21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Salt River Wild horse in Mesa Arizona

The Salt River flows through the Tonto Nat'l Forest and is home to about 300 wild horses. These horses are thought to be descendants of Spanish Colonial horses brought to the southwest by explorers in the 16th century. This horse was spotted grazing in the desert with several others and with mountains in the background seemed like a perfect photo to capture.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Mesa, Arizona, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D750
Copyright: © Jeffrey Lierman