I grew up in a part of the United States that’s very different from the high desert of Nevada. As a result, it’s been a joy to get to know the flora and the fauna unique to the rugged American West.
From geckos, coyotes, and snakes, to sagebrush, tumbleweed and saffron-colored rabbit brush, I’ve emitted many squeals of delight these past months while touring the region. It’s been the herds of wild horses that have most effectively captured my attention though.
In this photo series, a young colt tries his best to appear poised and proper, but soon, he erupts into what looks like mischievous laughter. In classic form, the elder horse remains stoic, unaware of what the junior horse is doing behind his back.
Tricia A. Mitchell is a freelance writer and photographer. Born in Europe but raised in the United States, she has lived in Valletta, Malta; Heidelberg, Germany; and Split, Croatia. An avid globetrotter who has visited more than 65 countries, she has a penchant for off-season travel. Tricia has learned that travel’s greatest gift is not sightseeing, rather it is the interactions with people. Some of her most memorable experiences have been sharing a bottle of champagne with distant French cousins in Lorraine, learning how to milk goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village, and ringing in the Vietnamese New Year with a Hanoi family. She welcomes any opportunity to practice French and German, and she loves delving into a place’s history and artisanal food scene.
A former education administrator and training specialist, Tricia has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in international relations. She and her husband, Shawn, married in the ruins of a snowy German castle. They’ve been known to escape winter by basing themselves in coastal Croatia or Southeast Asia.
Her writing has appeared in Fodor’s Travel, Frommer’s, and International Living.
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18 thoughts on “The “Laughing” Wild Horse in Nevada”
I am LOL. You were at the right place at the right time and junior showed off.
Lynne, I’m so very flattered – thank you for recognizing me! I’m off to check off your posting now.
Indeed! It was fun observing how curious the horses seemed to be about us too. As long as we kept just a bit of distance, they seemed to go about their business.
Anita, I thought it was funny to read that horses might make this face when they are trying to interpret pheromone scents. Interesting! It really made us laugh to see this in person. :)
My pleasure, Mark! I guarantee that I’ll be sharing more posts with a wild horse theme in the coming weeks. It’s so fun to see them regularly in this part of the U.S.
How special, Rachael! What type of lessons did you take? My childhood interactions with horses were limited to summer camp, for the most part. I still remember the beautiful horse I once rode, named Morocco. He had beautiful, auburn hair. It’s such a joy to see these horses in the wild here.
Lovely horse’s pictures, Triscia! Yes, I myself was enchanded when (about 30 years ago) I spent 9 months in Wyoming… the real rought west! Around Casper was desertic (or almost) areas where some ranges had horses and cows… but near the border to Montana or in direction of the Black Hills, there you could find some wild horse roaming around… These are beautiful memories which always stay in my heart. Now, especially my two kids, spend all the free time with horser (or doing music)… Now I’m following your blog :-) you present really good pictures full with the emotionality of your feelings.
Have a lovely day :-)claudine
Claudine, ‘mille grazie’ for sharing tales of your time in the wild west and for leaving such a kind compliment! I was also in the same area (Black Hills, etc.) when I was a young girl, but I don’t remember being lucky enough to see the wild horses there, as you did. I do, however, remember the charming prairie dogs!
Thank you so much for the follow and for taking the time to share your kind compliments. I shall look forward to tracking your adventures as well, and am quite happy that our paths have crossed.
Travels With Tricia 
I am LOL. You were at the right place at the right time and junior showed off.
Hello Tricia. I love your blog and nominated it for the One Lovely Blog Award. You can see your nomination here: http://onthegowithlynne.wordpress.com/2012/08/27/one-lovely-blog-award/
Lynne, I’m so very flattered – thank you for recognizing me! I’m off to check off your posting now.
Indeed! It was fun observing how curious the horses seemed to be about us too. As long as we kept just a bit of distance, they seemed to go about their business.
Laughter is contagious. I couldn’t help myself. :D
And what a fitting smiley to accompany your comment, Sherryl!
I think he is showing off for the camera! Great shots.
Anita, I thought it was funny to read that horses might make this face when they are trying to interpret pheromone scents. Interesting! It really made us laugh to see this in person. :)
Great post as normal, thanks Tricia.
My pleasure, Mark! I guarantee that I’ll be sharing more posts with a wild horse theme in the coming weeks. It’s so fun to see them regularly in this part of the U.S.
well captured toothy smile!
And do those horses ever need a good dentist! :)
Mr. Ed reincarnated. Too young to remember? Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_PZPpWTRTU
:) How cute, Ron! I hadn’t heard this jingle in a while, so it brought quite a smile to my face today.
This is lovely. Horse riding was my sport growing up.
How special, Rachael! What type of lessons did you take? My childhood interactions with horses were limited to summer camp, for the most part. I still remember the beautiful horse I once rode, named Morocco. He had beautiful, auburn hair. It’s such a joy to see these horses in the wild here.
Lovely horse’s pictures, Triscia! Yes, I myself was enchanded when (about 30 years ago) I spent 9 months in Wyoming… the real rought west! Around Casper was desertic (or almost) areas where some ranges had horses and cows… but near the border to Montana or in direction of the Black Hills, there you could find some wild horse roaming around… These are beautiful memories which always stay in my heart. Now, especially my two kids, spend all the free time with horser (or doing music)… Now I’m following your blog :-) you present really good pictures full with the emotionality of your feelings.
Have a lovely day :-)claudine
Claudine, ‘mille grazie’ for sharing tales of your time in the wild west and for leaving such a kind compliment! I was also in the same area (Black Hills, etc.) when I was a young girl, but I don’t remember being lucky enough to see the wild horses there, as you did. I do, however, remember the charming prairie dogs!
Thank you so much for the follow and for taking the time to share your kind compliments. I shall look forward to tracking your adventures as well, and am quite happy that our paths have crossed.
Until next time!