I took my new 7dmarkII out for its second test run Saturday and got lucky with some action at the water hole. In spite of the wet, cold, weather we have been having, the wild horses are still frequenting the pond. It started out boring with just one lonely bachelor hanging around but soon got very interesting. This young stallion had decided he was ready to take on the big boys and he challenged each stallion who showed up escorting his mares to drink.
Some of the skirmishes were short and it didn’t seem as if the older horses were taking the challenger too seriously. One stallion was not in the mood for the young bachelor and they had several encounters that were interesting to watch.
Most of these fights take a predictable path. The herd stallion runs out to meet the threat, any sexually mature male, they usually sniff noses followed by squealing or roaring and some hoof play and or nipping. Often that’s it and the bachelor runs off; end of drama.
The challenger, I will call White Socks as he has four white socks, was not running off. He was particularly vexing for this bay stallion who was not amused at his nonsense. They mixed it up several times without anyone getting hurt and no lost mares for the Bay.
The bay displayed most of the classic herd stallion behaviors. He moved his mares off and then turned to meet White Socks. In the photo with his head down he is “snaking” the mares out of the way.
Not all the pictures are in good focus. I need to work on that. Still getting to know the camera. The 7dII by the way is able to handle all the fast action without pausing. I will have to watch that. The editing was a real chore. 😉
Northern Desert Photography 
Oh WOW!!!!
Thanks for stopping Cindy. Yes, it was fun.
absolutely beautiful!!!
Thanks Sally. 🙂 Nice to have you drop in!
You’ve been posting some really great photos lately, but I didn’t figure out how to read what you typed, like a post, or leave a comment until this one. I get the text that you’ve written in the email notification, but when I click on the links, all I see is the slide show. I found out I need to click the blog link a the top of the page to read what you’ve written.
I have trouble figuring out some of this stuff too. Glad you got it sorted and that I am not the only one. 😉 . Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Thanks quietsolopursuits…I was trying to figure that out too.
Great photos!! I especially like the ones of the horses rearing!
Thanks! Those are my favorites too. Love the drama. 🙂
Yes, the editing is the real chore. That’s what most people who are casual photographers don’t get about why they have to pay for really good professional photos. Taking the photos can be fairly quick and easy, depending on the subject of course. But editing 1000 photos of the same subject to get the absolute best one is what consumes almost all of the photographer’s time. And that’s the part that nobody except the photographer ever sees!
Agreed. I used to do event photography, barrel racing and rodeo. The editing was a monster. Just this little wild horse shoot generated 800 photos. Maybe one or two are keepers. It is big job just hitting delete. 😉
WOW! What a great experience; how I would have loved to be standing beside you. Beautiful photos!
Thank you Cynthia. Would love to share the experience with you. 🙂
I wish I was in the background watching the drama of the horses. Just magnicent shots!
I wish you were too! That would be fun. Thanks for visiting and commenting. 🙂
Great!
Thank you. 🙂
Totally awesome!
Thanks! 🙂
A beautiful series of action shots- a great experience to witness. I love the flying manes and tails, as well as the kicking up of the dust! Great entry ❤
Thank you for stopping in, commenting and saying such nice things. Yes it was fun to watch. 🙂
What a great series of pics. I love ‘seeing’ how the battle played out.
Thanks Tom. These are always fun and exciting to watch. Usually no one is hurt. Lots of bluffing and noise. 🙂
The photos are amazing. Watching the horses make you feel and understand the need for freedom and open range.
Very nice series and story – didn’t take you long to adjust to the new system! Observing and photographing wild horses must be a thrilling experience, with lots of possibilities. I’ve dabbled in horse photography, but never in a situation like you describe (draft horses in the college equine program, draft horses on an Amish logging operation, the Assateague Island ponies, etc. ). Hope you continue to post on the subject through the seasons.
Thanks Nick, I will. The horses are always a good go to for me. This is not the best time of the year for them. Got lucky with the fighting. It is usually a spring time activity for them.
Alison, your horse photos never fail to amaze me. Such beautiful animals. I’m glad you are enjoying your Mark II. I am having a blast with mine. 🙂
Thanks Bob, I am enjoying it. Thanks for stopping in and looking at my horse photos. I appreciate it. 🙂
Beautiful work ~ absolutely great, majestic shots.
Thank you so much! 🙂
It’s so cool that you got all of this on film! Great pictures! #1 is my absolute favorite.
Thanks so much for the kind comments. and for the visit. 🙂
I wanted to let you know I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. I hope that the new year has treated you well thus far.
https://ekpreston.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/well-would-you-look-at-that-one-lovely-blog-nomination/
Thank you!
You’re welcome! 🙂
I so agree with Cindy, wow. Wow, and double wow. To be there when something like happens, fantastic. Could you tell who was the challenger? Both beautiful animals. Thanks – makes me long for the great outdoors.
Thanks archeoteck! The challenger has four white stockings and the herd stallion has two stockings back legs. It is a great experience to see this type of interaction in the wild. Thanks for stopping in. 🙂
ohhh, I’d hate to get sandwiched in between those two. They look like they mean business. 🙂 Fantastic shots.
Your work is wonderful! If it makes sense-it is exciting and soothing
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gordon-Hays-Artwork/380616048717195
Thank you so much. That is a wonderful description I will strive to live up to. 🙂