Wild horses of Assateague

Get ready for quite a few horse posts! I’m recently back from my very first trip to Assateague to photograph the wild horses there with the amazing Kate from Torva Terra. Whether these horses are, as local legend says, survivors of a 17th century shipwreck off the Virginia coast or descendants of herds brought to the area around the same time by mainland owners trying to avoid livestock taxation and fencing laws, we will never know for sure. But, regardless of how they got there, they are a joy to visit.

The first shot I’m sharing is one of my most favourites. In the summer the horses are driven to distraction by the biting flies which are a constant unwelcome presence. The salt water helps soothe the itching as well as cooling the horses down on the hot summer days. Usually, the horses won't linger in the water too long and often don’t venture out very deep. This time, however, they treated us to quite a show.

This mare in particular went so deep she was practically swimming. The waves crashed over her time and again - which was great for me as it allowed me to capture this shot!

The more I spoke to other people, the more I realised how unusual it was for the horses to go in so deep and for so long. It really was a very special moment to witness.