We are fortunate enough to live near Teddy Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, just about an hour and a half drive. It was a beautiful day to view the rugged badlands and search for wild horses.

We first stopped in at Sentinel Butte, North Dakota to see the Champions Rodeo at Home on the Range School for Boys. The Champions Rodeo matches the top bronc riders with the top bucking broncs in the country. I usually get great photos here at this exciting rodeo. The winning cowboys usually donate all or part of their winnings to Home on the Range School.

We then headed off in our quest. I brought along my better half, Charley, who is the tracker of the family and can see long distances better than I can. We looked for signs of horses as we drove along the road and were finally rewarded with the sight of one lonely horse up on the side of a hill. We wondered why he was alone - unusual for the normally social animals. Driving further Charley spotted a band of about 10 horses, again way up on the side of a hill in a draw.

Finally we hit the jackpot - pictured here a band of about 20 horses. The grey stallion in the middle of the mares, was the only one to pay any attention to us. The horses were about 300 yards away and seemed to feel safe at that distance. I would have loved to have gotten closer, but you are not allowed to go off the road or trails. Anyway, it was pretty exciting. We only saw one colt, which again I thought was unusual, but maybe there will be more when we return...we did see the one lone roan on the way back down. I really can't think of a better way to spend a summer day!