Independence day and the interdependence of the herd, just how does the horse manage these areas of their lives together. With an Holiday weekend coming up you may be anticipating relaxing in a way that you might not otherwise get to choose. You might just find yourselves looking to connect with the herds of horses in your area. Maybe enjoy a great holiday horseback adventure.
Independence Day with the Horse Herd
It’s soothing to me to watch the independence of the horse while also enjoying the interdependence that they rely on for their survival, plus it looks like they enjoy it as well. From the time that they are born to the time and as they age they are taught to become more independent of certain behaviors. Survival of the fittest also plays a role in the wild and the weaker horses are left behind. I find it interesting to notice the way horses display their curiosity in the local pastures near Prescott where I can observe them regularly. The meandering around that looks like nothing much as they graze the grasses but it also can become some real clues to how they manage their survival and needs with one another to how they manage their independence of movement and desires and establish and maintain hierarchy in the herd. You can also tell quickly which prefer to be solo and which are buddies.
I plan to spend some time on this Independence Day holiday for Americans out watching my favorite animals enjoy their eating, playing and interacting. It feels so reassuring to me to see them interacting and moving about, each one knowing and understanding how the communication goes and either heading it or bucking it a bit. It soothes me and that is the feeling I desire on this wonderful holiday of summertime. I like grazing and meandering through the things that the summer brings along, too. I find the fireworks to be a wonderful display and the colors and scents of summer that greet me this season. All bring me into the feelings of my own independence and interdependence of being throughout my own day during the easy days of summertime. I am more willing to find myself outside enjoying the weather, and it feels like others around me tend to feel like the days are on the calendar to be enjoyed with plenty of food and walking in the sunshine. Happy Fourth of July everyone.
Jody Miller is a professional photographer specializing in Horse Photography, Equine Photography, and Equestrian photography. Her work can be viewed online here in her gallery section, and she is also featured at these Arizona Galleries: Van Gogh’s Ear Gallery on Whiskey Row in Prescott, AZ and Coops Coffee House at Talking Rock Ranch. Arizona Downs OTB Room offers few of my Canvas work and several images are also available at The Phippen Western Art Museum