Travels with Tricia

Last Updated:

September 20, 2025

The “Laughing” Wild Horse in Nevada

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Tricia A. Mitchell

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.

Where in the World?

About the author

Hi! My name is Tricia Mitchell. I delight in telling stories about my slow travels through more than 65 countries. Some of my highlights have included sharing meals with locals in Armenia, Cambodia, and Tunisia; sipping sparkling wine with French cousins in Alsace; milking goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village; and training with a Japanese mine-clearance team in Laos. My husband, Shawn, and I are based in France’s Loire Valley.

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19 responses to “The “Laughing” Wild Horse in Nevada”

travelerlynne

August 25, 2012

I am LOL. You were at the right place at the right time and junior showed off.

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1. travelerlynne
  
  August 28, 2012
  
  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/
  
  Reply
  1. Tricia A. Mitchell
    
    August 28, 2012
    
    Lynne, I’m so very flattered – thank you for recognizing me! I’m off to check off your posting now.
2. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  August 28, 2012
  
  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.
  
  Reply
satnavandcider

August 25, 2012

Laughter is contagious. I couldn’t help myself. :D

Reply
1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  August 28, 2012
  
  And what a fitting smiley to accompany your comment, Sherryl!
  
  Reply
Anita Mac

August 25, 2012

I think he is showing off for the camera! Great shots.

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1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  August 28, 2012
  
  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. :)
  
  Reply
rigmover

August 26, 2012

Great post as normal, thanks Tricia.

Reply
1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  August 28, 2012
  
  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.
  
  Reply
marinachetner

August 27, 2012

well captured toothy smile!

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1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  August 28, 2012
  
  And do those horses ever need a good dentist! :)
  
  Reply
fotograffer

August 28, 2012

Mr. Ed reincarnated. Too young to remember? Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_PZPpWTRTU

Reply
1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  August 30, 2012
  
  :) How cute, Ron! I hadn’t heard this jingle in a while, so it brought quite a smile to my face today.
  
  Reply
Rachael

September 3, 2012

This is lovely. Horse riding was my sport growing up.

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1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  September 3, 2012
  
  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.
  
  Reply
Giovannoni Claudine

September 22, 2012

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

Reply
1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  September 26, 2012
  
  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!
  
  Reply
rochedmatondo

June 14, 2023

Thank you for sharing this captivating post about the “laughing” wild horse in Nevada. It’s truly fascinating to learn about the unique behaviors and characteristics of these majestic creatures that roam freely in their natural habitat.

The story you’ve shared about encountering a wild horse displaying a laughing expression is both enchanting and heartwarming. It serves as a reminder of the deep connection and shared experiences we can have with these incredible animals, even in their untamed state.

While wild horses embody a sense of freedom and resilience, it’s essential to consider their well-being and ensure their safety and comfort.

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The “Laughing” Wild Horse in Nevada

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19 responses to “The “Laughing” Wild Horse in Nevada”