Now Booking- 'Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself' Alberta Equine Wilderness Retreat 2025

Thrilled to announce that bookings are now open for our 2025 ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ Retreat in Alberta Canada!

Hosted by yours truly and equine-assisted facilitator Debbie Draves-Legg, this retreat takes place in Alberta wild horse country! Join me to experience (and photograph) the stunning wild horses of Alberta, and enjoy transformative sessions with Debbie Draves-Legg, partnering with the lodge’s domestic horses. This retreat supports the wonderful work of ‘Help Alberta Wildies Society, dedicated to the protection of the magnificent wild horses in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Kindred spirits join each year in a stunning wilderness landscape, with horses as our teachers. ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ feeds your soul and leads to lifelong friendships. There are two sessions, April 28th-May4th 2025 and May 5-May 11th 2025. Limited to 10 guests per session. To book your spot, please click here.

Some testimonials:

“If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime then this is for you.

 I am not sure what I expected. I certainly traveled a long way for the adventure, and from the moment I joined the group of like-minded individuals, it was supportive yet challenging. 

My anticipation before going was focused mainly on seeing the wild

horses of Alberta in the landscape, having the ability to breathe in that awe-inspiring wilderness they accommodate.

In addition to the time spent with the wild horses in the backcountry, the time spent exploring our wilderness within using equine-assisted learning rocked my soul. I discovered the profound realities of my being and learned how my ego needed to listen to my soul more. I am still working on that. The exposure of being with the wild horses enabled me to engage in self-awareness, consider the interconnectedness of myself, the group, and the wild horses, and strive for natural balance.

Around the enormity of the experience, the accommodation, food, and environment. Debbie and Sandy provided comfort and sustenance in abundance. Enjoy.”

Lynn Prendergast '24 

United Kingdom

Wonderful guests at ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ Alberta equine wilderness retreat 2024

“A bucket list experience! We photographed one of the world’s most beautiful animals, the wild horse, with master photographer, Sandy Sharkey.

 We connected with the gentle giants at the Lodge at Panther River with equine therapy guru, Deborah Draves-Legg. 

We shared experiences and laughs with new friends from around the world in one of the most spectacular mountain settings of the Alberta Rocky Mountains.”

I loved this retreat so much that I came back a second time!
Carol Byler, Cochrane, Alberta '24

Experiencing the wild horses of Alberta at ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ 2024

A pair of bonded wild horses (photographed with long lens) in the Alberta wilderness

“My time with Eponicity was incredible. The experience of allowing a horse to share his soul and to show me what I needed was one of the most profound moments of my life. Deborah's wisdom and experience provided the space and support to allow that horse-human bond to speak for itself. I cannot thank her enough. 

Spending a week with Sandy Sharkey was an incredible privilege. Sandy is a world-class photographer who gave us a real insight into her huge knowledge and compassion for the struggles facing the wild horses of Alberta. It was so humbling to witness her commitment and dedication to saving these beautiful wildies and protecting their right to be free to live in their wild spaces without fear or disturbance from human activities. 

Both Deborah and Sandy worked incredibly hard sharing their love and respect for horses. They gave us unlimited access to their knowledge and experience They never stopped giving! They were always helping, teaching, and supporting us. I cannot thank them enough. 

The interactions and insights I discovered by being with horses were made all the more exciting and memorable because of the group of people around me. I spent time with the most fantastic women! We shared, we laughed, we cried and we supported each other throughout the process of digging deep into our lives and facing the challenges. I have made friends for life. 

The Lodge at Panther River was the perfect place for this retreat. It was in beautiful surroundings and hosted by the most generous and hard-working people. Jessica and her team made sure we wanted for nothing. The food was beautiful and delicious. We all asked for the recipes. Even my need for several mugs of tea every day was greeted with kindness and humor.....and several mugs of tea!

The retreat with Eponicity was life-changing because of the access we had to the way of the horse, the laughter we shared, and the opportunity we shall continue to share in supporting the wild horses and their environment. 

A retreat with Eponicity is magical. I went halfway around the world to take part and came home with more than I ever expected. 

Huge hugs and thanks for your incredible hard work.”

‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ guest Rachel Marramo , U.K.

‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself 2024 guests with Darrell, Barb and Carmela of ‘Help Alberta Wildies Society’, and rescued Alberta wild horses Dusk and Cheyenne

Mel Rowe, advocate for Australian brumbies and founder of Australian Brumby , at ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself 2024 in Alberta :

“Through my passion for horses and being a voice for our wild horses I recently travelled to Alberta Canada to attend a retreat: ‘finding wild horses finding yourself’.

It was a perfect blend of Photographing wild horses with Sandy Sharkey and equine facilitated learning with Deborah Draves Legg in the stunning Clearwater region.

To express in words, my experience - Life changing… I have a better understanding about my relationship with my horses and the life of wild horses.

I could not recommend the retreat highly enough.”

“When looking for a way to celebrate my retirement from a long real estate career, I happened upon the most perfect of adventures.  

Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself was a way to do something solely for myself and learn about photographing beautiful Canadian Wildies, and be the student in Equine Facilitated Learning, something I am certified in.  

The combination was wonderful, and meeting wonderful women from all over was perfect. The lodge, food, surroundings…. laughter and tears….., and the northern lights….. each day packed with the most fun kind of learning. 

Sandy and Deb provided individual inspiration for each of us, and the combination of being with domesticated horses and wild ones was simply amazing.  I feel I have made new friends and memories that I will cherish forever.

Already looking forward to another opportunity to do this again!  
Susan Allan - '24

Willaway Farm Inc., Ontario, CA

A stunning wild Alberta stallion!

Canadian Geographic and the Wild Horses of Alberta

I can finally share my news!

I'm greatly honored to have an Alberta wild horse image gracing the cover of the latest issue of Canadian Geographic .

Almost a year ago, Canadian Geographic offered me a photographic assignment for a story about Alberta wild horses.

The story would be written by journalist Monica Kidd. I had no input into the story itself- I was tasked with providing just the imagery.

But I knew that my good friend Darrell Glover had spent a day with the writer, taking her into the back country to experience the wild horses firsthand. Darrell is the founder of the wonderful organization Help Alberta Wildies Society. As a result, he figures prominently in the article with fact-based defenses of the horses.

There's also beautiful insight from Corleigh Powderface, a forensic anthropologist and Indigenous traditional historian. Her story about the importance of these sacred spirit horses to the Nakoda people brought tears to my eyes.

The future for Alberta wild horses is uncertain; in the interests of balanced journalism, the opinions of wild horse detractors are included in the article. Wild horse advocates are bracing for negative actions that might result from the Alberta government's new 'management framework', created under pressure from public lands ranchers.

For that reason, the timing of this cover story is excellent. Awareness is key to the future for Alberta's historic wild horses and their right to exist in the wilderness as they have for hundreds of years. Much gratitude to Canadian Geographic.

The wild stallion featured on the cover had just battled two other stallions who were vying for his mares. He struck this victorious pose and I was fortunate to capture the moment.

Wild stallions will fight for what's important. It's my hope that we do the same, and add our voices to the protection of these magnificent animals.

This issue of Canadian Geographic is now available on newsstands.

I hope you can pick up a copy!

Thanks everyone!

The Story of Elvis and the Man Who Tried to Save Him

Elvis the charismatic wild stallion was healthy and happy and beautiful when I saw him two weeks ago, on the morning of June 22, 2024 in Conant Creek Wyoming, where he was born, and where he lived his entire life.

It was a gorgeous day. Across the expanse of the high desert, the sun kissed the range, and it was bursting with colors of sage and blooming pink cactus.

This was my third summer traveling to Wyoming to see the wild horses. The North Lander Complex, which includes the wild horse area of Conant Creek, is the stomping grounds for Jim Brown. A man who grew up with the wild horses, knew their stories, and named some of them. I never asked Jim why he only named a handful of the horses, but I believed that if a wild horse was named by Jim, there had to be a good reason for it.

My first trip to this area was in June 2022. I arrived late in Casper Wyoming, setting my alarm clock for 3 am to meet Jim for the first time. Jim's emailed directions were probably excellent, but he was sending me to the middle of nowhere, and there was a high probability that I would get lost. Which I did.

After three hours of driving through darkness and hoping the next dirt road was the right dirt road, I finally spotted Jim standing next to his truck. He was surprised to see me, because apparently I was on a road that no one ever used, from an opposite direction that was never part of Jim's detailed email.

In April 2022, photographer/advocate Jim Brown gave an impassioned speech at the ‘Save Our Wild Horses’ conference in Washington DC. The wild horses of Wyoming's North Lander area were being targeted for removal by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Jim needed help to save them. Traveling from his small town roots in Riverton Wyoming, to Washington DC, Jim's emotional plea for the wild horses left the conference guests in tears.

I needed to meet Jim, and I needed to see the beloved wild horses of Wyoming's high desert. They are wild horses owned by no one, yet due to their existence on public lands, they are also owned by everyone. Every man, woman and child in America. I was thrilled to successfully (and accidentally) find Jim at sunrise, in the middle of nowhere, his dog Waylon in the back of his pickup truck, tail wagging excitedly in anticipation of adventure.

With my jar of peanut butter, loaf of bread, and camera gear, I jumped into Jim's truck and we traveled together. The dirt road cut through lush grasses with stunning views for miles. The road curved around a hill, and Jim quietly whispered, 'There they are'.

Elvis galloping to the waterhole

It was a peaceful, slow motion paradise. Wild mustang families were gathered around a waterhole, greeting the sunrise with meadowlarks and song sparrows. Leggy foals chased each other while mares touched noses, the wild horse version of morning coffee and chatter. Stallions strutted their stuff, proud of their foals, proud of their mares, prancing about to share their presence in the golden light.

Jim was proud, too, to show off the mustangs that he knew so well. I was deeply honored to hear their stories.

And that's when I first saw Elvis.

Elvis at dawn with his family

He was hidden from view when we arrived. But eventually, he appeared. A glorious dapple grey with a mane and tail that changed from hues of gold under the rising sun. His neck was thick and powerful, his body muscled, his gentle eyes peering out from behind a mess of untamed forelock.

Elvis was one hundred percent wild. He was born nestled in the sage and the grasses of the high desert. Mother nature developed his strength, personality, strong genes and leadership, to secure the next generation, and the generation after that.

Elvis was one of Jim's favorites. He was a ladies' man with the vibe of a rock star, and he was a loving father to his foals. For a wild stallion, Elvis had the one-two-three punch.

He was also one of the most beautiful wild horses I'd ever seen. In my mind, Elvis was not only an ambassador for the wild horses of Conant Creek, he was an ambassador for all wild horses. Joining the ranks of Picasso of Sand Wash Basin, Old Man of Onaqui, Thor of McCullough Peaks, and other iconic mustangs that have held space for the wild horses and wildlife of public lands.

Elvis the Rock Star

The BLM's threats of a North Lander Complex roundup, including Conant Creek, were getting more severe. In June 2023, I returned to Conant Creek and joined Jim to drive the dirt roads once again. This time, Jim's stories and fears about the wild horses' future took on a heightened sense of urgency. And while my heart filled with joy to see Elvis and his family again, darkness and uncertainty loomed. While the BLM had not confirmed a pending roundup, foreshadowing appeared while Jim and I watched the horses graze peacefully. A yellow plane flew overhead. Jim explained that they were riflemen with the Department of Agriculture, looking for predators to shoot on sight in deference to public lands ranchers.

After Jim headed home to Casper, I ventured alone with my peanut butter through Conant Creek and other areas of the North Lander Complex. On one particular day, I drove from dawn to dusk without seeing one wild horse. But there were hundreds, if not thousands, of privately owned cattle.

On Dec 8th 2023, the BLM casually released their wild horse and burro roundup schedule. Duties for BLM cowboys included the chasing, trapping, and permanent removal of over 2700 wild mustangs from Wyoming's North Lander Complex beginning July 1st, 2024. Jim Brown spent the next six months writing letters, making phone calls, engaging social media followers, appearing on webinars, working with advocate groups. He did everything humanly possible to stop the roundups. And despite the dedicated team behind Jim , it wasn't enough.

Jim Brown and his dog Waylon

I traveled to Conant Creek two weeks ago with my husband Rob. It was 10 days before the start of the BLM roundup. Jim helped us find the horses and I was glad to see him, but I was lost for words. I wanted to apologize. Collectively, we had failed the wild horses of Conant Creek. But we had also failed Jim Brown. Behind a warm smile was a man with a broken heart.

Jim drove away, leaving a trail of dust that we could see for miles. Having yet to see Elvis, Rob and I waited quietly in our truck. Elvis finally came into view. He was healthy and happy and beautiful, and June 22nd was a gorgeous day. Surrounded by his family, and joined by other wild horse families, Elvis' mane was kissed by the sun and sporting two long braids, fashioned by the winds of Wyoming.

This is how I will always remember Elvis.

My final photo of Elvis. Following a BLM helicopter chase, Elvis was trapped and removed from Conant Creek around 10am July 3rd, 2024. He will never see his family, or freedom, again.

Last week, the BLM removed Elvis, his family and every single wild horse from Conant Creek Wyoming.

There are two things we can do for Elvis, all the wild horses on public lands in the west, for Jim Brown, and for everyone who fights to keep them running free.

1. Help to spread the awareness well beyond western states. Spread awareness to Americans across the country. Each American citizen- from California to Maine- has birthright ownership of public lands and the wild horses that live on public lands in the American west.

2. Call your congressional Representative and both of your senators at 202-224-3121, or call their local offices. No matter where you live. Tell them you oppose the inhumane BLM wild horse roundups. Ask them to #haltthehelicopters until there is humane reform in the BLM's management of wild horses.

Thank you.

#ButImJustOnePersonSaid300MillionPeople

Elvis was the inspiration behind the campaign titled #ButImJustOnePersonSaid300MillionPeople

We all have a voice. Let’s use it to ensure that wild horses run free on public lands for generations to come.

(pictured, left: Cody Roberts, wolf killer , Wyoming. Right: captured wild horse in BLM holding facility, Wyoming)

“Of Wolves and Wild Horses”

In this post, I am drawing a direct line between the torture of a wolf in Wyoming, and the cruelty towards wild horses in Wyoming.

Actually, it’s not me who is drawing the direct line.  It’s the small percentage of emboldened ranchers, cowboys, and hunters that will destroy all predators that they deem as conflict to their ‘bottom line’, whether it be livestock grazing or trophy hunting.

On Feb 29th, Cody Roberts of Daniel Wyoming ran his snowmobile over a young female wolf, taped her mouth shut, then brought the dying animal to the town's Green River Bar, to be laughed at and taunted until he shot her to death outside.

Like the rest of the world, I was outraged.  But I wasn’t surprised at what happened next. 

Long before I met him, a friend of mine spent many years in ‘predator control’, working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services division in Wyoming.  Each day, he climbed into a bright yellow government plane and flew over rangeland, shooting all predators on sight.  Other lethal methods were used.  Wolves, coyotes and other wildlife continue to be shot, poisoned, trapped, and bombed with cyanide, in order to protect privately owned livestock or trophy game.  

The elimination of predators in Wyoming is driven by groups that profit from usage of public lands.  Just 1.1 percent of Wyoming’s GDP is derived from agriculture-  yet this industry, along with many Wyoming hunting groups, make the decisions regarding the elimination of coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, other predators and any unfortunate wildlife killed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In 2017, wolves were delisted from federal protection in Wyoming.  Today, in 85 percent of Wyoming’s wild spaces, wolves and coyotes can be run down by snowmobile, shot, poisoned, trapped- and tortured- and it’s all perfectly legal. 

To the rest of the world, Cody Roberts’ joyful torture of a young wolf was unconscionable, and steep penalties were expected.  But Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department delivered Roberts a meagre $250 fine-  for illegal possession of a live wolf.  Facing pressure from enraged citizens across the globe, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s Consumer Health Services Division planned to investigate whether having a live wolf in the Green River Bar rose to the level of being a food safety violation.    

Cody Roberts’ actions uncovered a startling admission from the state of Wyoming.  There was nothing illegal about this man critically injuring a wolf with his snowmobile, taping her mouth shut, then extending her suffering by hosting a circus sideshow for local bar patrons.  

Disgusted with the practice, my friend no longer works for Wildlife Services’ predator control.  But his stories are haunting.  Livestock ranchers’ hatred for predators runs deep.  Seeking revenge, it was not uncommon for a rancher to injure a coyote, wire it’s mouth shut, then send it back into the wild, to die a slow, painful death. 

Now in damage control, Wyoming ranchers and hunters were swift to denounce Cody Roberts’ wolf torture drinking game.  But the narrative of initial reports was unexpected.  There was little sentiment towards the young female wolf.  Rather, there was anger towards Roberts for exposing an ugly truth to the world- and to the rest of Wyoming.  The small percentage of Wyomingites that feel the only good predator is a dead predator, became enraged that their exclusive, government-backed predator extermination club was now under the looking glass.

One Wyoming columnist stated:  ‘Roberts’ malicious stupidity will give political ammunition to those outside our borders who are convinced that they can manage the Cowboy State better than we can’. 

Wyoming hunter Zach Key admitted, “I wasn’t impressed by the fact the guy did that.  Horrible idea.  What I don’t like is the anti-groups are going to use this as ammunition against the majority of us law-obedient citizens.  I would never do something like that, but yet I will get my rights to hunt wolves pulled because of his boneheaded stunt”.

Avid hunter Jim Laybourn said, “I think that here in Wyoming, we recognize that we have our own solutions to our problems.  We don’t need outside organizations pressuring the federal government to come in and change things for us”.

It may be too late.  The Wyoming secret-not-so-secret club emboldened by money, power and politics wants to dispatch all predators as it sees fit, the rest of the world and the rest of Wyoming be damned.

After wolves were removed from federal protection in 2017, Wyoming’s legislature went one step further, passing a statute to protect the identity of people who legally kill wolves ‘from being unduly scrutinized by the public’. 

Facing pressure to respond to the Cody Roberts incident, Wyoming governor Mark Gordon issued this statement:  ‘I am outraged by this incident, just like the thousands of Wyoming ranchers, farmers, sportsmen and sportswomen, and others around the state.  I would be disappointed if anyone were to paint Wyoming with a broad brush and suggest that Wyoming citizens condone the reckless, thoughtless and heinous actions of one individual.”

The sad reality?  Cody Roberts is not alone.  He is a product of privilege in a state where powerful public lands profiteers have conspired with a complicit government to destroy all predators.   These profitable groups proudly support their ‘western values’.  They boast about the ‘Wyoming way’.   Translation:  keep your noses out of our business. 

So how do I draw the line between the treatment of wolves (under state legislation) and Wyoming’s wild horses (under federal legislation)?

Mass roundups of Wyoming’s wild horses are driven by-  you guessed it-  the same emboldened groups that are behind the mass slaughter of Wyoming’s predators. 

Starting July 1st, the Bureau of Land Management will remove over 2700 wild horses from  Wyoming’s North Lander herd management areas.  The secret-not-so-secret club doesn’t want federally protected wild horses to compete with their privately owned cattle on public lands.  Following the roundups, approximately 320 wild horses will remain.

Follow the money.

Footnote:  On Sunday May 27th, popular dog groomer and social media influencer Jonas Black lead a motorcycle rally from Texas to the Green River Bar in Daniel Wyoming, as a form of peaceful protest against Cody Roberts’ wolf killing, and the need for greater protections for Wyoming’s predators.  Black had raised $130,000 for ‘Wyoming Wildlife Advocates’ and ‘Wolves of the Rockies’.   His group was met by writer/director Ashley Avis (‘Black Beauty’, ‘Wild Beauty:  Mustang Spirit of the West’) who is currently filming a documentary about the plight of wolves, and plans to take the campaign to Washington D.C.

The peaceful rally was stopped by law enforcement outside of town.

Finally allowed to proceed, the bikers rolled slowly into Daniel, Wyoming.  Truckers had strategically surrounded the Green River Bar with long trailers and rigs in a show of solidarity towards wolf killer Cody Roberts.  And a show of support for the secret-not-so-secret club. 

p.s. 99 percent of Wyoming is appalled by everything.

To support legislative change for Wyoming’s predators, please go to Wyoming Wildlife Advocates and Wolves of the Rockies

To help stop the North Lander wild horse roundups, please contact your U.S. Representatives and Senators and voice your opposition.  For more details, follow:

www.wildbeautyfoundation.org

www.saveourwildhorses.net

www.americanwildhorsecampaign.org

www.wildhorseeducation.org

Vital Impacts and Dr Jane Goodall

I'm beyond excited, and deeply humbled!

90 women photographers from around the world have been chosen by National Geographic photographer/filmmaker Ami Vitale to participate in 'The Nature of Hope', in conjunction with Vital Impacts and Dr. Jane Goodall Institute.

"In honour of Dr Jane Goodall's 90th birthday, Vital Impacts is partnering with Dr. Jane Goodall to shine a spotlight on the works of 90 women photographers that Jane has inspired. Each image tells a story of resilience, beauty, and the urgent need to protect our planet. Jane's legacy is about breaking down barriers, fostering empathy and a deeper connection with nature. " ~ Ami Vitale

90 prints are being offered for a limited time to support the Jane Goodall Institute. Your purchase contributes to the preservation of our natural world.

Click here to see this stunning collection:

rebrand.ly/cptr8sm

I'm thrilled that my wild horse image titled 'The Pair', has been chosen for this initiative.

‘The Pair

Dr. Goodall once said: "We find animals doing things that we, in our arrogance, used to think was 'just human".

These words have greatly shaped my wild horses advocacy.

The more we open our hearts and minds to the sentience of wild animals and the bonds they share, the more we see our own reflection. And the more we stand for their protection.

'The Pair' is a beautiful moment between two bonded wild horses on Sable Island. I'm grateful that wild horses are part of a breathtaking showcase that re-imagines our relationships to the natural world.

Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself 2024

One of my goals for the time I spend on this earth, is to encourage people to go out and experience wild horses. For starters, wild horses live in beautiful places. Once you see a family band of wild horses in their natural habitat, as free as the wind~ well, you will never forget it.

Have you ever experienced wild horses?

In the spring of 2024, the stunning beauty of wild horses AND beautiful connections with domestic horses will combine for a unique equine wilderness retreat. We hope you can join us for 'Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself' in Alberta Canada!

There are 2 sessions, your choice of Apr 28th -May 4th 2024, or May 6th to May 12th, 2024.

My retreat co-host Debbie Draves Legg has been changing people’s lives through 'Eponicity', her equine facilitated program.   I met Debbie at her equine retreat space in Costa Rica and I knew I wanted to work with her.

Combining Debbie’s natural programs with domestic horses, with my passion for finding and photographing wild horses just seemed a perfect fit.

This spring, guests will experience hands-on reflection and connections with domestic horses, as well as adventures in the mountains where we will find, enjoy and connect with the horses that live wild and free in the foothills.

Our rustic cabin lodging is situated next to a crystal clear alpine river, right in the heart of wild horse country.  Springtime in the foothills brings new foals and lots of action between wild stallions.  The area is also rich with wildlife, including deer, elk and bighorn sheep!

Each session of the retreat is limited to 10 guests, including accommodation, all farm-fresh meals, airport transfers to/from Calgary airport, wild horse adventures with me, photographic tips, and of course sessions with Debbie and the domestic horses. This retreat is perfect for any level of fitness. No experience with horses necessary. Photographic experience is also not necessary.

For each guest, a $100 donation is made to 'Help Alberta Wildies Society', a wonderful charity dedicated to keeping wild horses protected and free for generations to come. Darrell Glover and his wife Barb will spend a morning with us at the lodge giving an informative presentation about Alberta wildies, and their efforts to keep them safe. (www.helpalbertawildiessociety.com)

'This trip exceeded all my expectations! Sandy was such a fountain of knowledge on wild horse behaviors. I would recommend this retreat to any horse lover, whether you are a photographer or not'. ~ (retreat guest, 2022)

'Morning equine-assisted learning sessions with Debbie have left an indelible impact on me. Her calm presence and expert facilitation encouraged us to share feelings supported by domesticated horses. I was able to realize a lot about myself. I now recognize the importance of what these sentient beings can teach us.' ~ (retreat guest, 2022)

Debbie Draves Legg is handling all the bookings. Prices start at $3950 USD per person. Double and single occupancy options available. For detailed itinerary and link to reserve your spot, please click here: www.eponicity.com

Join Me on Sable Island!

Imagine a winter experience on wild Sable Island!

Winter reveals another side of this magical wonder of nature....wild horses in thick fuzzy coats, over 60,000 newborn seal pups, and swaying grasses on sand dunes in muted golden hues against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

There is nothing on earth like Sable Island at any time of year, but winter brings with it a breathtaking landscape, with temperatures much milder than the mainland due to ocean currents from the south. And of course, the star attraction: the wild horses of Sable Island. A paradise for photographers and non-photographers alike!

Departure from Halifax Nova Scotia in conjunction with Parks Canada licensed tour operator Kattuk Expeditions. The Jan 26th 2024 trip is sold out, but there are still a few spots available for Jan 23rd and Feb 1st. I will be guiding the Jan 23rd and Jan 26th adventures.

And just in time for the holidays, Kattuk Expeditions is offering $500 off per person!

When you book your spot for Jan 23, enter discount code WINTERSABLEJAN23 at checkout. For the Feb 1st trip, enter discount code WINTERSABLEFEB01 at checkout.

Book your spot here.

Price for a 1-day experience on Sable Island is $3350 CAN, plus $250 CAN for rental of mandatory helicopter flight suit.  (provided at departure)

Would love to share this experience with you!   If you would like to chat about the trip by phone or ZOOM, email me : sandy@sandysharkey.com

Black Beauty and the Wild Beauty Foundation

Had a fantastic Zoom meeting recently with Ashley Avis, writer/director of the new re-imagined movie 'Black Beauty' premiering Nov 27th on Disney Plus.

When Ashley was given the opportunity to write an updated version, she decided that the horse Black Beauty (voiced by Kate Winslet) would be an American mustang~ captured in a roundup and torn from her family in the wild. I believe strongly in the power of photography and film to raise awareness and elicit positive change. 'Black Beauty' will be a wonderful - and important film!

PLUS: I am honoured to announce that I have been given the role of artisan ambassador for The Wild Beauty Foundation, a new organization just launched by Ashley Avis and her husband Ed Winters!

When author Anna Sewell wrote the original story 'Black Beauty' in 1877, her goal was to raise awareness for fairer treatment of horses in Victorian England.
Ashley Avis and Ed Winters are committed to keeping that original dream alive- with The Wild Beauty Foundation, dedicated to the protection of wild and domestic horses everywhere, through film, education, rescue and adoption.
Please follow The Wild Beauty Foundation
To get the latest info, please sign up for the Wild Beauty Foundation newsletter here: www.wildbeautyfoundation.org
Your support means the world to these horses. If you can donate, please do: http://www.wildbeautyfoundation.org/Team/SandySharkey.html

The Call of the Wild

Such an honour to photograph the beautiful, elusive coastal wolf (also known as the ‘sea wolf’) in northern BC. We emerged from our tents at 430am to hike two kilometres of North Pacific beach skirted by rainforest, in the hopes of encountering this extremely rare species of marine wolf. For over 100 hours, we hunkered down and waited, either in blinds or behind stacked beach logs. One evening, this happened. A stunning female coastal wolf trotted down the beach to begin a nocturnal hunt for her pack- stopping for a few seconds in golden light, then disappearing into the sunset. A moment I will never forget.
There are as few as 150 coastal wolves in existence. Unconscionably, they can be hunted legally in BC.
Please join ‘The Call’ and add your voice to the protection of the coastal wolf, along with other wolf species. They have survived against the odds and they need us now more than ever. Please go to www.pacificwild.org. Thank you!

Keeping it Local

With the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve had to shift our priorities and keep it safe~ but there has been a positive side. Since travel is not an option, it’s time to re-discover the nature that exists around us. The great blue herons at a local rookery could care less about a pandemic, and went about the business of building their nests, bringing each other gifts and raising their young.

Key West

A quick girl’s trip to Key West in Florida was supposed to be all about shopping, visiting museums, cafes, and lounging on the beach. But of course I couldn’t resist sneaking away with my camera to photograph some beautiful Key west bird life! While we were in Florida, the news about the pandemic started to get more and more serious. We flew back to Ottawa just in time. The Canada/USA border closed within days. Little did we know how much our lives were going to change.

red shouldered hawk

gulls having a disagreement

brown pelican

osprey

Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself: Exhibit at Shenkman Arts Centre

Thank you to everyone who attended my wild horse art exhibit ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’, Feb 4 - Feb 23 2020 in conjunction with the city of Ottawa at Shenkman Arts Centre. It was wonderful to connect with so many people, and to share the stories behind my wild horse images. My heart is full!

Alberta Wilderness Horse Retreat!

Alberta’s Rocky Mountain foothills are home to magical, magnificent wild horses! If you have never experienced the wild horses of Alberta, join us this spring for a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness horse retreat. ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ brings together wellness and the discovery of our inner spirit with the help of domestic horses AND the unbridled energy from wild horses in the mountains. I am thrilled to host this incredible retreat with Eponicity’s Debbie Draves Legg. All spots have sold out for the original dates of the retreat so we have added another week, with a few spots available for May 31st to June 6th 2020. With each guest booked we are honoured to make a donation to ‘Help Alberta Wildies Society’. See details below or email me, sandy@sandysharkey.com.

Experience the Wild Horses of Sable Island!

The wild horses of Sable Island are legendary. They have survived on this remote island off the coast of Nova Scotia since the late 1700’s. At home on a rugged landscape of sand dunes, grassy hills and beaches, the wild horses run free without intervention from mankind. There is no place on earth like it. This is your opportunity to come to Sable Island to experience the wild horses, grey seals, birds and spectacular nature against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. In conjunction with Kattuk Expeditions, please join me for an extremely exclusive adventure on Sable Island, July 29th 2020~ with helicopter departure from Halifax and unprecedented access to the island and her famed wild horses. The group is limited to 8 guests and there are 2 spots available. For details please drop me a note, sandy@sandysharkey.com

Wild Sable Island Stallion, photographed August 2019

New Life, New Promise

The wild horses of Cold Creek Nevada were removed by the BLM in May of 2018. In a strange twist of fate, I was on my 14,000 mile ‘wild horse road trip’ and in Cold Creek photographing the wild horses- when the roundup was announced within hours. The wild horses were removed the next day. Two years later, I returned to the area, maybe for sentimental reasons- I’m not sure. I didn’t expect to see any wild horses. But there he was, on a ridge above Cold Creek, a gorgeous wild stallion - and he had a mare nearby, and she was with foal. The snow had just started to fall gently. I shed some tears when I saw this boy, his mare and the promise of a new bundle of joy. Much respect to these free spirits, who fill us with hope and inspire us to fight for their right to remain wild and free.

Published in 'Our Canada' Magazine

One of the things I love most about traveling to find and photograph wild horses~ is sharing the stories about these magnificent animals. And perhaps most importantly, encouraging people to go out and see the wild horses for themselves. Once you see wild horses in nature, you will be hooked. Many people don’t know that beautiful wild horses live in the Rocky Mountain foothills of Alberta, and they are very easy to find. Just two hours north of Calgary, the small town of Sundre is known as the ‘gateway’ to the wild horses. In the Dec/Jan issue of ‘Our Canada’ magazine, you will find my featured story titled ‘Band on the Run’~ how to find the wild horses of Alberta. As always, if you would like more information about the wild horses of Alberta, please contact ‘Help Alberta Wildies’.

Christmas Craft Sale at Watson's Mill

So much fun to be at historic Watson’s Mill in Manotick Ontario for the Christmas Craft Sale! Local craftspeople were displaying their homemade gifts, from candles to candy. For the first time, I decided to create ‘smallish’ wild horse framed images and cards ~ perfect for stocking stuffers. As a wild horse photographer, it’s always a thrill to have my images in a giant size on someone’s wall~ but not everyone has the space ( I live in a small house myself so I get it !) This was a fun way to present my horses for Christmas gift giving! Thank you to all who stopped by!

Fleetwood Mac!

Fleetwood Mac played in my hometown (Ottawa) last night and they were incredible !! The addition of Mike Campbell and Neil Finn = a match made in heaven. I loved the fact that Fleetwood Mac not only played their hits (how many times did we spin the 'Rumours' album when we were in high school?) but they also reached into their back catalogue and polished off some older gems. The tribute to Tom Petty was one of those moments when live music transcends and takes us to a very special place. And the white horses running through the sea during 'Rhiannon'? #OhNoHereComeTheTears

Mass Migration!

Each fall, a brilliant phenomenon takes place throughout parts of North America. I am fortunate to live in an area where thousands of snow geese descend on local fields to rest and gobble up vegetation during their incredible migration from the Arctic to southern US and Mexico. On this day, there were an estimated 20,000 snow geese near Casselman Ontario. When they take flight, it is so exhilarating!

The Stallion and His Mares

This gorgeous wild stallion on Sable Island had five mares and two foals in his family band. Here he poses proudly with two mares tucked in closely. So beautiful!