This image of Hollywood is actually from a couple of weeks ago, from an absolutely gorgeous day and evening in Spring Creek Basin. I was with the band a couple of also-gorgeous evenings ago, but I didn’t catch anything nearly as dramatic. It *did* remind me of this particular evening, and that I’d gotten sidetracked with more snow and other mustangs … and forgotten these of Hollywood – which did not (in my ever-so-humble opinion) deserve to be forgotten and not shared.
He was napping with his band (that’s the rump of one of his mares in front of him) and another band nearby, and the light from the setting sun was glowing on him in just the absolute perfect angle to light up that marvelous amber eye. I’ve always thought Hollywood has the most beautiful eyes. Sure, sure, you can say that about any/all horses (animals) … but really. 🙂 His see into MY soul, and I hope it reflects love. (I’m pretty sure his reflect something along the lines of “you again?” though, of course, I determine to see the wildness and purity of his glorious soul within. :))
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
Think of all the wisdom he has. That eye sees the beauty of nature and everything that goes with being a wild mustang. Perfect wisdom
If humans had a fraction of the wisdom of the wild ones, we would be a wise race indeed.
What a wonderful photo, TJ. Hollywood is so striking in all of his “redness” right down to the smallest detail, including those pretty, coppery eyes.
He’s a spectacular creature for sure. 🙂
Gorgeous! We can never have too many photos of Hollywood. So easy on the eye!
I’ll agree with you on all points! 🙂
He is a real star! Better than some of the humans!
Oh my goodness – SO true. 🙂
Oh yes, the eyes, the soul ❤️
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I love everything about this. In my opinion, horses see everything. It takes dogs a little longer since they are burdened by hope.
I never thought of it like that before. Wild horses definitely see all of you!
It’s necessary for them to see everything, I think. After all, they’re meat. A couple of the domestic horses in my life saw me completely within minutes. They defined our relationship.
That dogs are “burdened by hope,” I meant. 🙂 Though all my animals have given ME hope and made my life infinitely better. Wild horses are just *more* … I’ve never been able to define it. And maybe that’s “definition” enough. 🙂
In the last two weeks since I’ve been sick I’ve had time for (fevered?) introspection and I realized the best thing I have done with my life is provide a home for 27 dogs and the best thing they did in their lives was make my house a home, but dogs YEARN. It made me think of a predator’s life. I watch them whenever I can out there in the real world and they do not always — or maybe even often — succeed. The prey animals out there? They seem to have one main job that seems to define all the other jobs. Don’t get eaten; strategize everything so you are less vulnerable. I felt so bad when a small herd of deer decided I was OK because I am absolutely NOT OK. I wanted to be, but I’m an apex predator and they are meat. I hope someday I come out west and see your horses. I’ve finally surrendered and I’m painting one.
I know what you mean about the deer. They come around my house, as a safe place, and I speak softly to them, even as I’m glad they’re wary. When I see a coyote streak across the road out here, I yell to hurry her/him on – because they get shot at (illegal as it is from the road). … I’ll be glad to see your painting when you’ve finished it! 🙂
I’ll let you know when the painting is finished! 🙂
Can’t wait to see it!
Love the amber spark in the corner of his eye.
Clarity. 🙂
Beautiful sunlight on his mane!
Yes, that, too. 🙂
Good day for you!
Yes, it was. 🙂 They almost always are. 🙂