Wild n' Free

“Wild n’ Free”

In western Alberta we have various small herds of wild horses that freely roam the foothills of the Canadian Rockies that we call “Wildies.” Some originated from “The Depression” of the 1930’s when the work horses were turned lose after the coal mines and logging camps were shut down in the west country. Over the years, escaped or illegally abandoned horses have been added to the numbers, creating the multiple breeds found in the herds today. Their life is not an easy one as they face the frigid temperatures and snowfall of the Alberta winters while in search of grass to eat. Meanwhile they’re always fighting off predators such as mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, and bears who often follow the herds looking to prey on the sick or newborn foals.  Their resilience and beauty never ceases to amaze me as they strive to live wild and free.

- Stan Masters

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