Photo Gallery 1
Over the past several years, photographing Wild Horses has become a passion. Here in Photo Gallery 1 I will share with you some of my favorite images, information and stories of these truly magnificent animals.
The images above and below were taken outside of Las Vegas, Nevada near Red Rock Canyon. The Wild Burros here have no fear of humans and will come right up to you so getting great shots is pretty easy. But remember these are wild animals and should be photographed at a safe distance. Also they are protected from harassment by the Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971.
The Red Rock Area consists of approximately 220,000 acres and is characterized as Mojave desert surrounded by high, rocky desert mountains. During the hot months, the burros occupy revines and draws which supply shade, while horses tend to stay in the open country. Permanent springs are found in the mid elevations of the Spring Mountains. The horses and burros may travel up to 5 miles each way every day for water during the dry part of the year. They drink at least once each day during this period, but can survive by drinking every other day in the winter and early spring. I have been visiting the Wheeler Pass HMA (Herd Managenent Area) for several years photographing the Band around the small village of Cold Creek, Nevada. The Wheeler Pass management area is about three times the size of the Red Rock area, almost surrounding the Mt. Charleston Recreation Area. Topography is about the same as Red Rock. There is permanent water at Willow Creek and other springs in the mountains.
As you can see by the first two photographs, these horses seem to have no fear of humans. But as you go deeper into the HMA (Herd Management Area) the less likely a close encounter becomes. Wild Horses and Burros will usually let you approach until you enter their safe zone and then they will move away until the safe zone is re-established. I was able to get within 50 yards before they would move.
Of course, there is always one who won't move, and challenges you as this Stallion did in the last photograph. I moved off slowly until I was no longer a threat. He then returned to his mares. I hope you enjoyed your visit to the Red Rock and Wheeler Pass Herd Management Areas through our photographic efforts in Photo Gallery 1. Photo Gallery 2 and Photo Gallery 3 have more photographs of Wild Horses and the Wheeler Pass and Spring Mountains Recreation Areas. If you would like to visit the Red Rock or Wheeler Pass Herd Management Areas or the Spring Mountains Recreation Area, please check out our Destinations Page on the Wheeler Pass Area.
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