Denver, Colorado
Colorado Mustangs
Wow! It is hot! 99° here in Denver right now! The AC is working over-time as I sit down to write you.
It has been another busy month and I am excited to share new work and my plans for the summer.
Last month I introduced you to some of Colorado’s wild horses from the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area just northeast of Grand Junction. My time with those horses was life-changing and one I will never forget. It kicked off what now is turning into a long-term project studying and photography wild horses of Colorado.
Recently, I embarked on two separate road trips heading northwest to Sand Wash Basin, Colorado’s largest wild horse area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Both trips I easily experienced well over a hundred horses. It was once again an amazing experience. I cannot even begin to express how special it is to be in the presence of these wild animals.
My first trip into the Basin I learned the hard way that I do not have the appropriate vehicle for the rugged terrain. I was well read on the area and knew what I was getting into. In my preparation I even tried to rent a Jeep, but if you are familiar, getting a rental car these days is a nightmare. So, I risked it in my compact SUV.
Other than a car full of dust and sand, it was holding up well and I was having a blast exploring the various horse loops in the basin, a massive 160,000 acre ancient dried-up lake with wide open 360° views of nothing but high desert. The type of landscape that during the mid-day’s hard sun looks like the end of the world, only to turn into the most magical place on earth during the golden hour. I just love it.
My first full day was a success. I came across band after band to then witnessing dozens and dozens of horses make their way across the basin during Golden Hour, right in front of me. It was a scene straight out of a movie.
The next day was a different story. As soon as I made it into the basin and came across the first band of horses, I had a flat tire. Ugh.
I am 41 years old and have never had a flat tire or have had to change one, nor am I very handy, I am embarrassed to admit. I stayed calm, located the donut spare, the jack, studied the Ikea like instructions printed on the jack and got to work. To my surprise, it was pretty darn easy. I had the tiny donut on there in no time.
However, there was no way I was going to risk the donut spare puncturing and get stuck out in the basin. I decide to cut my trip short and drove to the closest tire shop two hours away from my location. My bad luck continued, my tire’s side wall was destroyed, no way to repair it and the shop did not carry the tire size in stock.
I had no choice, but to make my way back to Denver. I was bummed. At least my first day on the basin was epic and overall the trip, once again, was a success!
The following week with a new tire on my ride, I ventured back into the basin. My available time was more limited, but just like the first, there were plenty of horses to connect with. Once again, I saw easily over a hundred horses. I tried to keep count, but quickly lost track.
I returned to my studio the next day with a card full of new photographs to develop.
I will be heading back to the basin soon to spend more time with the wild horses of Colorado. In the mean time, take a look at my favorites from my time at Sand Wash Basin.
Summer Plan
This Summer I will be traveling to Illinois, Wisconsin, Northern California, and Minnesota. I have photography projects planned for each location.
I am not ready to share much on these projects, but you are going to love them!
I also will be spending more time tracking down Colorado Mustangs and continuing my photographic study of America’s most iconic wild animal.
Furthermore, I am looking into and learning more about how horses can help those with mental health struggles, specifically anxiety. If you know of anyone working in the space of Equine therapy, I would love an introduction.
I have experienced a remarkable level of calm in the presence of wild horses, there is something about them I am find healing. I want to dive deeper into this.
Thank you
It is a short letter this month. I blame the heat.
As always thank you for following along and supporting my photography. It is my greatest passion to be working as a photographer and sharing my work.
When collecting one of my pieces you are supporting a small business. My work is Limited Edition to protect the integrity of the prints. I thoughtfully consider the edition number, the sizes I offer, to the fine art paper I print on. I aim to create special pieces for special spaces.
If you have any questions, get in touch. Make sure to connect on social media and pass on my letter to anyone you feel would appreciate what I am doing.
Have a great rest of the week and I will write again next month!
JC