~ Wild Horses in South Africa ~

One day I headed out on foot into the Drakensburg Mountains for a day alone with nature. As I made my way up and over, and twice there and again, I turned to admire the horizon to the west and noticed a group of wild horses standing at attention along the second ridge down. The sheer distance and wind direction prevented me from hearing their conversation but they seemed to be mulling over the new development of my presence. Their nostils and manes were aflare. I decided to have a seat on the gentle slope of the mountain and watch the show, nature’s own, to see how things might progress. In time, the group made their way to my side, on each side. I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of the six towering wild horses that surrounded me; brisk exhales and informative inhales pulling in as much information they could stand, and more. Grunts, shuffles, a whinny, a neigh, a snort. I never felt unsafe, but I did feel a tinge of insecurity at my position under their hooves. I slowly made for my bag to pull my camera out, but the horses became skitish, so I settled back to allow them a complete examination. Once I felt that they were comfortable with my presence, I went for the camera. As I slowly slid it out of my bag, I chose to shoot from the hip in hopes of not spooking the horses more. This is what I captured....