Sometimes it is difficult for me to see the wounds that result from the brutal fights engaged among the stallions to win and/or keep the high rank of breeding male in a herd of mustangs.

Just five days ago, I was out photographing this stallion and his band. At that time, he appeared thin and worn out. Less than a week later, this image of the same stallion reveals many fresh and bleeding open wounds. The twin semi-circular scars are evidence of powerful bites that cut deep through the hair and skin. I can see eight of these biting injuries on the face, neck, shoulder and even one on the knee that is still bleeding.

When a mare in the stallions herd becomes ready to breed, the bachelor males converge and do their best to get in on the action. The dominant stallion spends all of his time chasing and fighting with the younger males. I truly believe that these combatants use maximum force to inflict pain, they are not just play fighting like the young colts, but answering the overwhelming instinct to breed, and the right to breed must be won in battle.

I would guess this veteran horse will survive his wounds, continue defending his harem of mares, find time to eat and drink, but most importantly for him, father many more young colts.