Featured Image for October 2026

"Taleko"
Taleko is a Choctaw horse; a descendent of the herd of horses that carried the Native American Choctaw Tribe on the Trail of Tears.  The Choctaw were the first to face forced removal starting in 1830 under the Indian Removal Act. Thousands died from hunger, exposure, and disease along the way.  Just four years from now will be the 200 year anniversary of the beginning of this horrific injustice, fifty-four years after the birth of The United States of America.  This portrait serves to honor the memory of the People and Horses who  suffered and died as a result of Colonization and Aggression.
Taleko and several other Choctaw horses live in Sanctuary at Return to Freedom in Lompoc, California.  Taleko participated in our barn portraits in the Essence Captured Equine Photography Workshop there in June.  This photo was taken on June 6th, 2026, two hours after noon, on the north side of the event barn.  The Choctaw horses live in a pasture together and get regular interaction with people.  The barn experience was new for them and they did really well.  They were curious, but relaxed.