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November 19, 2020
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February 24, 2021

A Tribute to Picasso, Iconic Wild Stallion of Sand Wash Basin

Published by Carol Walker at November 24, 2020
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  • carol walker
  • horses
  • Picasso
  • Wild Hoofbeats
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  • wild mustang Picasso
  • wild pinto stallion

Picasso is one of my very favorite wild horses, and has been since I first met him on a fall day at the last helicopter roundup in Sand Wash Basin in 2008. It was a horrible roundup, with horses slamming into panels and 11 horses dying before it was over.

Picasso in the stallion pen
Ears pinned he is angry to be in this pen

While walking around the corrals I spotted Picasso in a pen with other stallions. His ears were back and he was the most beautiful and angriest wild horse I had every seen. Clearly he had been through this before and was very unhappy about losing his family and being stuffed in this small pen with other stallions. I heard from the BLM that he had been aged at 22 years old – they put the horses into a squeeze chute and examine their teeth to determine age. Picasso was one of the very few lucky wild horses that were released back into his home in the Sand Wash Basin Herd Management Area.

Mingo, Picasso and Monet
Picasso and Monet
Mingo chews on Picasso’s mane playfully at Bitter Pond

I finally went back to Sand Wash Basin late in the summer of 2011. To my delight, one of the first families I encountered was Picasso’s. He had a beautiful pinto mare named Mingo and a buckskin mare named Monet. Mingo had a little sorrel foal. They had been napping, and then they headed to the waterhole for a drink. after they finished, they headed directly toward me with Picasso in the lead. I was completely captivated by Picasso, and that has never ended.

Picasso Scratching
Picasso walks right toward me

I heard later in the year that because Monet was a mare from Sombrero ranch, whose property adjoined Sand Wash Basin. When the wranglers from Sombrero Ranch came to capture 5 horses that had gone through downed fences they drove Picasso’s family for miles across the Basin before they were able to capture Monet and take her back to the ranch.

Picasso, Mingo and Mimi at dawn
Mingo and Mimi
Picasso and Mimi

Next spring when I encountered Picasso’s family, Mingo had a new foal, a filly named Mimi. The three were very close and devoted to each other. I spent some time with them at dawn one morning with the beautiful early light illuminating Picasso’s eyes.

Picasso and Benson
Picasso Leaps as he runs to his family

At the big Lake Pond waterhole, many families from Sand Wash would congregate for hours at a time, not just to drink water but to socialize. Picasso loved to go to other stallions or bachelor stallions to posture and play, and I loved photographing him as he ran back to his family.

The family with Flek on the right take a drink

Picasso won a young two year old pinto filly named Flek who had the loudest markings I have ever seen on a horse. Picasso was attentive to Flek but the rest of the family took a little while to warm up to her. I enjoyed watching them together when they came to the waterhole.

Picasso courts Flek

But Picasso lost his family later that year, and struck out on his own. He was very elusive, and hard to find. I was really lucky to see him at all, and he looked good and seemed content on his own.

But surprisingly in 2018 he won a young mare, Spirit Dancer, a second spring for Picasso! But the older stallion Voodoo who had lost his family as well dogged him mercilessly, fighting, following, and more fighting, which was wearing especially on an older stallion. Only a week later he finally lost his last mare and went on alone once more.

A close up of Picasso
Voodoo, Picasso and Spirit Dancer
Picasso is not happy at being dogged by Voodoo

Now it has been a year since anyone has seen Picasso and the Grand Old Man of the Basin is believed to have gone to his final rest, in his home in Sand Wash Basin. This noble, proud, colorful and gentle stallion who lived over 30 years has been able to live his entire life wild and free – he is a symbol of the very best of our wild horses in America and I feel privileged and thankful to have been able to have met him and followed his story in the last decade of his life. His legacy lives on in his many offspring, and in the hearts of those who have loved him over the years. He will always be remembered.

Picasso at dawn
I call this “I Heart Picasso”

You can find many images of Picasso on my website here: Living Images by Carol Walker

And in my Wild Hoofbeats Etsy shop here: WildHoofbeats

Picasso’s Eyes

Spread the word

59 Comments

  1. Mary Cook says:
    November 24, 2020 at 10:02 pm

    beautiful ❤️ty Carol Walker

    Reply
    • Lorie schoen says:
      November 25, 2020 at 10:55 am

      I also have enjoyed many years of following this amazing horse . I have never seen him in person but from others sharing there beautiful images and posts . I was always hoping he would appear again . I am so happy he got to spend his life free and wild . I now can follow his offspring and hope they also can stay wild and free . Thanks for sharing this amazing tribute to one of our favorite icons .

      Reply
      • Jamie Lashare says:
        July 1, 2021 at 1:29 am

        My eyes r filled w tears. Just to look at such beauty Picasso is the horse my dreams n heart long for since I was young. A beautiful spirit he is. Thank u to those who have taken the time to look after our secret Wild mustang’s of North America. I pray all will be protected and saved. Miss u always dearest Picasso

        Reply
      • Alane Gavagni says:
        October 8, 2022 at 8:43 am

        Everytime I see Mustangs I feel so sad for them. Some people look at them as just horses some as a nuisance some as a meal. I see them as beautiful spirits that blow across the West. They don’t know the famous actors or the Internet or even the date…they are a tirmelessly beautiful part of our history that still exists and our government tries to kill them everyday. One day I will move to the mountains and bring as many of one family as i can not to ride or eat or sell but to live free.

        Reply
    • Tammy Rogers says:
      December 5, 2020 at 1:50 am

      I just love him and the markings he has. He is one Gorgeous Stallion I keep hoping he will make his appearance soon. Thank You

      Reply
  2. Christa Bjordahl says:
    November 24, 2020 at 10:15 pm

    ALL of these pictures of my #1 favorite mustang are AWESOME! Is there any way to get copies of a few of them??

    Reply
    • Carol Walker says:
      November 24, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      Absolutely! Go here:
      https://www.livingimagescarolwalker.com/wild-horses-of-wyoming
      Thanks for asking.
      Carol

      Reply
      • susan says:
        November 24, 2020 at 11:28 pm

        What a magnificent collection of pictures of Picasso. Not too long ago I bought a calendar with nothing but his pictures on it and I love it, it’s beautiful. But I love all the extra pictures that you put in there thank you for sharing them.

        Reply
        • Carol Walker says:
          November 24, 2020 at 11:37 pm

          Hi Susan,
          That was not my calendar actually. These are my photos in the post.
          Thanks!

          Reply
      • Jane Giard says:
        January 25, 2021 at 12:55 am

        Thank you so much Carol Walker for this beautiful tribute to Picasso, a true American icon. I was hoping to see him in person one day as I’ve traveled out to Sand Wash Basin from New England, but did not have luck. Without your pictures, I would not have been exposed to his beauty and power. I am forever indebted to you. Now we must all gather together to help Save America’s Wild Horses and use this Biden administration to stop this annihilation of our wild horses including Picasso’s legacy.

        Reply
    • Glynis Ruby says:
      January 27, 2022 at 5:03 pm

      Those photos of the Living Legend Picasso are so beautiful. He was truly a magnificent stallion whose blood line should be kept forever free.
      You were truly blessed that you had so many chances to see him and follow his life. Thank you for sharing this memory once again.

      Reply
  3. Elizabeth Pandolfelli ( Sunny ) says:
    November 24, 2020 at 10:31 pm

    With tears burning behind my eyes I want to thank you. Not only for the amazing shots you captured , but for the heartfelt story and obvious love you hold deep inside for these bands.

    Reply
    • Ang Lieze says:
      November 25, 2020 at 8:38 pm

      Stunning moments! You have a gift. Thank you for sharing your passion. Picasso is amazing a true American icon! Strong, brave and resilient!

      Reply
      • Karen Avery says:
        November 28, 2020 at 10:34 pm

        Absolutely gorgeous photos!

        Reply
  4. Sylvia Schmidt says:
    November 24, 2020 at 10:37 pm

    Just beautiful! Love the story.

    Reply
  5. Evelyn Thomas says:
    November 24, 2020 at 10:50 pm

    Thank you for documenting these beautiful wild
    horses.You really catch the beauty of the wild horses and it must be a real honor to be able to photograph them. It looks like they know you
    well, and accept you. So so beautiful..
    Wild horses should always be gree. They are the spirit of America.Tribute to Picasso

    Reply
  6. Evelyn Thomas says:
    November 24, 2020 at 10:59 pm

    WILD HORSES ARE THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA.
    THEY SHOULD ALWAYS REMAIN WILD AND
    FREE. WITHOUT THEM WE ARE NOT AMERICA.
    THANK YOU FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS AND DOCUMENTATION OF PICASSO..SO BEAUTIFULLY
    DONE.

    Reply
  7. Helen Cartee says:
    November 24, 2020 at 11:02 pm

    I so enjoy your tributes and reporting Carol though at times it breakers my heart. Thank you and may the Lord Bless these His Creation and the land they inhabit. Blessings to you. Helen, Perth WA

    Reply
    • Helen Cartee says:
      November 24, 2020 at 11:03 pm

      *Carter

      Reply
  8. Vonna Rose Harrison says:
    November 24, 2020 at 11:03 pm

    Perfect tribute to a legend and adjoining images. I love Mingo and Fleck. I never knew the story of Monet; very sad. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Lorie schoen says:
      November 25, 2020 at 10:56 am

      I also have enjoyed many years of following this amazing horse . I have never seen him in person but from others sharing there beautiful images and posts . I was always hoping he would appear again . I am so happy he got to spend his life free and wild . I now can follow his offspring and hope they also can stay wild and free . Thanks for sharing this amazing tribute to one of our favorite icons .

      Reply
  9. Norma mikkelsen says:
    November 24, 2020 at 11:04 pm

    I also truely fell in love with this most beautiful horsei have ever seen,you are so lucky to have been able to see and follow him so much , i just can’t give up hope he is still out there some place ,i have a beautiful 11 by 16 print of him on my wall and have the PICASSO calendar , he truely is the most beautiful horse i have ever seen, I’M parcal to paints and pintos i had a pinto when i lived in North Dakota.
    Thank you for putting this ausum tribute of the gorgeous horse.

    Reply
  10. Kristin Ann Weisenbarger says:
    November 24, 2020 at 11:19 pm

    Absolutely beautiful Carol! Thank you soooo much for sharing…..

    Reply
  11. Sharon Little says:
    November 25, 2020 at 12:32 am

    Thank you , beautifully done .

    Reply
  12. Maggie Frazier says:
    November 25, 2020 at 1:17 am

    The idea that some call these horses “pests” – only shows the ignorance that abounds. I’m so sorry that Picasso is gone. Felt the same when Cloud disappeared. But the fact that these stallions live into their 20s & 30s is so impressive, when you realize that most of them have been rounded up at least once – maybe more times. Likely losing their families pretty much every time yet keeping on living their lives & surviving . Pretty impressive, isnt it Carol?

    Reply
  13. Jill Robertson says:
    November 25, 2020 at 2:46 am

    Wow!!! These pictures are amazing!!!! Picasso was well loved and admired, he will be sadly missed!!! Thank you for the amazing pictures and the story!!! Big Picasso fan from here in Midland Ontario Canada

    Reply
  14. Joy Avery Melville says:
    November 25, 2020 at 3:33 am

    I can see why he was captivated with Monet! Gorgeous horses! Thanks for sharing this experience with us!

    Reply
  15. Cindy says:
    November 25, 2020 at 3:44 am

    Love this, you are a true advocate to all the wild horses ~ your photos show just how deep your passion is for these wild ones.

    Reply
  16. Kathryn Middleton says:
    November 25, 2020 at 3:44 am

    Thank you, Carol, for your documentation on Picasso. His story has been told and he will never be forgotten…An American icon, a symbol of freedom, he will always represent the wild beauty of the west. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and his the story of the legacy he leaves behind.

    Reply
  17. Karri Morse says:
    November 25, 2020 at 10:43 am

    Thank you for that wonderful tribute to such an amazing Stallion. Surely a force to be reckoned. I cried tears of joy for him as I read his story and admired the beautiful photos of him. Great job Carol Walker

    Reply
  18. Katherine Buchanan says:
    November 25, 2020 at 11:31 am

    WOW. Just, WOW… thanks for sharing your stunning photos of probably the most beautiful horse I have ever seen.

    Reply
  19. Leslie Johnson says:
    November 25, 2020 at 3:43 pm

    I found the Sand Wash Basin horses by accident since I live in Canada. It was Picasso who captured my heart – his markings especially – and I grew to love him. I championed for him over Spirit Dancer and was disappointed when he ended up alone. All year – I have waited to see him again – and the longer his absence went on – the more I felt that maybe – just maybe he’d gone on to greener pastures. But I still longed to see him one more time. I am sad to think he is gone – sad that I won’t see him posture to another stallion. He was unique – in every way. I still follow the Sand Wash Basin horses – with a little less enthusiasm as I try to find a new horse to give my heart to. I was looking at Van Gogh – maybe it will be Michael Angelo. And hopefully one day – I will be able to go to the Sand Wash Basin in person and see the horses myself. That is the dream. Thank you for this story – loved the pictures.

    Reply
  20. Craig Downer says:
    November 27, 2020 at 10:16 pm

    Wonderful shots and description of such a wonderful horse! He and his kind must be preserved and restored wild and free living naturally and in healthy and extensive habitat for a truly long term viable population, not the present mockery of the WFHBA!

    Reply
  21. Chris Posey says:
    November 28, 2020 at 2:59 pm

    Beautiful pictures and tribute to Picasso whom Sandwash Basin and all followers will terribly miss. He was a gift of nature whose pictures delighted and enchanted us all. May he continue to run in freedom. Chris

    Reply
  22. Robin Kitchens says:
    December 3, 2020 at 12:55 am

    Beautiful tribute and pictures! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  23. Susan Argy says:
    December 4, 2020 at 10:52 pm

    The iconic stallion of freedom. He is a representation of what the wild west is. He will always portray as an icon to the mustangs in America!!
    Thank you for the beautiful tribute to the stallion that impacted people from all around the world! Truly amazing.

    Reply
  24. Dana Clark says:
    December 4, 2020 at 10:57 pm

    Thank you, Carol, for pointing out some of the best of Picasso! Beautiful pictures and a wonderful tribute!

    Reply
  25. Elena Pucci says:
    December 4, 2020 at 11:28 pm

    beautiful pictures! I love Picasso since I saw the first picture of him many years ago and even if I live very far away from the USA I care very much of wild horses and enjoy the facebook pages of them. Thank you for sharing all the amazing pictures .
    P.D. I still have a little hope he’s still alive … retired and living peacefully

    Reply
  26. Lori Hathaway says:
    December 5, 2020 at 12:04 am

    What amazing photo’s of the great Picasso . The reading was so interesting I just couldn’t stop, just wanted more.

    Thank you for making it available for me to see..breathtaking..

    Reply
  27. Dee Tingle says:
    December 5, 2020 at 12:18 am

    I have also love Picasso for several years and have continued to hope that he lives, although I am sure he would have shown himself by now and my heart hurts to think that we will no longer be able to see this majestic stallion running free. I will continue to follow his offsprings. Than you for the beautiful pictures and your tribute to an amazing horse.

    Reply
  28. Nance says:
    December 5, 2020 at 1:03 am

    Dec.4, 2020. Your photos are wonderful and you have captured him in such a beautiful way. I’m lucky as I live fairly close and have a few pictures of him that I took . The last ones I have he was with Spirit Dancer. I saw him a little over a year ago by himself but didn’t get a photo then. I think of him now running free and l oving his freedom.

    Reply
  29. Loyse Hinkle says:
    December 5, 2020 at 5:02 pm

    Absolutely amazing photos and love the documentary!! Thanks for sharing with fellow horse lovers.

    Reply
  30. Robyn Persichitte Gipp says:
    December 5, 2020 at 9:36 pm

    LOVE HIM!!! Thank you for sharing the Magnificent “PICASSO”. I have loved him from the moment I saw all his media pictures and updates from Sand Wash Basin. I followed him since 2009. You’re forever loved “PICASSO.”

    Reply
  31. Meredith says:
    January 7, 2021 at 1:09 am

    Beautiful story of Picasso. Thank you for sharing his story and the wonderful pictures. God bless.

    Reply
  32. Judu Pritchett says:
    April 9, 2021 at 4:49 am

    1 recently painted Picasso for my daughter Dianne. She has followed him for 20 years and just adores him. I have to say i fell in love with him too while painting him. I thank all you photographers for giving me an accurate portrayal of him. Very beautiful photos.

    Reply
    • Carol Walker says:
      April 9, 2021 at 2:08 pm

      Hi Judu,
      Please do make sure when you use photographer’s images for a reference that you ask their permission first.

      Reply
  33. Erika Ziesmann says:
    June 19, 2021 at 4:51 pm

    Hi Carol, I found your tribute to Picasso while searching for an image for Apollo when I learned about Apollo is on his way to Skydog Sanctuary. Thank you for your passionate work for the wild horses. Your images are beautiful capturing their free spirits, feisty and gentle sides of their personalities. I love your images of Picasso! God bless you. Love, Erika

    Reply
  34. Myrna Bethardy says:
    January 27, 2022 at 5:01 pm

    I remember the last time I saw him on video walking alone down a path. I admired that horse and was sad when he wasn’t spotted the next spring. Your tribute to “Picasso” fills me with happy and sad emotions. Thank you for all you do to keep us informed about the wild ones.

    Reply
    • Judy Bauer says:
      February 3, 2022 at 10:13 pm

      Carol, thank you for the stunning pictures of Picasso. In each one I can see his huge heart and soul. His eyes reflect his desire and determination to be free. Your tribute to him is beautiful and bittersweet. I have so many questions about Picasso and if you don’t mind, could you give me your opinion since you have great knowledge about the legend?

      1. How do we know he’s really dead? Couldn’t someone have captured and removed him from the basin? Have horses simply vanished before with no sign of remains? I saw a post with a picture of Picasso alongside a picture of a horse in saddle and bridle being held by Willie Nelson. The markings were identical. Of course it could have been photoshopped and I know Willie is a huge advocate of keeping the horses free. But . . .
      2. I also strongly believe the BLM could have had something to do with his disappearance. They have a vicious dislike for mustang advocates and would love to cause us as much hurt as possible. In my opinion that’s why they killed PJ and gelded Michaelangelo.
      3. Has anyone really looked for Picasso? I have no clue how large Sand Wash Basin truly is, but would it be impossible for someone to search the far reaches where most horses do not go?
      It just seems to me that everyone gave up on him so easily.

      I’m sorry this is so long! Please satisfy my curiosity about this once in a lifetime stallion. I am dying to know. Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Carol Walker says:
        February 4, 2022 at 3:53 pm

        Picasso I am sure passed naturally. He was in his 30s. People looked but it is 156,000 acres and there are draws and gullies that are very hard to get to. Just like Cloud – Ginger searched for years for his body after he disappeared.

        Reply
  35. Lesley says:
    February 4, 2022 at 9:26 am

    Thank you for these beautiful photos of Picasso and his family. Such an iconic horse.

    Lesley Miles (UK)

    Reply
  36. Anita says:
    February 4, 2022 at 3:06 pm

    I read your story, and by the end crying my eyes out! Such a good story, you get to see the wild horses, how they live, the beauty, the battles! I hope that they all continue to live in freedom, and it never comes to an end! I Love horses, I love their beauty, and intelligence. Thank you for all you do, and show people all of it!!! Your pics are amazing, Thank you for this wonderful story. It so touches my heart.

    Reply
  37. Marcia Lesnau says:
    May 27, 2022 at 10:37 pm

    PICASSO should be commemorated along with the Bald Eagle to Represent this Country! The Mustang should DEFINITELY Represent the Wild West!!

    Reply
  38. Sue Murdock says:
    May 31, 2022 at 2:49 am

    Love this! Great job of saying alot in a small space, but you have described his life to a T! Thank you for sharing this and your photos! ❤

    Reply
  39. 4 Famous Mustangs – Equine Entertainment says:
    July 19, 2022 at 1:58 pm

    […] (Photo source – https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/blog/a-tribute-to-picasso-iconic-wild-stallion-of-sand-wash-basin) […]

    Reply
  40. Jerry Eicher says:
    July 24, 2022 at 11:56 pm

    I have wrote a song about Picasso with a friend of mine. It will hopefully be done soon.
    I have a demo now. Working on getting a famous band to to record it. I would like everyone to hear it.
    Soon I hope.

    Reply
  41. Ruth Karcher says:
    November 1, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    Where can I find a family tree for Picasso and his descendents?

    Reply
    • Carol Walker says:
      January 14, 2023 at 12:52 pm

      Ask Sand Wash Basin Advocates Team group – SWAT.

      Reply
  42. Barbara says:
    February 20, 2023 at 6:35 pm

    Carol, these are without a doubt, the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen of Picasso … how I love that Stallion! I was never lucky enough to witness him in person, and I know he’s gone, but he still takes my breath away. <3 Thank you for such beautiful and up-close images!

    Reply

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