The Cedar Mountain Herd Management Area in Utah transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland during the first snowstorm of the season. AWHC's Utah conservation manager, Tandin, was on the ground to capture this incredible scene, documenting the wild horses that call this habitat home.
Capturing the Beauty of Cedar Mountain
Tandin's dedication to the Cedar Mountain horses goes beyond mere documentation; it's a deep connection forged through days and weeks spent hiking into the desolate wilderness. Through his lens, he unveils not just the physical beauty of the horses but also the intricate family bonds and compelling stories that define their lives.
A Majestic Encounter
On this day, Tandin encountered a magnificent stallion, proudly standing guard and observant of Tandin’s every move. This poignant moment captures the spirit and resilience of these majestic creatures against the backdrop of a pristine, snow-covered Utah landscape.
The Untamed Spirit of the Bachelor Band
During Tandin's adventure, he found a bachelor band who are still wild and free, thanks to their defiant attitudes and drive for freedom. The stallions didn't cooperate during the 2022 roundup. The BLM contractors even sent two wranglers on horseback after them, but they evaded capture. These three bachelors truly embody the untamed spirit that defines the Cedar Mountain Herd.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
The Cedar Mountain horses are incredibly vibrant and colorful, made up of pintos, roans, and cremellos. While the BLM is euthanizing blue-eyed horses in its charge based on a cowboy myth that this is an indication of vision impairment, having one blue eye is not uncommon among the Cedar horses. Yet, blindness or partial blindness has not been documented in this herd.
Tandin's effort in the Cedar Mountains is the next step in AWHC's broader conservation goals. Through collaboration with the BLM and local ranching permittee, AWHC has expanded its fertility control program to this herd to ensure the well-being and sustainability of these cherished wild horses.
Through Tandin’s lens, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance between nature, conservation efforts, and the captivating stories that unfold in the heart of the Cedar Mountains.