“Wild and Free – The Mustangs of the McCullough Peaks,” a photography exhibit organized by Friends of a Legacy, will open Wednesday, May 31, at the Park County Library in Cody.

The exhibit includes 30 framed photographs, each celebrating the mustangs that represent the spirit of the American West and all taken within the last three years in the McCullough Peaks. After a month on display, it will then travel to at least 14 public libraries around the state during a two-year tour and end at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

“It was truly exciting to see the diversity of images submitted and learn about the photographers and their passion for the free-roaming horses living in our region,” said Frances Clymer, exhibit organizer and FOAL board member. “From the photographs that came from across the country, we selected ones that best told the story of the wild horses.”

FOAL developed the traveling exhibit to educate audiences about the importance of sustaining the herd of wild horses that roam 120,000 acres of public land in Park and Big Horn counties. The show will include informational signage and labels about the horses and their habitat.

In addition, FOAL will provide a variety of materials featuring the horses as well as activities for children and families for libraries to use in their programming. 

“By sharing the images and stories of the mustangs, FOAL hopes to inform the public about our successful collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management and the ranchers whose cattle roam the range with the wild horses,” said Mary Scuffham, FOAL board president. “Together we work to improve the habitat for all creatures that inhabit the McCulloughs and manage the herd to avoid costly, disruptive roundups.

“The photogenic mustangs enchant visitors as emblems of freedom.”