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Encounter Nevada's Wild Horses with Wild Horses Carry Me Away Tours

  • Writer: Robin Black
    Robin Black
  • Mar 4
  • 5 min read

Updated: Mar 20

One of the most exhilarating and unforgettable experiences that Nevada has to offer is the chance to witness and photograph its magnificent wild horses. These majestic creatures, symbols of freedom and strength, roam the expansive landscapes, embodying the spirit of the untamed West.


A white horse rears up as a brown horse stands behind, snow flying around them in a snowy field. Energetic scene.
Photographer and tour guide Marty Wright captures a wild stallion trying to kick a rival.

Wild Horses Carried Her Away


The allure of Nevada's wild horses captured Marty Wright's heart when she and a friend traveled to see wild horses in the Virginia Range during 2014. Marty clearly recalls the moment she spotted a dark bay stallion at the forefront of a family band of around 30 horses. Observing his leadership and the tight-knit relationships within the group was captivating. When he stopped and glanced her way, she felt an extraordinary connection. It was then she understood she had discovered a new passion.


One defining and transformational moment changed everything. Marty made a life-alterating decision to leave behind her home in Houston and career as a real estate broker, buy a jeep, and move to Reno.


She began photographing wild horses in their natural environment which led to a strong desire to advocate for their protection and preservation. She discovered immense joy in documenting the lives of wild horses and has followed several bands over the years, capturing the growth of foals and observing family dynamics.


After developing an unwavering dedication to the preservation of Nevada's wild horses, Marty established Wild Horses Carry Me Away Tours. Her commitment to the wild horses is evident, from ensuring each tour is not only informative but also respectful of the animals and their environment.



Encountering Wild Horses


Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey that promises not only adventure but also a deep appreciation for these stunning animals in their natural habitat.


A photo of a herd of wild horses in Nevada by Marty Wright of Wild Horses Carry Me AwayTours
Pine Nut Mountain wild horses

During a tour with Marty, participants will have the unique opportunity to observe wild horse families as they graze, gallop, and interact with one another, all while being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Nevada desert.


With over a decade of experience in wild horse behavior and conservation, Marty enjoys telling the stories of rescued and wild horses, and educating visitors about their lives and the significant challenges they face to remain free. Teaching young children about the importance of preserving habitat for wild horse families is of great importance to Marty and other wild horse advocates like author Terri Farley who believes that "People won't care if they don't know what's happening to wild horses."




Tour with a Dedicated Wild Horse Advocate


Marty Wright guiding a wild horse tour with Wild Horses Carry Me Away
Marty Wright (a.k.a. Mustang Marty) with her tour jeep she named "Nellie B"

The experience is enhanced by Marty's insightful commentary, where she shares stories about the history of wild horse families in the region, their behavior, and the ongoing efforts to protect their populations. She also enjoys teaching visitors about the social structures within herds, including the roles of lead mares and stallions. This understanding deepens one's appreciation for their natural way of life.


Marty continues to be actively involved with Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates which is a group of wild horse advocates who work hard to keep the Gardnerville, Nevada wild horses in the wild. PNWHA works in cooperation with BLM to avoid wild horses being gathered and spending their lives in a holding facility. One of PNWHA's goals is educate residents not to feed or water wild horses. https://wildhorseadvocates.org/


Traveling to Nevada to see wild horses in their natural habitat is more than just an adventure; it is an enriching experience filled with beauty, discovery, and a commitment to conservation. With Marty Wright as your guide, you are sure to leave with valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for these awe-inspiring creatures.


As you explore the wonders of the Nevada desert, you will not only revel in the beauty of wild horses but also play a part in the important mission of conserving them. So grab your camera, put on your hiking boots, and get ready for a journey that celebrates the freedom and majesty of wild horses in one of America's most stunning landscapes.



An Advocate Reviews Wild Horses Carry Me Away Tours


"Marty Wright is the real deal. I’ve been involved with wild horse advocacy for 25 years and have had a lot of guides into the back country. The 2 days that we spent with Marty was one of the best trips I’ve had so far. She knows the horses, cares about their wellbeing and creates zero impact on their habitat. She is very respectful of how she brings you into their world. As a result, being with the horses on those terms was one of my most incredible “wild horse” encounters. Also, Marty is funny, warm and kind. Anyone who takes her tour is lucky to experience it!" —Angela Duffy Kelly





Wild Horses Carry Me Away Tours Featured on Wild Horse Adventures of Nevada





Ways You Can Help with Conservation


A photograph of a wild horse family by Marty Wright of Wild Horses Carry Me Away Tours

At the tour's conclusion, you may wonder how to make a difference. Here are a few actionable steps you can take to support wild horse conservation efforts:


  1. Support Local Organizations: Contributing to or volunteering with organizations dedicated to the protection of wild horses can provide critical resources. Marty supports Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang Equine Rescue (https://www.chillypepper.org/)


  2. Raise Awareness: Share your photographs and what you've learned about wild horse management with your circle. Helping others understand these issues is key in fostering a greater appreciation and action. Marty posts regularly to over 9,000 followers on Wild Horses Carry Me Away Facebook page. Be sure to follow, comment, and share her posts.


  3. Advocate for Good Policies: Stay updated on legislation affecting wild horses and lend your voice to support measures that enhance their welfare. Marty was a featured volunteer with American Wild Horse Conservation (https://americanwildhorse.org/)


  4. Teach Children about Wild Horses: Children who take a tour and see wild horse families will share their experiences with others. Marty Wright often shares Terri Farley's enlightening books about wild horses.(https://www.terrifarley.com)


  5. Encourage Others to Visit Wild Horses: Filmmaker and Founder of The Cloud Foundation, Ginger Kathrens believes that seeing wild horses in their natural habitat is essential for people to understand the issues facing America's wild horses and burros.



Sales from Marty Wright's Fine Art America website support her advocacy work

to protect and preserve Nevada's Wild Horses.


Shop today knowing that your purchase makes a difference!





White horse with flowing mane under a starry sky, moonlit landscape. "Phantom Stallion: The Wild One" text on a red label.
The Wild One in the Phantom Stallion series by award-winning author Terri Farley
Collage of "Phantom Stallion" book covers with horses in dynamic poses and vivid backgrounds, including mountains and forests. Titles include "The Wild One" and "Mustang Moon".
Terri Farley, wild horse advocate and author of the Phantom Stallion series shares, “Kids need to feel empathy as they will be our future leaders."

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


All images Copyright Marty Wright Photography and Wild Horses Carry Me Away Tours -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Living Images by Marty Wright Photography and Wild Horses Carry Me Away Tours.


#wildhorses #wildhorsetours #martywright #wildhorsescarrymeawaytours #wildhorsephotography #Nevadawild horses #horses #wildhorseconservation #wildhorseadvocacy #equustyle #equustylemagazine


 
 

Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure with Wild Horse Photo Safaris

  • Writer: Jen Rogers
    Jen Rogers
  • Sep 3, 2024
  • 4 min read

An image of Onaqui wild horses galloping in Western Utah
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.



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. 




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.


A photograph of an affectionate moment between two Onaqui wild horses in Western Utah by Jennifer Rogers of Wild Horse Photo Safaris, providing year-round ethically based & environmentally friendly wild horse photography tours. equustyle.com
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.











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.


 
 

2,000 Pounds of Hope. 3 Broken Hearts. One Place Called Hope Reins.

  • Writer: Christy Burkey
    Christy Burkey
  • Sep 3, 2024
  • 4 min read

Annie a Percheron equine-therapy horse at Hope Reins in Raleigh, NC where hurting children find support, hope, healing.
Annie a Percheron equine-therapy horse at Hope Reins in Raleigh, NC.

When Aaron Guin texted his wife Amanda that he was ‘done,’ she didn’t know what he meant until she heard the police sirens. He’d been at home with another deep bout of depression, so she and her two young kids were staying nearby at her parent’s house until Daddy felt better.


But this time it was different. The beloved husband, doting father, 82nd Airborne Ranger, and neighborhood Mr. Fixit, lost his battle with the demons that haunted him since serving in the Gulf War. Aaron Guin, who could tinker with anything and make it work, sadly couldn’t repair his own life. He killed himself at his home on a Saturday evening. This is how life ended for Aaron Guin. But for Amanda, Garrett and Ashlyn, this is where their journey of hope and healing began.

Aaron’s suicide devastated the close-knit Guin family, especially Garrett, who spent every free moment glued to his father’s side, playing football, gardening and serving as his young handyman apprentice. Amanda tried desperately to reach her son, but his thoughts and feelings remained hidden behind a veil of detachment.


When a friend suggested the equine therapy program at Hope Reins, Amanda was skeptical. “I thought, really? Garrett’s going to open up to a horse?” But after their first session at Hope Reins, the 7-year-old seemed instinctively aware of his new 2,000 pound friend’s gentle strength and moved easily around the huge Percheron, a breed known for its mighty stature.


A photograph of a young boy leading a Percheron therapy horse named Abby at Hope Reins in Raleigh, NC that serves kids in life crisis through its 38-acre ranch, rescued horses, and restoration in Christ.
Garrett with Abby in 2015
It was a natural connection. The massive horse became Garrett’s confidant – one who could shoulder the weight of his darkest pain without ever divulging a word. He would talk and Abby listened.

Session after session, Amanda watched in wonder as Garrett would brush, walk and then ride Abby bareback through the green pastures at Hope Reins – beaming with pride and accomplishment.


His caring session leader, Karen, who remained a comfortable distance away, would watch in amazement, too, as God’s handiwork helped create a bond of love, trust and openness just when it was needed most for a lost little boy deeply missing his best friend. “I can’t even put into words how good it makes a mom feel that a horse can do a job that I can’t,” says Amanda.


A photograph of the Guin Family, Ashlyn, Amanda and Garret who benefited greatly from Hope Reins in Raleigh, NC during a crisis.
The Guin Family, Ashlyn, Amanda and Garrett

It’s been almost eight years since the Guin family first contacted Hope Reins. And a lot has happened since then. Garrett’s sweet equine mentor, Abby, passed away in 2018 from severe colic. He’s now a strapping 5 foot 10 inch high school junior who loves basketball.


His sister, Ashlyn, forged her own path over the years as an accomplished equestrian at the ranch finding great solace in Shiloh, a beautiful white pony. She and Garrett both volunteered in Hope Reins’ Kids Give Back, where they provided leadership to young program participants and learned how to apply these skills in their own lives as well.


Amanda took her pain and started volunteering at TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) to help other military widows struggling with the death of a loved one. Her passion for the cause formed a conduit between TAPS and Hope Reins by aligning both nonprofits so other families like hers could be helped through equine therapy. TAPS has been a cherished partner of Hope Reins.


“I could have never made it through Aaron’s suicide without Hope Reins.”


“Pain is the ultimate equalizer,” says Amanda. “No one is immune from experiencing a crisis in their lives like we did. But I thank God for Hope Reins.”


For more information about Hope Reins or to make a donation: www.hopereins.org.





This beautifully animated short video gives an overview of how Hope Reins helps children and horses with wounded hearts find healing.











Author Jennifer Marshall's book about a blind Appaloosa horse named Joey who was rescued by Kim Tschirret and brought to Hope Reins in North Carolina.
Joey: How a blind rescue horse helped others to see

Editors Note: Several years ago I discovered the life-changing work of Hope Reins after reading the book Joey: How a blind rescue horse helped others learn to see .


This heartwarming true story about an Appaloosa named Joey who was rescued by Kim Tschirret and brought to Hope Reins deeply touched my heart. Author Jennifer Marshall Bleakley's book is beautifully written and shares the love, dedication, and deep commitment of everyone who supports Hope Reins vital ministry to provide faith-based mentorship programs for kids in crisis with the aid of rescued horses. Even a blind rescue horse named Joey has awakened hearts, offering hope and healing.


EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine is greatly honored to feature the remarkable work of Hope Reins.




EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Christy Burkey, Director of Marketing and Communications at Hope Reins in North Carolina, for sharing a beautiful story with her excellent wordsmithing, photographs and video. Our sincere thanks to Founder and CEO Kim Tschirret, the staff, volunteers, and board members for using their time, talents, and energy to provide "true hope and real healing" for kids in crisis. A special thanks to the rescued horses for their resilience and generous spirits.


All images copyright Hope Reins -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Hope Reins.



 
 
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