SOUTH AFRICA
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Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa 2004

Wild Horses in South Africa

One day I headed out on foot into the Drakensberg Mountains for a day alone with nature.  As I made my way up and over the foothills, 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 aflare, their ears soldiers at attention.  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, each side.  I sat motionless, eyes closed and listened to the sounds of the six towering wild horses that surrounded me;  brisk exhales and informative inhales pulling in answers to their questions.  Grunts, shuffles, a whinny, a neigh.  I never felt unsafe, but I did feel a tinge of insecurity at my position under their hooves.  When I suddenly made for my bag to pull my camera out, the horses became skittish, so I settled back to allow them a complete examination.  Once I felt that they were comfortable again, I went for the camera.  I slowly slid it out of my bag and chose to shoot from the hip in hopes of not spooking the horses more.  This is what I captured....