Wild horses on the Maricopa Dessert in Arizonia. Photo by Dan Harrod.

I was with my life-long, boyhood friend John Hancock (we grew up in Eureka, were Eagle Scouts and we played high school football for legendary coach Mac McCollum). We were driving a Polaris in the Maricopa Desert looking for wild horses.

We spotted these two when they were about 100 yards ahead. We stopped the vehicle, and I got out and began slowly walking toward them with my hands outstretched, talking in low tones, and yes, even singing “Home On The Range” to them! Of course, my good friend was encouraging me to keep getting closer as he sat in the safety of the Polaris.

It took about 25 minutes to make my approach, taking pictures every few steps. When I was within about 15 yards, they slowly sauntered away.

They were beautiful animals and it was a great experience in the wide open desert near Maricopa AZ.