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Associated Press
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Photographer Maria Marriott Releases New Wild Horse Artwork
New work from award-winning photographer, Maria Marriott, brings awareness to the plight of the American wild horses, highlighting their strength and beauty. 'The beautiful curves of his powerful body were in perfect harmony with his mane and tail moving in rhythm with the wind - a quiet dance.'— Maria Marriott, Photographer SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA, UNITED STATES, June 17, 2025 / / -- Award-winning Brazilian photographer Maria Marriott is proud to announce the release of her latest photographic artwork, three images of American wild horses taken in Wyoming and Nevada. Well known for her work documenting the American wild horses in their natural habitat, these new images - 'Puuku', ' Wind Dancer ', and 'Introspection' - present an intimate look into the world of the mustangs, an environment that few even know exists. 'Puuku', the word for 'horse' in the Comanche language is the title for the first new release featuring a stunning wild stallion from the Virginia Range in Nevada. Using a shallow depth of field to bring attention to the stallion's eye and multi-colored mane, Marriott draws the viewer into the soul of the horse as he protects his band of mares and foals. Marriott says: 'The privilege to see a magnificent stallion in the wild is truly a gift. Being able to look directly into its eye, as in the 'Puuku' image, is magical.' The second new release, 'Wind Dancer', is an image of a stallion standing against the punishing wind of the Wyoming desert surrounded by a cloud of dust. It is almost as if this mustang is engaged in a primal dance in the elements of the harsh desert landscape. Talking about 'Wind Dancer', Marriott remembers: 'I spotted him from a distance while making my way through the sage brush to a group of wild horses. This gray wild stallion stood alone as if he was sculpted from wind and stone. The beautiful curves of his powerful body were in perfect harmony with his mane and tail moving in rhythm with the wind - a quiet dance.' 'Introspection' is the third new release and features a powerful wild stallion, neck bent to the right in a pensive stare. The muscular, scarred body speaks of the survivor, while the black and white mane gently cascading in the desert wind evokes a natural peace and beauty. Of capturing her new image, Marriott stated: 'In this wild stallion's gaze, I saw a kind of vulnerability we so often mask and a longing for peace we hardly ever grant ourselves. In the presence of that gray stallion, simply being silent in the desert's vast expanse, I found the essence of introspection - an invitation to listen without words, to pause and reflect.' Celebrated for the emotional depth and technical excellence of her photography, Marriott's three new images continue to push the boundaries of equine photography, while using her photographic art to bring awareness to the crucial need to protect America's wild horses. Her work has been featured in publications and galleries around the world, including Cowboys & Indians, Cowgirl Magazine, Neoque Magazine Italy, Calling All Horse Girls, Horse & Style, White Wall Gallery Greece, and many others. Recently called 'masterful contributions to black and white photography' by the Exposure One Awards, Marriott's images have been recognized in several of the top photography competitions around the world, including re-Focus World Photo Annual competition, Exposure One Photographer of the Year Awards and One Shot Photo Awards, Prix de la Photographie Paris, Spider Awards, One Eyeland Photography Awards, Tokio International Foto Awards, International Photography Awards, and others. About Maria Marriott: Maria Marriott is an award-winning photographer, originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, now based in California and Nevada. She is best known for several wild horse photography series presenting the rugged beauty of the American wild horses. Her multi-year project following and photographing wild mustangs across the Western states has allowed her a platform to bring attention to the pressing issues faced by these American icons. She works with several nonprofit organizations committed to the preservation and safety of mustangs and equine therapy. Maria Marriott Maria Marriott Photography +1 916-606-0349 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Memorial Day: Wild mustangs help veterans heal through Wyoming ranch program
While Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, it can also be a difficult period for many veterans, particularly those struggling with mental health. A program in Wyoming is helping to address those challenges by pairing veterans with wild mustangs in a unique approach to healing. Veterans Day: Dennis Quaid, Trace Adkins Among Hollywood Stars Honoring Our Military According to data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2001 to 2022, veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety than civilians. Each year, approximately 6,000 veterans die by suicide. At some point in their lives, 7 out of every 100 veterans (or 7%) will experience PTSD, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In the small town of Jay Em, Wyoming, a nonprofit called Operation Remount Corporation is offering a form of equine therapy that serves not only veterans and first responders, but also the mustangs—many of which come from traumatic backgrounds. Read On The Fox News App Karen Alexander, co-founder of Operation Remount, says some mustangs also experience trauma and anxiety, making the program a form of reciprocal healing. "These are mustangs that went through three adoptions and were not accepted or not adopted," Alexander said. "When the mustangs first come, they are very afraid of humans. It's really neat to see when that animal finally says, I can trust you." Trump Suprises 104-Year-old Wwii Veteran With Birthday Message After Viral Tiktok Invite Veteran Sean Walker is one of this year's participants at Operation Remount. He says joining the program and meeting his horse, nicknamed Spirit, was needed after serving in the military. Walker, who completed two tours in Iraq and one in Bosnia with the Kansas National Guard, says just a few weeks with his horse, Spirit, has already made a significant impact. "We call him Enduring Spirit Wind," Walker said. "He's taught me probably more than I could have possibly taught him." After retiring from the military, Walker said reintegrating into civilian life was difficult. Like many other veterans, he experienced mental health challenges. The program recently added a new red cabin to house participants during the six-week course. It was built in honor of Marine Corps Sgt. B.J. Shepperson, who served two deployments and struggled with the transition back to civilian life in Wyoming. Shepperson said his brother B.J. loved horses and would have really appreciated what this program is doing to help other veterans. "After two deployments and coming back to Wyoming, he had a hard time re-adjusting," said his brother, Baxter Shepperson. Veteran On Mission To Combat Suicide In Military Community Program leaders say they're working to construct more cabins, allowing additional veterans and first responders to stay overnight during the program as they experience the therapeutic bond with a horse. "It's like when you found a connection that you've lost," Walker said. "It allows you to have that reconnection and Spirit has been that." Operation Remount allows the veterans and first responders to keep the wild horse after completing the six-week course. The nonprofit holds sessions in both spring and fall. The team at Operation Remount is now working toward building an indoor facility so they can offer the program throughout the year, even during Wyoming's harsh winter article source: Memorial Day: Wild mustangs help veterans heal through Wyoming ranch program