Whenever anything is debated, both sides tend to get “ugly.” Each passionate about their beliefs, they focus on negativity to try and win the battle. This is definitely the case with what should be done with America’s Wild Horses. The conversations, images, and videos are all very dark.
The three photographers of Strong Women, Wild Horses wanted to change that approach. Kimerlee Curyl, Elissa Kline, and Laura Leigh wanted to convince people that wild horses should be free without showing the imagery of round-ups gone wrong, depressing holding pens, and slaughter houses. Instead, they focus on the “light”: images of the beautiful horses in their natural habitat.
Image Source: Screen Shot via Strong Women, Wild Horses on YouTube
“I knew from the beginning I didn’t want to be the one to show the dark side of it,” Kimerlee Curyl, one of the photographers says in their documentary. “I wanted to show the beauty because I feel beauty will inspire change.”
Image Source: Screen Shot via Strong Women, Wild Horses on YouTube
So they spend hours and hours in the Great Basin, photographing the wild horses. Their images are captivating.
Image Source: Screen Shot via Strong Women, Wild Horses on YouTube
“They emulate so much, I just hope that’s what I can capture when I am with them,” says Curyl.
Image Source: Screen Shot via Strong Women, Wild Horses on YouTube
Even more amazing is how some of the horses come up to them, even allowing the photographers to touch them. The women are clearly trusted, having spent so much time capturing these majestic creatures on camera.
Image Source: Screen Shot via Strong Women, Wild Horses on YouTube
“I want people to be inspired to care,” she adds. “To make a difference, to change. To know that this is happening to them.”
Watch the short documentary in its entirety below:
These woman have a true gift for capturing the beauty of these horses, their imagery is stunning. And, as they hoped, they are definitely inspiring. As Kline says at the end, “the most beautiful thing is just seeing them wild.”
