Through my lens, I could see her long white eyelashes glowing in the soft light. It was a cold morning, but the sun kept trying to break through the clouds, lighting up the wet range in flashes of gold. That morning felt special, I sat quietly in the tall grass, waiting patiently as this small family made their way closer.
There were just three of them, a big brown stallion with a black mane and tail, a pure white mare with the same white eyelashes as her daughter, and a young filly who was probably about a year old. Her markings were so unique and striking. I think she is a Tobiano, with bold splashes of brown and white across her coat that looked almost painted.
They moved slowly as they grazed, their bellies brushing the tall, golden grass, always keeping a watchful eye on us. I loved capturing their beauty as they passed, the mountains of Onaqui soft in the background and the air still except for the gentle sound of grazing.
As the day went on and they joined the larger herd, the young filly was easy to spot. Her white eyelashes caught the light, and her markings stood out in every frame. I especially loved the photo of her mama, head low, a mouthful of grass, those same white lashes framing her gentle eyes.
There is something about the way wild horses graze that always stays with me. Their heads disappear into the deep grass, yet their eyes are always aware, quietly watching. Even in their calmest moments, they never lose that instinct.
That morning on the Onaqui Range was one of those quiet gifts, the kind that reminds me why I keep coming back to the wild, where every moment feels honest, grounded, and free.
