I’m usually at the Salt River early in the morning looking for native wildlife rather than horses.
In fact, I often avoid them because they attract so much attention. Many visitors seem to have eyes only for the horses and completely overlook everything else the river and the area in general have to offer.
Today was one of those mornings when the horses found me instead, despite the crowds and commotion.
Several bands, probably close to 50 horses altogether, were spread throughout the river. With the water level low, they splashed through the shallows, chased each other, and occasionally settled a few disputes. Quite a few carried fresh scuffs and bite marks, evidence that life in the herd isn’t always peaceful. But these guys are tough.
What amazes me every time is how effortlessly they race across a riverbed covered with rocks and boulders. Watching them charge through the water at full speed, you’d think they were running on soft sand.
I couldn’t resist taking a few photos before turning my attention back to the native wildlife that calls the Salt River home.
