"The Salt River wild horses are the historic and majestic creatures roaming the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. They are the pride of the community, a favorite subject of photographers and the icon of the wild, free spirit of Arizona and the American West.
These wild horses were brought into the limelight during an epic battle for their protection; the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group together with the public gave them a voice. The group worked with Congress toward positive solutions with Federal and State governments. The Salt River wild horses are protected pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 3-1491 (aka the Salt River Horse Act). The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group is now under contract with the AZ Department of Agriculture (AZDA) to manage this herd humanely. This partnership between the Federal Government, the State Government and a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) is a one of its kind and our groundbreaking program is finding the balance between it all.
So close to being gone forever, the Salt River wild horses now roam peacefully along the banks of the lower Salt River, enjoyed by the thousands of visitors to the Tonto National Forest."
I photographed the herd along the Bush Highway by Saguaro Lake. I am always excited to see them grazing.
