Obscured in the Mist: Australian Snowy Brumbies, Wild Horses of the World
8th August 2018, Herd 2

As we climbed higher in altitude, the snow lay deeper and the mist made it near impossible to see more than a few meters off the road. This high in the mountains, near the Great Divide, the storm was still in full force and we had to strain to see any form of life. Then, in the half light, into which the snow gums seemed to fade, we saw the faint outline of three brumbies buffeted by the wind. 

As soon as the car was parked we ploughed down the incline, stumbling through the knee deep snow. Beneath the blanket of fresh powder, fallen logs and shrubs made hiking difficult and it was impossible to mask the noise of our approach. Startled, the brumbies raised their heads and spun, trotting down to join two others that stood hidden in the gloom. 

We’d barely made it 100 meters before the Brumbies were well out of sight, fading like shadows in the mist. None would be identifiable if we ever crossed paths with them again; even now I'm not sure how many stallions, mares and youngsters made up the herd, nor what colour they were.

By the time we made it back to the car snow was falling, so we headed down to the Yarrangobilly Caves to pass the time. In this weather, the chance of spotting wild horses would be slim to none and the roads were treacherous in a rental car – perhaps with our Isuzu D-Max we could have continued, but until the blizzard died down we would have to wait out the storm.

This is the second in a series of 12 blogs about the Snowy Brumbies; to read more visit www.kellywilson.nz/blog (keyword: Wild Horses of the World)