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Blog Entry 169 of 265 Average Joe. Not.
I was born, therefore I blog. I have a sense of the ridiculous and need an outlet for that. I can be serious too and love to write little stories about little known but important people and events. And I love wildlife and travel and will always try to share those experiences. I make things up (its called fiction) and am amused when readers are duped into believing they are true.

Imagine a place ...
Contributed by: Joe McDaniel   on 5/19/2007

Hot Springs, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is about a 7-hour drive from Parker. There are several well known tourist attractions in the area that come to mind, such as Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. But there is also a special place where over 500 wild horses make their home - The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. One of the greatest private wilderness areas in America is on our doorstep.

Founded in 1988 by Dayton O. Hyde,The Institute of Range and American Mustangs owns11,000 acres of private land here dedicated to range preservation, maintaining a balanced ecosystem, conducting research in managing wild horse herds, and saving and preserving our western heritage - America's Wild Mustangs. Information on this 501C3 non-profit corporation can be found on its website at www.wildmustangs.com.

Parker photographers Charles and Rita Summers have dedicated their time and talent over the years to help this unique place continue to operate and grow. Proceeds from their new coffee table book, authored by Dayton O. Hyde, and with amazing photography by the Summers go to support the sanctuary. Titled "All the Wild Horses," the book includes stories and insights on the natural history, behavior, spirit and survival of these animals. Charles and Ritas' photographs are taken around the world.

The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is a special destination for many photographers and local artists. Visitors typically spend the night in Hot Springs and depart before sunrise to the sanctuary, where they are taken in 10-seater vehicles into an area where 300 horses roam. Although 'wild', the horses have been habituated to vehicles and man and the opportunity for getting great photographs is unique. The 2 or 3-hour tour takes visitors right into the middle of the various herds. The terrain is a mixture of scenic grassland and rocky hills. Other tours during later daytime hours are also scheduled.

Local photographer Bruce Norman provided the photos here, taken ona visit to the sanctuary on May 2 & 3. He describes his experience; "There were a number of new born foals, from a couple of days to a few weeks old in among the mares. Most if not all of the horses were beautiful. I especially loved the paints and the paint mare/foals that we saw together. This was a wonderful experience and everyone was ready to come back in the fall to do it again!"

Support for the wild horse herds comes from revenues generated from visitors, gift shop, book and calendar sales, grants, donations, and foal sales from the herd horses. Bus tours are available all-year round but reservations are recommended from June 1 to August 31. The area also has 10,000 year old indian petroglyphs and ceremonial sites. This was the setting for the Disney film Hidalgo. Chuck wagon lunches are also available.

Information about "All the Wild Horses" by: Dayton O. Hyde, 10-3/4" X 12-1/4" coffee table book with photos by Rita and Charles Summers. 208 pages, can be found on the sanctuary website.

To contact Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary email iram@gwtc.net, or call 1-800-252-6652 to make a tour reservation.

"Imagine a place where as far as the eye can see, miles and miles to the horizon, you can view America as it was 300 years ago."


Thanks to Charlie Summers and Bruce Norman for information provided for this blog!



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Showing 1-6 of 6 comments
Submitted By: Nikki Britain
posted on 5/26/2007 @ 10:35:35 AM
Rated Blog Entry
Beautiful photos!! I love visiting the Black Hills and will add this to the list of 'places to see'. Thank you!
Submitted By: Tabitha Dial
posted on 5/25/2007 @ 9:49:40 AM
Rated Blog Entry
... did you happen to see Rocky Raccoon on your visit? ... outstanding blog. Those horses are amazing.
Submitted By: Gladys Mercier
posted on 5/24/2007 @ 11:49:33 PM
Rated Blog Entry
Really nice story and pictures Joe.
Submitted By: Barbara Neff
posted on 5/22/2007 @ 2:23:43 PM
Rated Blog Entry
Gorgeous photos, especially #1, Joe. Very interesting information about a worthy cause. Thanks for sharing.
Submitted By: Karin Malchow
posted on 5/21/2007 @ 7:41:01 AM
Rated Blog Entry
I agree with Ann. I've been to the Black Hills multiple times (as a kid and with my kids) and had no idea this place existed. Thanks.
Submitted By: Ann Himel
posted on 5/19/2007 @ 7:26:53 PM
Rated Blog Entry
Wow - incredible photos! How cool to have a new highlight to look forward to on a tried and true vacation spot. Thanks, Joe!
Showing 1-6 of 6 comments
CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Joe McDaniel

Parker , CO

Joe McDaniel has posted 265 blog entries and 376 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. Joe McDaniel's average blog rating is 4.94.
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