The Red Desert Complex Roundup, Largest in History is Finally Over – but What About the Horses?
November 19, 2020Incentive Program Spurs Unusual Turnout at Rock Springs Wild Horse Adoption
February 24, 2021
Picasso is one of my very favorite wild horses, and has been since I first met him on a fall day at the last helicopter roundup in Sand Wash Basin in 2008. It was a horrible roundup, with horses slamming into panels and 11 horses dying before it was over.
While walking around the corrals I spotted Picasso in a pen with other stallions. His ears were back and he was the most beautiful and angriest wild horse I had every seen. Clearly he had been through this before and was very unhappy about losing his family and being stuffed in this small pen with other stallions. I heard from the BLM that he had been aged at 22 years old – they put the horses into a squeeze chute and examine their teeth to determine age. Picasso was one of the very few lucky wild horses that were released back into his home in the Sand Wash Basin Herd Management Area.
I finally went back to Sand Wash Basin late in the summer of 2011. To my delight, one of the first families I encountered was Picasso’s. He had a beautiful pinto mare named Mingo and a buckskin mare named Monet. Mingo had a little sorrel foal. They had been napping, and then they headed to the waterhole for a drink. after they finished, they headed directly toward me with Picasso in the lead. I was completely captivated by Picasso, and that has never ended.
I heard later in the year that because Monet was a mare from Sombrero ranch, whose property adjoined Sand Wash Basin. When the wranglers from Sombrero Ranch came to capture 5 horses that had gone through downed fences they drove Picasso’s family for miles across the Basin before they were able to capture Monet and take her back to the ranch.
Next spring when I encountered Picasso’s family, Mingo had a new foal, a filly named Mimi. The three were very close and devoted to each other. I spent some time with them at dawn one morning with the beautiful early light illuminating Picasso’s eyes.
At the big Lake Pond waterhole, many families from Sand Wash would congregate for hours at a time, not just to drink water but to socialize. Picasso loved to go to other stallions or bachelor stallions to posture and play, and I loved photographing him as he ran back to his family.
Picasso won a young two year old pinto filly named Flek who had the loudest markings I have ever seen on a horse. Picasso was attentive to Flek but the rest of the family took a little while to warm up to her. I enjoyed watching them together when they came to the waterhole.
But Picasso lost his family later that year, and struck out on his own. He was very elusive, and hard to find. I was really lucky to see him at all, and he looked good and seemed content on his own.
But surprisingly in 2018 he won a young mare, Spirit Dancer, a second spring for Picasso! But the older stallion Voodoo who had lost his family as well dogged him mercilessly, fighting, following, and more fighting, which was wearing especially on an older stallion. Only a week later he finally lost his last mare and went on alone once more.
Now it has been a year since anyone has seen Picasso and the Grand Old Man of the Basin is believed to have gone to his final rest, in his home in Sand Wash Basin. This noble, proud, colorful and gentle stallion who lived over 30 years has been able to live his entire life wild and free – he is a symbol of the very best of our wild horses in America and I feel privileged and thankful to have been able to have met him and followed his story in the last decade of his life. His legacy lives on in his many offspring, and in the hearts of those who have loved him over the years. He will always be remembered.
You can find many images of Picasso on my website here: Living Images by Carol Walker
And in my Wild Hoofbeats Etsy shop here: WildHoofbeats
61 Comments
beautiful ❤️ty Carol Walker
I also have enjoyed many years of following this amazing horse . I have never seen him in person but from others sharing there beautiful images and posts . I was always hoping he would appear again . I am so happy he got to spend his life free and wild . I now can follow his offspring and hope they also can stay wild and free . Thanks for sharing this amazing tribute to one of our favorite icons .
My eyes r filled w tears. Just to look at such beauty Picasso is the horse my dreams n heart long for since I was young. A beautiful spirit he is. Thank u to those who have taken the time to look after our secret Wild mustang’s of North America. I pray all will be protected and saved. Miss u always dearest Picasso
Everytime I see Mustangs I feel so sad for them. Some people look at them as just horses some as a nuisance some as a meal. I see them as beautiful spirits that blow across the West. They don’t know the famous actors or the Internet or even the date…they are a tirmelessly beautiful part of our history that still exists and our government tries to kill them everyday. One day I will move to the mountains and bring as many of one family as i can not to ride or eat or sell but to live free.
I just love him and the markings he has. He is one Gorgeous Stallion I keep hoping he will make his appearance soon. Thank You
ALL of these pictures of my #1 favorite mustang are AWESOME! Is there any way to get copies of a few of them??
Absolutely! Go here:
https://www.livingimagescarolwalker.com/wild-horses-of-wyoming
Thanks for asking.
Carol
What a magnificent collection of pictures of Picasso. Not too long ago I bought a calendar with nothing but his pictures on it and I love it, it’s beautiful. But I love all the extra pictures that you put in there thank you for sharing them.
Hi Susan,
That was not my calendar actually. These are my photos in the post.
Thanks!
Thank you so much Carol Walker for this beautiful tribute to Picasso, a true American icon. I was hoping to see him in person one day as I’ve traveled out to Sand Wash Basin from New England, but did not have luck. Without your pictures, I would not have been exposed to his beauty and power. I am forever indebted to you. Now we must all gather together to help Save America’s Wild Horses and use this Biden administration to stop this annihilation of our wild horses including Picasso’s legacy.
Those photos of the Living Legend Picasso are so beautiful. He was truly a magnificent stallion whose blood line should be kept forever free.
You were truly blessed that you had so many chances to see him and follow his life. Thank you for sharing this memory once again.
With tears burning behind my eyes I want to thank you. Not only for the amazing shots you captured , but for the heartfelt story and obvious love you hold deep inside for these bands.
Stunning moments! You have a gift. Thank you for sharing your passion. Picasso is amazing a true American icon! Strong, brave and resilient!
Absolutely gorgeous photos!
Just beautiful! Love the story.
Thank you for documenting these beautiful wild
horses.You really catch the beauty of the wild horses and it must be a real honor to be able to photograph them. It looks like they know you
well, and accept you. So so beautiful..
Wild horses should always be gree. They are the spirit of America.Tribute to Picasso
WILD HORSES ARE THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA.
THEY SHOULD ALWAYS REMAIN WILD AND
FREE. WITHOUT THEM WE ARE NOT AMERICA.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS AND DOCUMENTATION OF PICASSO..SO BEAUTIFULLY
DONE.
I so enjoy your tributes and reporting Carol though at times it breakers my heart. Thank you and may the Lord Bless these His Creation and the land they inhabit. Blessings to you. Helen, Perth WA
*Carter
Perfect tribute to a legend and adjoining images. I love Mingo and Fleck. I never knew the story of Monet; very sad. Thank you for sharing!
I also have enjoyed many years of following this amazing horse . I have never seen him in person but from others sharing there beautiful images and posts . I was always hoping he would appear again . I am so happy he got to spend his life free and wild . I now can follow his offspring and hope they also can stay wild and free . Thanks for sharing this amazing tribute to one of our favorite icons .
I also truely fell in love with this most beautiful horsei have ever seen,you are so lucky to have been able to see and follow him so much , i just can’t give up hope he is still out there some place ,i have a beautiful 11 by 16 print of him on my wall and have the PICASSO calendar , he truely is the most beautiful horse i have ever seen, I’M parcal to paints and pintos i had a pinto when i lived in North Dakota.
Thank you for putting this ausum tribute of the gorgeous horse.
Absolutely beautiful Carol! Thank you soooo much for sharing…..
Thank you , beautifully done .
The idea that some call these horses “pests” – only shows the ignorance that abounds. I’m so sorry that Picasso is gone. Felt the same when Cloud disappeared. But the fact that these stallions live into their 20s & 30s is so impressive, when you realize that most of them have been rounded up at least once – maybe more times. Likely losing their families pretty much every time yet keeping on living their lives & surviving . Pretty impressive, isnt it Carol?
Wow!!! These pictures are amazing!!!! Picasso was well loved and admired, he will be sadly missed!!! Thank you for the amazing pictures and the story!!! Big Picasso fan from here in Midland Ontario Canada
I can see why he was captivated with Monet! Gorgeous horses! Thanks for sharing this experience with us!
Love this, you are a true advocate to all the wild horses ~ your photos show just how deep your passion is for these wild ones.
Thank you, Carol, for your documentation on Picasso. His story has been told and he will never be forgotten…An American icon, a symbol of freedom, he will always represent the wild beauty of the west. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and his the story of the legacy he leaves behind.
Thank you for that wonderful tribute to such an amazing Stallion. Surely a force to be reckoned. I cried tears of joy for him as I read his story and admired the beautiful photos of him. Great job Carol Walker
WOW. Just, WOW… thanks for sharing your stunning photos of probably the most beautiful horse I have ever seen.
I found the Sand Wash Basin horses by accident since I live in Canada. It was Picasso who captured my heart – his markings especially – and I grew to love him. I championed for him over Spirit Dancer and was disappointed when he ended up alone. All year – I have waited to see him again – and the longer his absence went on – the more I felt that maybe – just maybe he’d gone on to greener pastures. But I still longed to see him one more time. I am sad to think he is gone – sad that I won’t see him posture to another stallion. He was unique – in every way. I still follow the Sand Wash Basin horses – with a little less enthusiasm as I try to find a new horse to give my heart to. I was looking at Van Gogh – maybe it will be Michael Angelo. And hopefully one day – I will be able to go to the Sand Wash Basin in person and see the horses myself. That is the dream. Thank you for this story – loved the pictures.
Wonderful shots and description of such a wonderful horse! He and his kind must be preserved and restored wild and free living naturally and in healthy and extensive habitat for a truly long term viable population, not the present mockery of the WFHBA!
Beautiful pictures and tribute to Picasso whom Sandwash Basin and all followers will terribly miss. He was a gift of nature whose pictures delighted and enchanted us all. May he continue to run in freedom. Chris
Beautiful tribute and pictures! Thank you for sharing!
The iconic stallion of freedom. He is a representation of what the wild west is. He will always portray as an icon to the mustangs in America!!
Thank you for the beautiful tribute to the stallion that impacted people from all around the world! Truly amazing.
Thank you, Carol, for pointing out some of the best of Picasso! Beautiful pictures and a wonderful tribute!
beautiful pictures! I love Picasso since I saw the first picture of him many years ago and even if I live very far away from the USA I care very much of wild horses and enjoy the facebook pages of them. Thank you for sharing all the amazing pictures .
P.D. I still have a little hope he’s still alive … retired and living peacefully
What amazing photo’s of the great Picasso . The reading was so interesting I just couldn’t stop, just wanted more.
Thank you for making it available for me to see..breathtaking..
I have also love Picasso for several years and have continued to hope that he lives, although I am sure he would have shown himself by now and my heart hurts to think that we will no longer be able to see this majestic stallion running free. I will continue to follow his offsprings. Than you for the beautiful pictures and your tribute to an amazing horse.
Dec.4, 2020. Your photos are wonderful and you have captured him in such a beautiful way. I’m lucky as I live fairly close and have a few pictures of him that I took . The last ones I have he was with Spirit Dancer. I saw him a little over a year ago by himself but didn’t get a photo then. I think of him now running free and l oving his freedom.
Absolutely amazing photos and love the documentary!! Thanks for sharing with fellow horse lovers.
LOVE HIM!!! Thank you for sharing the Magnificent “PICASSO”. I have loved him from the moment I saw all his media pictures and updates from Sand Wash Basin. I followed him since 2009. You’re forever loved “PICASSO.”
Beautiful story of Picasso. Thank you for sharing his story and the wonderful pictures. God bless.
1 recently painted Picasso for my daughter Dianne. She has followed him for 20 years and just adores him. I have to say i fell in love with him too while painting him. I thank all you photographers for giving me an accurate portrayal of him. Very beautiful photos.
Hi Judu,
Please do make sure when you use photographer’s images for a reference that you ask their permission first.
Hi Carol, I found your tribute to Picasso while searching for an image for Apollo when I learned about Apollo is on his way to Skydog Sanctuary. Thank you for your passionate work for the wild horses. Your images are beautiful capturing their free spirits, feisty and gentle sides of their personalities. I love your images of Picasso! God bless you. Love, Erika
I remember the last time I saw him on video walking alone down a path. I admired that horse and was sad when he wasn’t spotted the next spring. Your tribute to “Picasso” fills me with happy and sad emotions. Thank you for all you do to keep us informed about the wild ones.
Carol, thank you for the stunning pictures of Picasso. In each one I can see his huge heart and soul. His eyes reflect his desire and determination to be free. Your tribute to him is beautiful and bittersweet. I have so many questions about Picasso and if you don’t mind, could you give me your opinion since you have great knowledge about the legend?
1. How do we know he’s really dead? Couldn’t someone have captured and removed him from the basin? Have horses simply vanished before with no sign of remains? I saw a post with a picture of Picasso alongside a picture of a horse in saddle and bridle being held by Willie Nelson. The markings were identical. Of course it could have been photoshopped and I know Willie is a huge advocate of keeping the horses free. But . . .
2. I also strongly believe the BLM could have had something to do with his disappearance. They have a vicious dislike for mustang advocates and would love to cause us as much hurt as possible. In my opinion that’s why they killed PJ and gelded Michaelangelo.
3. Has anyone really looked for Picasso? I have no clue how large Sand Wash Basin truly is, but would it be impossible for someone to search the far reaches where most horses do not go?
It just seems to me that everyone gave up on him so easily.
I’m sorry this is so long! Please satisfy my curiosity about this once in a lifetime stallion. I am dying to know. Thank you!!
Picasso I am sure passed naturally. He was in his 30s. People looked but it is 156,000 acres and there are draws and gullies that are very hard to get to. Just like Cloud – Ginger searched for years for his body after he disappeared.
Thank you for these beautiful photos of Picasso and his family. Such an iconic horse.
Lesley Miles (UK)
I read your story, and by the end crying my eyes out! Such a good story, you get to see the wild horses, how they live, the beauty, the battles! I hope that they all continue to live in freedom, and it never comes to an end! I Love horses, I love their beauty, and intelligence. Thank you for all you do, and show people all of it!!! Your pics are amazing, Thank you for this wonderful story. It so touches my heart.
PICASSO should be commemorated along with the Bald Eagle to Represent this Country! The Mustang should DEFINITELY Represent the Wild West!!
Love this! Great job of saying alot in a small space, but you have described his life to a T! Thank you for sharing this and your photos! ❤
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I have wrote a song about Picasso with a friend of mine. It will hopefully be done soon.
I have a demo now. Working on getting a famous band to to record it. I would like everyone to hear it.
Soon I hope.
Where can I find a family tree for Picasso and his descendents?
Ask Sand Wash Basin Advocates Team group – SWAT.
Carol, these are without a doubt, the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen of Picasso … how I love that Stallion! I was never lucky enough to witness him in person, and I know he’s gone, but he still takes my breath away. <3 Thank you for such beautiful and up-close images!
im litterly crying i didnt know he died and im so thankful for him and i hope he joins us again
What a great animal!