Curious wild horses in Reno

Yesterday we went to Reno to document wild horses not too far from town. On the eastern outskirts we found some bands.

After parking and getting out to take some photos we realized the wild horses “found us”.

I had just opened the trunk to get a camera out and was concerned the sound and shining metal trunk might spook them when it opened. I thought they might get frightened and run away but what happened was just the opposite.

The mustangs walked over to the trunk and started to peer inside and sniff around. The chestnut stallion on the far left realized there were granola bars inside my backpack.

I think they thought we were going to feed them treats. We didn’t so that. It’s not allowed for a good reason–to keep them wild.

This band was used to fans as you can see . . .

The “outskirts mustangs” are great ambassadors because they are so easily accessible.

In the wild, mustangs forage for all their food but if people feed them like petting zoo animals it ultimately puts them at risk.

I know it’s tempting to feed them a treat but it might make them sick or just turn them into a group of pushy horses if they smell any food.

Enjoy taking their photos and let them find their food as nature intended. It’s the best way we can show them we love them.

 

(Pictured Anne and Irma Novak with the mustangs. Photo © Cat Kindsfather, all rights reserved.)

 

3 thoughts on “Curious wild horses in Reno

  1. Good advice Anne, its best not to feed wild horses! It puts them at risk making them less independent as wild horses & more dependent or expecting of humans. Some people may not be tolerant of their friendly advances & it could cause them to be rounded up or hit by cars.

    Still, its a fun moment I captured. So nice to see you liked this one & used it here.
    Thanks for coming to Nevada for my birthday too. Wonderful finding the horses with you & Irma. ; )

  2. Do NOT feed the Wild Horses and Burros anywhere , anytime. You will be ruining their Wildness instincts, and putting them in great harm from people and traffic.

  3. What a lovely scene, and a good reminder. Unfortunately you’re probably preaching to the choir. It would be sad to imagine them begging for people food the way the bears do …

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