Ever since I was a little girl I have wondered about the life of the American Cowboy. I have seen every movie and read many books about horses and the western lifestyle but had never experienced it. So I decided it was time to check it out. I always focus on vanishing rituals and lifestyles in my work throughout Asia so why not investigate closer to home. I traveled to the Hideout Ranch in Shell, Wyoming and spent some time making images there with the wonderful staff of wranglers and  other photographers too – led by  Darryl Guilin and Jeff Vanuga who were great to work with.

It was spectacular in every sense…The ranch magnificent-the landscape varied from rocky moonscapes to aspen groves beginning to turn into their golden fall colors. They practice natural horsemanship and all the training is focused on creating a team between the horse and rider. The cowboys and cowgirls all had unique stories of how they arrived in Wyoming. I will tell the stories in the next posts. The spirit of the west still lives!

Ben

Shawn

Ramone

Marijn

Luke The Duke