Chasing Wild Thunder: A Day with the Onaqui Mustangs
Onaqui wild Horses Rushing Past Us
My trip to Tooele, Utah was meant to be a photographic adventure, but it turned out to be something much more profound. I had long dreamed of photographing the Onaqui wild horses, a free-roaming herd with a mystique that has captured the hearts of wild horse advocates and photographers alike. With the guidance of Jen Rogers from Wild Horse Photo Safaris, that dream became a reality. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would affect me.
We met before sunrise, at 6:00AM sharp, and headed out to the Herd Management Area (HMA), scanning the desert landscape for movement. Not long after, we found them, majestic figures silhouetted against the morning light near a water source. The hours that followed slipped by in a blur of dust, hoofbeats, and shutter clicks. Every moment felt like a gift: wild stallions posturing, mares nuzzling foals, the occasional flash of curiosity when one or two approached just close enough to steal our breath away.
These horses were everything I hoped to witness, graceful, powerful, untamed. And yet, the joy of photographing them was tinged with a quiet sadness. It’s hard to reconcile the beauty and freedom they embody with the reality of their uncertain future, caught between BLM roundups, fertility control programs, and political debate.
Onaqui horses heading for water at the days end
Aside from a brief midday break to recharge batteries and back up memory cards, we spent the entire day in their company. The sun bore down with surprising intensity for April, and we reminded ourselves often to hydrate, though nothing could dampen the energy of witnessing wildness in its purest form.
As evening approached, the light softened into that golden hue photographers live for. We began searching for pathways that led to the water, hoping to anticipate where the herd might travel next. We positioned ourselves parallel to a well-worn trail, watching and waiting in reverent silence.
Then it happened.
The lead mares shifted direction and began pulling the herd toward the water, straight toward us. What started as a quiet approach turned into a thunderous charge, hooves pounding like war drums against the desert floor. In a split second, awe turned to adrenaline. The horses had deviated from the path and were coming at full speed directly toward us.
Anyone familiar with horses knows that they can navigate obstacles mid-stride, and that staying still is often safer than running. So we stood our ground, heart racing, breath held—as the herd split and rushed past us. Manes flew like banners in the wind, and the earth itself seemed to shake. It was terror and exhilaration rolled into one unforgettable, sacred moment.
Onaqui Wild Horses heading for evening water
For a second, I almost forgot to take the photo. Almost. Jen's voice rang out, "Don't stop taking pictures!" And so I lifted my camera, hands steadying despite the thunder around me, and captured the unfiltered essence of freedom as it galloped by.
That day left an imprint on me that I’ll carry forever. It deepened my respect for these incredible creatures and strengthened my belief that their future deserves more than quiet acceptance, it deserves our voice, our protection, and our awe.
Onaqui Wild Horses Heading For Water
To stand in the path of the wild, not in conquest, but in reverence, is to understand just how much we have to lose. To view more photos from this series see: https://www.kimberlychavezportfolios.com/work/onaqui-wild-horses
Curious what’s in my camera bag for this shoot?
What’s In My Bag: The Gear Behind the Images
Photographing the Onaqui wild mustangs requires more than just patience and timing, the right gear makes all the difference when you're miles off the beaten path, chasing light and motion in open country.
Here’s what I packed for this shoot (including affiliate links. Your purchase through my affiliate links makes the next shoot possible):
Canon R5 (Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3H8zNhm)
With its lightning-fast autofocus, incredible detail, and silent shutter, the R5 let me stay present in the moment without disturbing the herd. It handled everything from galloping action to quiet portraits in golden hour.
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM (Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4kYOilF)
This lens was essential. Light enough to hike with, but powerful enough to give me the reach I needed to shoot from a respectful distance. Whether the mustangs were thundering across the flats or pausing to drink, this lens kept up.
Peter McKinnon Nomatic 35L Backpack (Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/45qeAsy)
Built for creators on the move, this backpack kept my gear protected and organized as I hiked through dust, brush, and uneven terrain. It’s the kind of gear you forget about — until you realize how much it’s helping you stay focused on the shot.
This setup allowed me to move freely, react quickly, and stay immersed in the wild experience, exactly what I needed to tell this story through my lens. If you're curious about any of the gear I used, I’ve included affiliate links, at no extra cost to you, they help support my photography and future adventures.