The Battle in the Desert

In December last year I was in Southern Namibia and one thing I had intended to do there was to find some Wild Desert Horses (or more correctly Feral Horses). I have had the opportunity to photograph these horses before in 2010, but did not bring back many images of that encounter that really pleased me. Convinced about the potential for interesting photos of this subject in the beautiful Namib Desert habitat, I was determined to give it another serious try. Luck was more on my side this time as I found some relaxed horses in close to the dirt track. I approached the horses carefully and slowly on foot and all I got were some inquisitive looks and snorts, but they seemed at ease and I was actually surprised I could get this close. Before I knew it I was amongst them lying on the ground for low angle shots. A grazing dark brown stallion came closer and closer straight towards me. About 10 meters from me it then raised its head and started snorting. My adrenaline surged as I interpreted his challenging behaviour to be directed at me. Then I noticed another stallion behind me and realised I was in their way! I slowly stepped aside quite a few paces and seconds later the horses rushed at each other and the dust started flying. Serious biting and kicking characterized an intense, but short dual which ended with the lighter one running off and the darker one in pursuit. This thrilling encounter was more than I had bargained for! I caught this brief interaction at 10fps (frames per second). This is my favorite of that sequence. More images can be found on my website.


Namib Desert, near Aus in Namibia.
Camera Model Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Shutter Speed 1/800 Sec.
Aperture Value f/8
ISO Speed 400
Lens EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM @ 100mm
HH, slightly cropped