Officially named The Montgomery Pass Wild Horses, (click to enlarge)
these mustangs have a range of 50,185 acres,
spanning the borders of California and Nevada.
Photos were taken on the south shore of Mono Lake in California.
There has been no aerial round ups, or baiting population control efforts, with this herd for the past thirty years.
They are the only feral herd in the US whose population is managed entirely by natural apex predator (mountain lion) predation.
These guys are clearly advising me not to come much closer!
There were only two other people here, in the winter, and you can see the horses seemed more interested in the people, than visa versa.
These are shy and elusive creatures, I was fortunate to spend time with them.
I didn’t have my zoom lens and was pleased they allowed me in shooting distance.
The herd is estimated to have a population of over a hundred. We saw at least that many.
Cheers to you from The Mono Lake Mustangs~
For more info on these stunning creatures see:
https://americanwildhorsecampaign.org/media/herds-across-west-montgomery-pass-mustangs
My next post will focus on Mono Lake and the strange formations you see in the photos.
What wonderful creatures! And they live entirely freely, not owned by anyone?
They are entirely free. Quite a wonderful concept isn’t it! α
Wonderful indeed.
αα
They are beautiful mustangs. What a stunning area. The salt pillars in the lake are fascinating.
I have never been to the lake in winter before. There were only two other people on the south side, and the colors, reflections, with the snow and Sierras, were breathtaking. I will post more of the lake and pillars and mountains next. It was so much more beautiful than in summertime α
I have been to Chincoteaque Island off the coast in Virginia to see their wild ponies. These mustangs at Mono Lake are beautiful. How glorious to run free. The photo of the lake with ice or salt structures sticking up and the horses along the shore is my favorite. Thanks, Cindy!
I haven’t been to Chincoteaque, but I have read about the horses. Healthy horses, wild and free, is a beautiful thing to see α
Yes, it is!
α
What a beautiful way to spend the day, thanks for sharing!
Thank you more for appreciating the horses Tiffany α
Thank you for the stunning shots of these most gorgeous creatures, Cindy.
I’m glad they are being left alone by humans.
I always think of the “Misfits” movie. It’s one of those movies I just can’t watch again. The part about/with the the Mustangs breaks my heart.
Capturing or harming wild creatures who are thriving in the wild is a heartbreaking thing to see. I wouldn’t watch it either. People can be way too cruel. Thank you having caring heart Resa α
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Even though I’ve live in CA all my life, I’ve never been to Mono Lake. I had no idea there were wild horses there. Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures!
I am very happy you enjoyed Janis and thank you. Mono & nearby June Lake are definitely something you may want to add to your bucket list α
Cindy, exquisite mustang and their photos. You were so fortunate they allowed your presence within camera range. I don’t know if you know this James Wright poem – A Blessing – but when I read your post, it reminded me what a blessing horses are…and our love for them: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46481/a-blessing
That beautiful poem gave me goosebumps! A lyrical testament to the beauty and fragility of all life. Thank you for sharing α
So glad you feel that way! It is one of my top 5 favorite poems and I can’t see any wild horses without envisioning them – and me – feeling like those two ponies and that poet.
We understand each other αα
WOW Cindy, you took some awesome photos. You really got some very detailed shots, even without your zoom lens. These are some beautiful and majestic creatures for sure!!! ππ€π΄π·
Aren’t they wonderful! So happy you see them as I do & thank you! α
The essence of freedom! Your photos reminded me of a quote from Henry V by William Shakespeare:
βWhen I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk: he trots the air; the earth sings when he touches it; the basest horn of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of Hermes.β
What an incredible quotation, from such a beautiful writer. Thank you for sharing Rebecca α
So much beauty and greatness you show in your pictures. The Mustangs are just
fantastic and it is a wonder they are walking free.
Miriam
Unharrassed by humans for thirty years. Amazing! Thank you very much my friend for appreciating them α
Such gorgeous animals! Almost regal! Beautiful photos, Cindy!
They looked like they owned the place, as well they should! α
Right? LOL!
Are they on protected land?
I am not certain, but I think most their range is protected, but they also graze on privately held land. Not sure of this though…… Maybe someone who knows more will answer with more assurity α
Wonderful photos, Cindy! Thanks for sharing…
Thanks more for appreciating Bette & take good care my friend α
Wowie, that is really fabulous! What a wonderful gift to be able to spend the day with them. Thanks for sharing!
-Julie
It was the most amazing gift! Thrilling experience α
They’re very sturdy looking horses. And what a stunning backdrop for them!
They can out run mountain lions! Built to survive α
We were at Mono Lake many years ago – never had the thrill of seeing these horses.
It certainly was a thrill! Happy you have visited the lake. It is quite a special place α
Excellent shots of these beautiful horses, and thanks for the detail story behind them, that is so neat!
Thank you John. They are incredibly neat creatures! α
Every photo is just stunning! Such beautiful and sturdy animals! Thank you for sharing your day with us, your photos, and the promise of more to come.
Awwww……Thoughtful sentiments like yours Patty, make blogging a true joy! Thank you α
They are so beautiful! And they look to be in excellent health. I love that their population is controlled naturally and not by humans, as it should be! Are mountain lions nocturnal? I don’t think I’d want to encounter one, though!
Natural population management is the only sensible solution. Human solutions to wild animal issues change like a movie star’s clothes. Mountain lions do prefer to hunt at night. Back when I lived in the suburbs, one walked down the middle of the street in mid-day. Very sadly, I was working! I only see tracks, scats and the occasional kill sites now α
What magnificent animals–and they’re wild and free!!!
Amazing isn’t it! α
Let’s hope it stays that way!
Amen.
After a survey our wild brumby population in Kosciuszko National Park in Australia in 2020 is about 14,000. Would you like a few? π π€£ I know if the herds get too big they can begin to destroy areas but it is so good to see them naturally in the wild. Great photo’s dear lady π β€οΈ ππ½ π¦
How fabulous that Australia allows it’s wild horse populations to thrive. The US does roundups which are a terrible thing to see. It is to much better to see healthy wild horses and mountain lions that are living naturally α
It causes a bit of uproar as they do roundups occasionally because the big numbers really begin to destroy areas too much. So I suppose there has to be a middle ground somewhere. They were introduced when the First Fleet rocked up and a few escapee’s finally bred a bit too much and built up to what they now are π
This is the same with burros in the US. We brought them here and they seem to do quite well without us!!
How wonderful! That’s how horses should live – free, wild and untamed.
Have a fine new week, dear Cindy, and stay safe!
I agree with you completely. Wild & free is the way to be. Take good care my friend α
I love wild Mustangs. You got some amazing pictures of them. Precious.
Thank you Darlene. I <3 my friends who <3 wild horses α
As always outstanding photos. Wild horses are interesting, especially since they aren’t common in the east.
Thank you very much Frank. It is a big thrill to see them thriving in the wild α
Great photos, as usual, Cindy. Horses always make good subjects for the camera.
Thank you. They are extremely photogenic α
Mustangs!! They are the only herd in the US. All are beautifully captured, love the mountains behind these magnificent horses image especially!
Aren’t they wonderful creatures! Iconic symbols of the American West, so worthy of our love and protection. The lake and mountains were so lovely in winter. I will be posting more photos of them. I have never visited in winter, so it was eye opening α
These are fabulous shots Cindy, reminding of the wild brumbies here in Australia who roam the high country area.
Yes, I have been hearing about them from others. How wonderful and adaptive they are, and how amazing you allow to live in such numbers! I want to come back to Oz!
Such beautiful animals. I love to hear that wild horses still exist. Maggie
There is something iconic about wild horses. They represent the beauty and freedom of escape into wild nature α
Very beautiful horses and photos, Cindy! Mono Lake looks gorgeous. β€οΈ
Mono Lake in winter surprised the heck out of me. I have been in other seasons, but in winter it is empty and strikingly stunning α
How wonderful, beautiful and touching. I love everyone of them. Could look at a million pictures of them. Thank you. Gorgeous.
We feel the same Gigi and it is wonderful my friend ααα
Pingback: The Wild Mustangs of Mono Lake~ β (from the fabulous Cindy…WILD HORSES) | Rethinking Life
How beautiful. Your photos are wonderful, Cindy. So great that you were able to observe them and take pictures!
Being amongst wildlife like this is one of my greatest thrills. Thank you Lynette α
I’ve been there and Bodie but never knew there were wild horses! Thank you for sharing, so amazing.
It was a first for me as well, and quite a thrilling experience. Bodie is special α
I went to Bodie in the 70s. Don’t tell anyone but I took a book from the schoolhouse π It was a REAL ghost town then, not protected, not maintained. We were able to go into every single building. Very Twilight Zone-y. Time stood still.
That is freaking amazing and wonderful! I will not tell anyone. I’m glad you did that and hope you still have the book. It is certain to be a first edition αα
I believe I DO have the book. Also got an old medical book…it was eery there, almost as if you could FEEL the former inhabitants.
Yes. I know the feeling.
Amazing shots. Thank you Cindy. π
You are most welcome my friend α
This seems like a great experience to see these wild horses. Your pictures are wonderful to see these wild horses up close. I would love to go and see them!
It was a major thrill to see them, wild, free and beautiful α
And I hope there will always be wild horses running free there.
I fully share your hope Sandy α
So beautiful!
Yes they are! Thank you α
How long were you there that day Cindy? It feels so good to see something so natural!
We were there for the day exploring, but we saw the horses later in the day and felt very fortunate α
Very nice
αα
Magnificent!
Agreed. Thank you Jim α
This is so uplifting and exhilarating. That you for sharing these wonderful mustangs Cindy β£οΈπβ£οΈ
It is good for our hearts and minds! Thank you Val α
Beautiful Portraits and Images Cindy.
Do you use a Nikon?
Thank you Narayan. I use Sony cameras α
Ahhh….Mustangs! What a great opportunity for you Cindy! Gorgeous creatures! I hope humans do not interfere with them!
I went to Mono lake in 2010 (south shore as well) We never heard about a herd of wild horses being around!
Mono lake is very acidic. That guy in the boat is destroying his engine.
Excellent shots, too bad you didn’t have your long lens.
It was an awesome day. The colors were so much more beautiful in winter. Hopefully their paddles were made of wood! π π
A winters sun always is warmer in tone. I love it!
Very happy you had such a memorable day Cindy! It’s those days that gives us that extra energy to search for that next nugget!
Exactly! Being taught by the Master is just so humbling.
There is something magnificent about wild horses simply allowed ‘to be’.
Yes. True beauty α
Do the mountain lions use a saddle or ride bareback? Wonderful photos! Wonderful horses!
Laughing…. Horses can apparently out run mountain lions. but foals and old ones, maybe not α
Reblogged this on Art, animals, and the earth and commented:
Really beautiful animals!
Aren’t they stunning Sharon! Thank you for seeing this α
As always, your photos are just fabulous Cindy
Humbled. Thank very much Sheree α
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Most beautiful animals and splendid photos! Lovely work Cindy!
Honored. Thank you for seeing their beauty α
Always a pleasure Cindy.
Awesome!!
Yes exactly! Thank you α
I mus tang you for sharing these pics. I give you a hay plus for these spectacular shots. Lol! (ΰ· Νβ’βΜ¬β’ Ν)ββ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
Laughing…… You create humor in such a special way α
Thank you for the wonderful photos of the Wild Mustangs. Have a nice week, LG Marie
Visa versa 2UX2 Marie α
WOW! Fantastic images!
I was just looking at your tiger shark and being amazed α
Sehr schΓΆn Fotos die du in diesem Beitrag zeigst. Das Pferd auf dem zweiten und dritten Foto, sieht den polnischen Koniks sehr Γ€hnlich. Ich konnte sie in Masuren im Nationalpark beobachten. Heute werden diese Pferde in vielen Naturschutzgebieten ausgesetzt. Ich weiΓ aber nicht, ob zwischen den von dir gezeigten Mustungs und den polnischen Koniks eine Verwandtschaft besteht.
Danke schΓΆn Werner. Pferde sind alle miteinander verwandt. Koniks sehen aus wie Mustang-Cousins! α
They’re beautiful! The lake is too.
Yes! Thank you α
Cindy, both you and Tim P are on the nature trail today. Love it! β₯
Yes! We like to roam α
I’m thinking of getting the walking sticks adaoted with wheels and an engine gal… no better not! Hahaha! β₯
I think this in an excellent idea!
Haha! My Carer Richard yesterday suggested I get a pair of hover-sticks… which I had to smile at. Keepeth safe please. β₯
Visa versa 2UX2 my friend αα
Sorry Cindy, 2UX2? Bet I feel af ool when you tell me and should have know… Hehehe!
Back to you times two α
β₯
Wow, really cool to see!
Yes indeed! α
Wow, Cindy, I can’t believe all the times we’ve been to Mono Lake I’ve never seen the mustangs. Stunning, aren’t they? The shots of them against the lake with the tufa towers is amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much more Terri for appreciating them α
I’m pleased they allowed you close enough to obtain this fine set
It seemed like shared interest, with respectful distance! α
Anonymous is Derrick
Hi Derrick!
Wow – how wonderful.
Yes. Exactly! α
These are beautiful horses with their silken coats. How wonderful that they are allowed to live and range freely, and that they let you visit and photograph them!
I know! It was an incredible experience α
I have never seen wild horses. How beautiful they are, how majestic. They look happy and free!
It was the first time I was close to horses that were wild and free. They stared me in the eyes and they eyes were beautiful α
Great pictures, Cindy! π Wonderful horses. π I didn’t know they are there. We visited Mono Lake in 2004. By co-incidence, I only recently posted pictures from that trip here:
https://wp.me/p107Dr-1UG
Your captures are stunning! Coincidences seem really important to me α
Beautiful wild creatures, how awesome to spend some time with them β€οΈ
It was just so much Fun! The lake in winter was a shock to me because the muted pastels were so ethereal. I went off trail to get closer to it, and then the mustangs showed up. It was a thank you God experience α
They’re gorgeous horses. Kind of amazing that they look so fat and healthy on that dry vegetation.
Agreed. They were thriving. How amazing is this! α
I would love to see wild horses! And I think they look in remarkably good shape for wild animals too!
I noticed how healthy they seemed too. It made me happy. No evidence of external parasites, ticks and such, which I often see in wild animals. Some had healed scars, but don’t we all! Thanks for noticing this Ann α
Such beautiful animals! Thank you, Cindy, for capturing them for us. And what fabulously clear, blue skies you’ve got!
You are most welcome Debbie. It was really very cold. I have never been to Mono Lake in winter. The colors were like the most delicate pastels, bleeding into each other. It was so still, serene, beautiful, and empty, except for the wild mustangs α
They are magnificent. What a wonderful soul-stirring experience for you. Ha! Who needs a zoom! Gorgeous photos.
Alison xo
I still haven’t gotten over it. It was just an amazing experience. They eyes were so different than domestic horses. They were wild eyes, with really clear irises, and they looked directly at you. Not submissive at all α
What beautiful horses Cindy, thanks for sharing.
Thank you for appreciating them α
The horses are gorgeous, Cindy, thank you for sharing them. It’s interesting to learn that this herd isn’t managed by humans at all. The wild horse herds in Colorado have to be subjected to human management as there aren’t enough natural predators. That causes a lot of challenges.
Human management, generally, in my experience “causes lot of challenges.” Not only with human introduced species who escape into the wild, and thrive. There seems to be almost resentment of them. They “bait” wild horses and burros, in addition to roundups, as human management, because they damage the environment, which is ironic since this argument is coming from humans. It is just sad. α
I agree, Cindy, it’s very sad. Some of the horses are captured and sold at auction, but if there are too many and no buyers are found, they are turned into horse meat.
Yes. This is the truth. And it not defensible.
I wrote about wild horses (mustangs) in Nov 2013. The post may be found here:
https://hiddenlens.wordpress.com/2013/11/14/saving-wild-horses/
The purpose of removing wild horses from the open range has never been fully explained, largely because the federal government is involved. And, when they are involved, they are not terribly forthcoming. The Bush 43 administration tried to resolve the range issues but there was a reluctance by those special interests regarding public land.
The special interests are often competing interests, from ranching to utilities to anti-government types. In Nevada, for example to graze one beef cow, it requires 200 acres because of the scarcity of proper range grasses. They compete directly with the mustang herds. However, the mustangs will move on. Cattle don’t; they need to be herded to the next location. Also, the utility companies in Nevada want the land to expand their solar panel farms. We already know the entire state of Nevada can be paneled but still not have enough electric power to light the Strip (LV). Not only is it true in Nevada, but much of everywhere else. Solar is far from being renewable, but that’s a separate issue.
The Obama administration was kind of disinterested in resolving the range issues contrary to their public rhetoric. They more than doubled the number of wild horses in federal custody without increasing the funding for proper feed and water. The Trump administration, well, they didn’t give a fuck. In a matter of fact, they tried to reduce/eliminate the funding from the federal budget without success. The Biden administration, there hasn’t been a policy change from the Trump administration. The BLM administration of wild horses in federal custody remains at the FY 2009 budget level submitted by Bush 43.
It’s pathetic, but this is total truth. Say what you want to say about GWB, but he was the only one interested. They resolved the water issues with regard to the Colorado River compact, but when the Obama administration decided to void the federal consent decree, now you have water issues arising from the prolonged drought.
There are reasons why we understand each other David, and this is yet another. Our country’s treatment of wild horse and burros is nothing short of shameful. Australians have told me they have upwards of 400,000 wild horses. The US has approx. 46,000, and yet we bait them, and feed them to coyotes, we round them up by helicopter, terrorize them, experiment with birth control. Our wild horse and burro “management” policies switch and swing like our elections. No rhyme or reason. In Death Valley, experts say the burros are hurting the desert, in Mono Lake they say horses are hurting the geology. Really? Human beings blaming animals we introduced for destroying the planet? That is of course so ironic, on so many levels, and so sad. Seeing these creatures who escaped us thrive under such hostile conditions is a testament to the beauty and power of nature, which we just seem bent on destroying.
Oops, I canβt reply to your message. Itβs says βunexpected errorβ¦ Anyway, happy hump day! β‘(.βΟβ.)β‘
Happy everything to you! αα
They look so happy living in the wild and great posers.
They are natural, true beauties α
Oh, lucky you! Gorgeous photos!
Thank you Melanie. They are majestic creatures α
Wow! These are such beautiful horses! Love the scenery as well. Are those rock formations in the lake?
The lake is saltier than the ocean, and these formations are formed when fresh water combines with calcium in the water. I am doing my next post on the lake and the formations so stay tuned α
The wild mustangs are looking regal in their own kingdom. Splendid shots!!
Thank you very much. They are goreous creatures α
You are welcome, Cindy!
I thought these animals disappeared. Long time did not hear about them. What is on background of the pictures with the horses. It looks like small icebergs, but I doubt they exist in that place.
I am going to post on those formations and the lake next, so stay tuned. The lake is salty than the ocean and the these towers are formed when fresh water combines with calcium. α
I’m a horse-lover and rider, so I sure loved these pictures! It’s interesting that this herd is the only naturally managed herd in the U.S. I’m familiar with the BLM and its wild horse and donkey programs and used to drive by a big herd now living on a large ranch in southern Oklahoma. Thanks for the link to more info.
You’re most welcome Kathy! I <3 my friends who <3 horses α
Great photos β€οΈ
Much appreciated! Thank you α
You are always welcome β€οΈ
They are beautiful and look so sturdy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you more for appreciating the mustangs α
Here you are, Cuz, out horsin’ around in the desert !!! As a confirmed conservationist, I am apalled by our “government’s” policies. Loved the pics of the ponies. )o(
It is so good to hear from you cuz! How are you? I completely agree with you about our government. These mustangs deserve much better. I hope all is well with you cuz. I miss chatting with you!! Take good care α
They are beautiful! I canβt believe they let you get so close. Looks likes some even posed for the picture.
Yes! They were curious, not scared. I could have probably gotten closer, but I didn’t push it. They are wild α
Such beautiful animals. This herd remind me of the film, The Misfits β which is a tough watch if you’re a real animal lover (or even if you’re not).
My blogging friend Resa said the exact same thing! Bloggers rock. I am not watching it. I can’t stand seeing animals hurt α
Hallo Cindy, es gibt 2 fantastische BΓΌcher von Stefan Schomann ΓΌber Pferde. “Auf der Suche nach den wilden Pferden” beschreibt die letzten lebenden ‘Urwildpferde’, die Przewalski-Pferde. “Das GlΓΌck auf Erden: Reisen zu Pferd” beschreibt Anekdoten aus der ganzen Welt. Wirklich absolut lesenswert (und ich bin kein Pferdenarr). And, as per usual, beautiful photos!
Ich kenne die Prezawalki-Pferde! Sie sind groΓartig. Vielen Dank fΓΌr die Empfehlung der beiden BΓΌcher. Das ist die Art von SachbΓΌchern, die ich gerne lese. Ich werde sie untersuchen. So glΓΌcklich, dass Sie die wilden mΓΆgen und vielen Dank, mein Freund https://wordpress.com/comments/all/cindyknoke.com?page=2#:~:text=cheers%20to%20you-,%E1%83%93,-Approved
Wow, a big herd, and you got some outstanding shots of them!
Thank you! Happy you enjoyed them & cheers John α
Cindy, thank you so much for sharing these beautiful photographs!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Please enjoy seeing these beautiful photographs from Cindy Knoke!
Thank you Charles on behalf of the wild ones and myself. We so friends like appreciate you! Take good care αα
Even without your zoom lens, these are fabulous photos of these wild mustangs. I wish I had seen them when I drove by Mono Lake. Next time…
Much appreciated. Thank you very much! I suggest a winter visit. There is no one there, so the horses are not hiding α
I have always wanted to visit one of the many ranges that home wild mustangs and horses as there is a wonderful free and wild beauty to them! I am glad to have visited in your photos. π
I am happy you care about wild horses Jaya α
Wow. Beautiful. They appear to be eating decently and healthy. Iβve read that some wild horse herds are not so. Stay wild!
Yes. I have read this too, like the horses on Cumberland Island. Sad α
Wow. They look healthy. Do they exist on just grazing? If some agency is counting them, are they also looking out for them in some ways?
No one looks out for them. They do try to count them. They graze in a totally wild place. They survive on their own. The are only herd in the US that is not human “population managed,” meaning helicopter herded, baited, and often killed, to control populations. The US wild horse population stands at around 44,000. Australia’s is around 400,000. Go figure α
But I have to admit our Australian herds make a bit of a mess in the National Parks which affect the other animals. They do need to ‘thin them out’ but it has been argued backward and forward for so long and the herds have become so big that whatever they do it is going to have to be a ‘big’ hit to make it workable or it will just get worse. Maybe they need what we just got…isn’t our vaccine to sterilize us all and thin us out a bit? π π€£ π β€οΈ ππ½ π¦
Smiling……. Solve one problem, create ten more!! Governments excel at this α
Bloody perfectionists…at nothing. No, wait, they do one thing very well, lining their pockets π π€£
Yes. They do. And it is getting truly tiresome……
The images of the lake are absolutely breath taking and the horses must have been magnificent to experience.
Beautiful!
Grazie mille α
Free and happy. Merci beaucoup pour le partage… π
Merci beaucoup mon Ami α
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