THE MODERN COWBOY HAT

INTO THE WILD

UTAH’S WILD HORSE HERDS OFFER GLIMPSE INTO THE HISTORIC PAST BY LISA ANTONUCCI

A trip to the “Wild West” and a glimpse into Utah’s historic past is just a car ride away for those who venture away from the resorts and into the West Desert, where a majestic herd of wild mustangs roam freely over more than 240,000 acres of dramatic desert landscape.

“They are simply breathtaking,” said Jeff Swinger, owner of Swingman Photo and a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) licensed guide for the West Desert. “You don’t have to be a horse person to appreciate how astonishing the surroundings are and the power and elegance of these gorgeous animals. What got me hooked was the first time I saw the stallions fighting—it was a heart-racing experience. But also seeing the mares with their foals, how nurturing they are, makes for remarkable moments.”