The Last Herd

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

This wild colt was drawn at the Palomino Valley BLM. Once I commit to the long drive out, I will usually spend an entire day sketching at this horse holding facility. I go from paddock to paddock, choosing my spot carefully, finally pulling out my chair and utensils. It doesn't take long before a band of bachelors will make its way over. This guy led the pack. He is typical of the breed - extremely intelligent, very curious and ready to bolt at a moments notice.

Etching and dry point on zinc plate. Printed on White Rives BFK. Edition of 50.

1 comment:

AnnaAugust 18, 2010 at 4:11 AM
A Beautiful drawing; thank you for going to the BLM Corrals and "comforting the Mustangs and Burros with your "papen pencil and etching
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At The Oregon Bureau of Land Management

Most of the horses at the Eastern Oregon Bureau of Land Management are smallish with long manes and tails, thick necks, and tall and delicate hooves. Their lower half seems oddly out of proportion with their stocky body yet when spooked they somehow move with the grace and agility of deer. These animals are related to Kiger mustangs, descended from Iberian horses brought by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.

When I sit down to draw, a few of the brave ones came forward cautiously sniffing the ground, eyes never unlocking from mine. Their curious expression seems to say, "I know I shouldn’t trust you but I must see what you are doing with that stick and pad." While I sketch, a succession of nostrils stretch beyond the fence rails and sniff at my pad. They drag in air as I hold out my hand, and one cautiously moves towards my fingertips. He checks for predator odors then closes his eyelids contentedly and I marvel at this connection to something that was so recently wild.

Each year approximately 30,000 wild horses are rounded up throughout the country, assigned a number, freeze branded, and housed at a BLM facility. The processing stage can last a year before adoption or auction. As their roaming land dwindles either due to development or due cattle industry leasing, more of our wild horses--this country's heritage and national treasure--are lost. Many organizations are working toward legislation that would limit round-up quotas, protect habitat, and introduce birth control programs. When you purchase a painting, drawing or print, I donate 10% to a non profit organization that works to preserve and protect wild horses.

The Last Herd

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

1 comment:

At The Oregon Bureau of Land Management

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