These four horses' asses
that were grazing on grasses
now ignore the photographer
who's not offended
who likes the contrast
of browns and blacks
against the pale green sage
in the rolling summer hills
above the aspen grove
below the blue-gray clouds
east of the Grand Tetons
in northwest Wyoming.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Gros Ventre Road - Kelly, Wyoming
From afar,
I have always loved
small herds of horses,
and the mountain meadow
pastures where they live
with apparent contentment.
These large, beautiful animals,
grazing in the grass,
in the shadow of mountains.
I can sense
a peaceful, easy feeling
of intimacy with the land.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
3. Cut Bank, Montana
Advancing steadily forward
like a sturdy workhorse,
the dependable seasons
pull through the landscape.
Pressing on with purpose,
directing the changes,
bearing the weight of another year,
under the reins of time.
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
1. Mackinac Island ~ Michigan
The patient pull of horses;
displaying superior strength and stamina.
Working with wagons,
courtly with carriages.
The clip-clop of hooves,
climbing, climbing,
arriving, departing.
Performing their work,
pulling their loads,
proving their patience.
Leaning into the harness,
into the hill,
pulling the weight;
gravity pulling back.
The way it is on
Mackinaw Island.
© 2022 Richard Havenga
