Last Sunday, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi and because it was Holy Trinity Episcopal Church’s and the Almost Home Animal Shelter’s annual Blessing of the Animals Day, we sang a song in church, “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” The song “is an Anglican hymn, also sung in many other Christian denominations. The words are by Cecil Frances Alexander and were first published in her Hymns for Little Children of 1848.” All Things Bright and Beautiful – Wikipedia.
Not having been reared by churchgoers, my first reference to these words came from the wonderful James Herriot books I read as a teen, beginning with All Creatures Great and Small. Later, I learned there was a song. Yes, I was woefully undereducated! Anyway, after church I couldn’t stop thinking about the song, and about all the beautiful things in the world, and I went online to listen to various versions.
And then my mind and heart and writer’s brain led me back to Nevada, a state where I lived briefly as a child and then again from the autumn of 2020 until the spring of 2026, a state filled with many things bright and beautiful.
Living in Nevada, I often saw wild horses. I will never forget my first sight of them, a band of maybe nine or ten, their glossy dark flanks shining in the sun, tails and manes flying as they raced along the edge of the Truckee River down in the canyon below the freeway. I was on my way to my new home, still a part of the crowd of humans in the vehicles speeding away from Reno, going on to our disparate destinations, while just below, past a short guardrail and down a steep embankment, water sparkled, aspens glowed golden in the autumn sun, and the mustangs ran, as if in another world, a parallel universe. I was awestruck.
I moved to a remote area, far away from any freeway, and spotting wild horses became more familiar, though I would never call it common. The sight of them always caught me, tugged at me, seemed sacred. Yet, I soon learned that these horses are not entirely free. A number of them are rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management each year in an effort, according to the BLM, “to protect the health of the animals and health of our nation’s public rangelands. In some locations, the BLM also uses birth control to slow the growth of wild horse herds. Absent management and natural predators, wild horse herds can double in just 4-5 years and quickly outgrow the ability of the land to support them” Nevada – Gathers & Removals | Bureau of Land Management.
According to The Cloud Foundation, a Colorado non-profit that aims to protect wild herds, The BLM’s 2026 roundup plan targeted 14,830 wild horses and burros for removal, The Cloud Foundation. What happens during and after these roundups is beyond my ability to describe. There are many good sources of information on this topic online and through libraries. What I at first saw as a kindness to the animals I eventually came to see as something much more complex, and even, in its execution and outcome, cruel. I do not claim expertise.
Additionally, I learned that wild horses were not universally revered. Because I regarded them with awe, I expected everyone else would, too. Sort of like when a group of people are gathered together on a beach at sunset, you just assume everyone there appreciates the beautiful display in some similar fashion to the way you do. That’s why they are all taking pictures, right? It seems universal.
I suppose I should have known better, but I am often taken by surprise. I was absolutely stunned to learn that some people, people who loved the wild and lightly populated land of central Nevada—probably more than I as a newcomer ever could–did not see the breathtaking beauty of the wild horses, but instead saw “trash” animals, “no good for anything.” Or so I was told by an old cowboy not long after I arrived. I don’t know if his was a widely held opinion in the area. Frankly, that conversation so saddened me that I didn’t want to know.
I did some reading and came to the conclusion that, in this, as in so many other aspects, humanity is capable of great love, and also of perfect disdain. While some people care deeply about wildlife, others either take it for granted, see it as a hindrance, want to own it, dominate it, tame it, eat it, turn it into a trophy—or even downright despise it. I don’t understand it, don’t have the perspective needed to grasp it, because, some might say, I’ve never had to compete with another creature for land or food or water. Maybe that’s it. I don’t know.
When it comes to wild horses, I still wonder how anyone could not care about such gorgeous creatures, creatures whose only wish is to live? What other value do they need? What value does any creature need? The horse, the bear, the deer, the eagle, the salmon? And what value do flowers need? Or trees?
Sometimes life hurts. You may see the beauty around you with clear eyes, and that sustains you. I hope you do. Usually, these days, for me, that means noticing the splendor of nature. It is in nature that I seek solace, and also renewal. You may appreciate the beauty you find in nature, or in your child’s eyes, or in a piece of music, or a work of art, and revere it—yet still, you weep as I have. And sometimes, it is beauty itself that sparks the weeping. For me, today as I write this, the beauty I weep for is the beauty of the horses.
Here is a link to one of the Tabernacle Choir’s performances of “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” I hope you enjoy it.
And the lyrics:
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.
The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning,
That brightens up the sky.
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,−
He made them every one:
The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day;−
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
All things bright …
(Amen)
The United Church of Canada includes a fourth verse:[14]
The rocky mountain splendour,
The lone wolf’s haunting call,
The Great Lakes and the prairies,
The forest in the fall.
And here I am back in The Great Lakes, in the forest, in the fall.
Thank you, Lord God, for them all.
I have not heard that song since I was a child. Thank you for sharing the song and about the horses. There are wild horses near us in Arizona, too. There is a controversy about thinning down the herd of 280 Salt River wild horses to 100. The pro horse people said that would effect the genetic diversity of the herd and they’d soon be extinct. Then others said the environment couldn’t sustain the horses. Some people wanted to relocate part of the herd. It’s being studied further and there is a moratorium on horse removal until decisions are made. I’m not sure how there will be agreement on this sensitive issue. You can look up Salt River wild horse herd. I’m sorry to say I have not seen one in person yet. I do appreciate the beauty of nature!
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I hope you run across them one day, E.A. It’s an unforgettable gift. It’s a complex issue that I am not competent to evaluate properly, but oh my goodness, my heart wants them to thrive. 💞
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Me too! The push back from the public is what stopped the culling of the herd or moving them. I will wait and see if they can find a solution.
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Sometimes we forget that our voices can make a difference! I will have to follow the story, too. Thanks, E.A.!
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Yes, it’s important to have our opinions known on issues like this.
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I read the books All Creatures Great and Small and loved the early TV production. Might have been PBS or BBC.
You have a front seat in Nevada to get glimpses of wild horses. That sense of freedom seems to awaken some ancient forgotten lure. We want to run with them.
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Weren’t the books wonderful? I see there’s another series I think on Masterpiece that is again very popular based on the books but I haven’t seen it. I treasure the memory of discovering the books. Oh! I love your take on the lure of the horses—yes! we want to run with them! 🧡 You are so wise, Gloria!
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“… humanity is capable of great love, and also of perfect disdain.” Well said and very true.
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Thank you, Lynette. I wish we leaned a lot further in the direction of love. 😊
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I’ve been searching for facts on the wild horse removals. I heard about what was happening a while ago, but I couldn’t believe it. The numbers of wild horses being sold to slaughterhouses was astounding.
Like you Lori, I have a deep love of horses. They are such amazing and beautiful creatures, and I’ve made the mistake of thinking others see them as you and I do.
You said what my heart also feels: “I did some reading and came to the conclusion that, in this, as in so many other aspects, humanity is capable of great love, and also of perfect disdain. While some people care deeply about wildlife, others either take it for granted, see it as a hindrance, want to own it, dominate it, tame it, eat it, turn it into a trophy—or even downright despise it. I don’t understand it,”
Thank you so much for writing this story and drawing attention to the plight of the wild horses.
I love how the last Canadian verse of “All Things Bright and Beautiful” lines up perfectly with your life now. 💞💞
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Thank you, Rose. Your kind heart understands. I hope more and more people are moved to learn more and to spread the word.
It was a sweet surprise to discover the final Canadian verse to All Things Bright and Beautiful. 🍁🌲🍁
Bless you. 🧡
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I have a hard time understanding the lack of respect for nature and wild things, especially when their existence doesn’t impact people in any negative respect. Trash animals? I don’t understand that kind of thinking.
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Thank you, Pete. I have obviously never gotten over hearing that “trash animals” remark. I was stunned into silence. I had been truly interested in hearing about that man’s life and his many experiences, and then—that. Sometimes we are blindsided. Thank you for being here.💞
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You have written a very fine essay.
This song is one of my favorites by The Rolling Stones:
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Mine too. It’s so good. Thank you😊
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A beautiful post, Lori!
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Thank you, Anita. I love hearing from you! I hope you are well!
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i find wild horses fascinating and your words as well
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Thank you, Beth! They are fascinating animals, and so beautiful. I really appreciate your comment!
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I’m glad you notice the similarity to the Mustangs 🙂 They are cute and funny 🙂
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Thank you, Ilze!
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Your kind and loving heart paired with your thoughtful and wise words touched me again.
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Awww! Thank you, sweet Sandy! I love you and appreciate you always–winter, spring, summer, or fall–all you have to do is call…I remember when that song first came out and I told you that you could count on me. I wish I could “be there” for you as much as you have been there for me over the years! Love you!
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Wild horses get to me every time I see them, too. Then again, I was horse-crazy as a child. The ones in Teddy Roosevelt Natl Park are fun to watch.
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Oh, how wonderful to hear that wild horses are in Teddy Roosevelt Natl Park! They are safe there, then, right? I haven’t been to the park but hope to get there some day! Thanks for being here, Marie!
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Your question made me do some research. The horses in the park aren’t protected under the Wild Horse Act like they are on BLM lands, but they’re not killed, either. They’re managed through GPS monitoring and birth control. I recall that there’s a nonprofit citizen group that cares for them.
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That sounds positive. I will check it out. Thanks, Marie!🥰
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Lori, Lori, Lori…these words–so tender and true, I think:
“I did some reading and came to the conclusion that, in this, as in so many other aspects, humanity is capable of great love, and also of perfect disdain.”
Even wild horses. I’m with you. I do not understand and there’s an ache inside about the disparity you described…how we’re capable of great love and yet equal amounts of disdain. And some of us tune into the unnecessary (in our minds, anyhow) indifference and carry the ache.
Thank you for all of this and for the charming photo of Scout and Gremlin. I see what you see…wild horses within!
Much love! 💝💝💝
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Much love, Vicki! Thank you so much for your gentle understanding and care. You’re exactly right about Scout and Gremlin! I was so happy to capture their adorable wild display and then within a short while, and this is one of those God’s wink kind of things, I was moving a pile of sweaters I had hurriedly put on a top shelf in a closet I hadn’t even cleaned or organized yet when I first arrived at this old house in the spring. And there out of sight underneath the sweaters I felt something smooth. It was the old copy of The Smithsonian with the wild horses feature and that stunning photo I used for the blog on the cover. Waving South! With Love!
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I love those God winks! And I love how perceptive you are when they unfold quietly. Testing us to see and feel. Extra love for you for sharing with us! I’m waving back!!!! 😉❤️😉
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Horses, in general, are beautiful animals. I don’t know how someone could think otherwise. But I guess we have all different experiences in life. Recently, nine gray wolves in rural northern Wisconsin were trapped and “euthanized” because they had become threats to the safety of humans. This seemed so unfair as wolves were hunted nearly to extinction at one time. But wolves are wolves, and of course, they can be dangerous. I supposed if I lived in that area, I would have welcomed the news. Who knows? Great post.
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Thank you, Diana! Oh my goodness, the wolves! Years ago I taught 8th grade language arts and my classes read The Call of the Wild aloud every year. It was a tradition that grew into all kinds of things–a unit devoted to art and poetry and literature and history … and eventually adopting wolves! My classes voted on a project and chose wolves through Defenders of Wildlife. I am saddened to hear whenever they are killed. I always pray for the animals. I really appreciate your response!
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This is a powerful post, Lori. You shared your wonder and awe of watching the wild horses for the first time, but then turn to how these animals are “managed.” I had no idea, and it is heartbreaking. Then you share a beautiful rendition of All Things Bright and Beautiful. It was all so moving. Did you know that the Sunday Morning on CBS “Nature” portion this week (which they run for just a minute at the end of the show) was photographing wild horses in California? There’s some serendiptious timing there. Thanks so much, Lori.
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Thank you so much, Melanie! Your kind response really touches me. I didn’t see the CBS “Nature” segment but I wish I had! There’s nothing like seeing them in motion. 💞❤️💞
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❤️☺️❤️
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Here in New Zealand we have wild Kaimanawa horses on the North Island high volcanic plateau. These are a mix of escaped horses of various breeds, including Exmoor and Welsh ponies brought over by the early European settlers and more recent cavalry horses plus an ongoing trickle of escaped or abandoned horses. This area is partly protected wilderness and partly the army training grounds, and as such rarely accessible to the general public, although when I was part of a public 4WD trip being run in the area I saw the horses as they walk right past where we were having lunch. A fantastic experience.
One of the challenges is that the area is also a unique and fragile sub-alpine ecosystem that has existed for millions of years without horses and also needs to be managed. Currently the herd is limited to about 300 horses to maintain genetic diversity while protecting the rest of the environment, but every effort is made through a national programme to re-home the excess horses, with some being moved to roam a hill-country station on the North Island’s south coast. This is an area I have visited often as part of the 4WD club and seeing the Kaimanawa horses is always a special part of the visit.
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Thanks so much for this! What a lot of information, explanation and appreciation for the Kaimanawa horses of New Zealand, David! I had no idea. I will have to look them up. How wonderful you’ve been able to see them with your 4WD club! I always enjoy reading about your adventures and seeing your photos.
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Cats are hilarious. It looks like they’re playing some kind of clapping game. Wow, 14,000 horses and burros, that’s a lot of animals. Hopefully, they’ll find a better way to control the population, because that’s a very stressful event for those animals.
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I agree, Edward, on both counts! Thank goodness for the comic relief the cats provide. 😹
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Yes, they’re always ready to amaze us. There’s a reason there are so many cat videos on the internet. 😻
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Ha! That’s right!!! 😹
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i love that youtube piece you put up Lori and I love your cats! i hope they are having a great time up in their new digs 🙂
you know, the contrast of our perceptions in one setting versus another – like switching from suburb to rural viewpoints – never fails to surprise me. because i, too, have found that there are consequential nuances in each setting. and while, like yourself, i have to research to even have an elementary acclimation it saddens me greatly there are factors that cannot be reconciled with one another – especially if it has to do with scarce resources. i totally love your move up to the UP and that’s why I still hold out the optionality for a similar move to a similar part of the US. i know there will come a time when competing interests in prime locations will spill into our personal lives.
even here, I have to deal with a small fox group. i don’t want to be the one to do it but I know at some point, coyotes will appear as a natural progression. i hope it doesn’t but when it does, we have to start taking hard steps addressing the impact that people have on the surrounding area.
nevertheless, i hope you are having a great weekend and that the autumn sun is shining through those beautiful windows giving you writing inspiration!
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You are so kind and thoughtful, Michael! I hope you eventually find just the right place when the time is right for you. Wherever you live you are an asset to your community I’m sure. Our kitties are frisky and content I think—they were originally feral kittens whose mother dropped off in our carport in Nevada. She never got too close to us, but she needed help with her babies and somehow she knew to bring them to us. We were afraid they would hate living inside, but they are thriving. 😻 Thanks so much for being here, Mike! The U.P. is not disappointing us at all! Be well!!!
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