This majestic stallion embodies the very essence of hope, a promise for a better tomorrow. 

This week was unexpected magic for me being my first trip to Utah’s West Desert. It was the spring of 2009, when I first set foot in the Onaqui Mountains of Utah, a place that has now draws me back for countless visits each year. 

Each trip, there is a muse, a certain horse who stands out and captures me with their beauty and presence. Amidst the vast breathtaking landscape, this horse, of remarkable stature seemed to be in my eye sight everywhere I turned. A powerful leader with barely a mark on him, a stunning family band and quiet strength I soon learned was ultimately what it takes to be a respected stallion in the wild. 

Over the next five days I was charged with a wellspring of emotions. Seeing such a large and dynamic herd of wild horses was something one only dreams up. As I started to learn a bit about the horses, each passing day became more enchanting. And the privilege I felt more overwhelming as my commitment for their protections grew stronger. 

Fall of the same year brought an “emergency roundup” a term used to justify a stampeding of horses without following proper protocols. This iconic herd that  had traversed 244,000 acres of their home territory was stripped down to a mere 50 to 75 horses. Despite years of searching for this gallant stallion, I never did lay eyes on him again.  

In the wake of this devastating loss, his gaze continues to ignite a fire in my soul, and seal an unbreakable commitment to raise my voice and ensure his untamed life mattered. He is a beacon of hope, that we will protect our future wild places.