The Wild Ones - the wild horses of the Overberg
A while ago, a close friend of mine shared a link to a facebook page called the Wild Ones. It is regarding "wild" horses that inhabit an area between Kleinmond and Botriver. The page is managed by photographer Bruce Boyd. Although I have never met or spoken to Bruce, his project and stunning images of these horses intrigues me. I share some more information on the horses, and the project Bruce is running, mostly in his own words below...
About the horses
26 Wild horses roam free on about 500 hectares of wetlands near the mouth of the Botriver. They are rumoured to be descendants of horses hidden in the vlei during the Anglo Boer war. Some say they are the survivors of a huge cull in the area in the 70's and others say they swam ashore when The Birkenhead ship sunk in the nearby ocean a long time ago. Free from human intervention, these magnificent creatures have braved the elements for many decades. They fight often and fiercely and are covered in scars, appearing sometimes heroic and sometimes battle weary.
Their bodies have adapted to suit the constant wet surroundings. They play an important role in nature by keeping the clogged waterways open with their paths. No-one looks after them, and most people are totally unaware of them.
About the project - The Wild Ones
These horse roam free in an area flanked by communities. There is no one to protect these horses. By doing this project, photographer Bruce Boyd hopes to raise awareness about the horses which could be a very valuable ecotourist crowd-puller. They should be treated as a valuable resource. These horses make Kleinmond truly unique and very special.
About Bruce Boyd
Bruce Boyd is a fashion photographer who has grown tired of the bright lights. The horse project has grounded and motivated him. Through them he has rediscovered his love for photography.
For more information, email Bruce at info@thewildones.co.za or visit the website www.thewildones.co.za.
28 Oct 2012
Author Antonie Goosen