tomc601 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

A half hour out of Phoenix is a large (relatively speaking) herd of wild horses living along the Salt River. Once numbering almost 500,000 their numbers are now around 500. Last year the Forest Service sent out notice that these iconic horses were to be rounded up, impounded and removed from the area. Arizona residents put up a huge outcry and lawsuit against this action. The Forest Service rescinded the order for 120 days, the law suit was dropped and the Forest Service reversed their decision at the end of last year. So, for now the horses are safe.

If you happen to be in the Phoenix area and are looking for something unique to shoot, try your hand at shooting these beauties. They are very accessible so if you have a little difficulty getting around there's a good chance you'll be able to get some great shots. Those wanting to raft the Salt River will also get a glimpse as you flow down the river.

Here are a few shots from my outing yesterday. All shot with D800 and Nikon 80-200 2.8 zoom.

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MtManMD Loc: Beaverton, Oregon

Very nice Tom. Thanks for the info. I've photographed wild horses in WY and ND and always enjoy them. Wish I was closer to these.

ggttc Loc: TN

Very interesting ....when I was a child...in college I worked for the BLM and got to shoot wild horses in Pryor mountain wild horse range in Wyoming...my job was to take pictures and then stake out yard squares of vegetation for the biologists to analyse...their opinion was that 500 could couldnt live on 33000 acres...so they started dropping hay by helo

Bill_de Loc: US

Glad to hear the horses won!

Thanks for sharing the photos.

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azbluedot Loc: Gilbert, Arizona

And PLEASE, when doing photos of wild horses, keep your distance. Like the bears in Yellowstone they are NOT meant to be petted or anything else. By the way, NICE photos....

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice photos.

MT native Loc: Big Sky Country — Montana

Very interesting. Glad to hear that the people spoke and government backed off. Thanks for sharing.

Mrsmoses Loc: Oregon

You should take a trip up 97 to Ellensburg, Washington. Lots of wild horses on the land owned by the Indian reservation. Horses are pretty close to the highway and lots of them.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Good captures Tom.

MtManMD Loc: Beaverton, Oregon

Thanks for the info. I'll check them out when I have a chance to get up that way.

Carolina Wings Loc: Flew from North Carolina to Pennsylvania

Nice wild horse series Tom :thumbup:

doubleg730 Loc: Illinois summer, AZ winter

Super pics. Tom ! I spend winters in Mesa, i go down to the salt river about 3 times a week. Love the horses, roadrunners, and everything else thats down there !!