DESERT Dreams
I am standing on a path halfway between majestic mountains and a flat valley floor on my right, and a higher bench which rises to meet another stunning mountain chain to my left. I feel tiny and insignificant in this idyllic setting, as I imagine the enormous physical forces that create this setting. The whole of it all feels deeply spiritual and I have to remind myself to breathe. I am in a trance of meditation.
Suddenly, seemingly without warning, a group of fifteen or so wild horses appear from the right. A gorgeous dark bay stallion with a perfect star, is driving his herd from the valley, snaking his head low to spur the mares on as he moves from side to side to keep them compacted together, directing them to the higher mountain bench to my left. I raise my camera to zoom in for more detail, and I realize that the herd includes two grey mares and a days old tiny foal. One of the grey mares surges to the lead, but slows as it becomes apparent that the foal is hers, and he couldn’t keep up. The herd then surrounds the grey and her foal to provide protection and encouragement for the baby. I can hear and feel the thundering of their hooves as they cross the path that I stand upon. My adrenaline rush is off the charts as I attempt to steady my hands to capture this moment with my camera. I continue to view this group even beyond the reach of my lens, as they arrive at the edge of the higher bench. They are healthy and their coats are glowing. I deduce they have been on a round trip to find water on the valley floor.
photo: Marie Milliman
By Beth Quigley Lauxen