Have you visited the wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Two wild horses playfully run past us on a warm summer afternoon at the Theodore Roosevelt National parkl

There are no horses like the wild horses of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Their ancestry is legendary (see more here).

Part of a band of wild horses at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park come down a dry dusty hill on a summer afternoon.

Horses everywhere are popular. Worldwide, from China to Scotland, from Louisiana to Montana, horses are eye-catching, admired and loved. This is different. These horses at the South Unit of TRNP garner not only the natural affections of viewers but to those in the know, they are extraordinarily respected. They are descendants of Sitting Bull’s personal horse herd, and some are marked as Medicine Hat Horses, the spiritual horses used by Sitting Bull. The black and white paint is a Medicine Hat horse. (Here’s how they’re linked to Sitting Bull)

A blue-eyed medicine hat horse of the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National park.

This summer gave us two unexpected encounters with the wild horses. Earlier in June, we were well-positioned for a parade around us, kicking up dust as they ran down the hill toward us. Playfully, they ran past us.

Two wild horses playfully run past us on a warm summer afternoon at the Theodore Roosevelt National park.

In September, a couple of the stallions gave us and other visitors an early day posing session. We recorded video and stills of the pair before they ambled off. Others who were driving the loop that morning stopped to photograph the pair. No one was in a hurry, so it was peaceful, pleasant and rewarding.

Two of the wild horses at the South Unit of TRNP are Roosevelt and Trooper.

Our tip:

The earlier in the morning you can drive the loop through the park, the better will be your opportunity to photograph one or more. The delicate warm light of the day illuminates the horses and you share the moment with fewer crowds when you are there early.

Experience the Badlands! Bring the Badlands Home when you shop at www.mykuhlsphotography.com

Mike Kopp

Love to tell stories -- romantic, nostalgic stories of our explorations in the Northern Plains. 15 years a television reporter/anchor, 12 years radio news director, 3 years newspaper editor, 6 years documentary producer -- a lifetime of communication.