy Sisti and Wild at Heart Images -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Sandy Sisti and Wild at Heart Images.

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