Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Join host Steve Peck of Wyoming PBS as he speaks with Chad Hanson, Casper College professor and author of "The Wild Horse Effect." In this inspiring conversation, Hanson shares breathtaking stories and photography of Wyoming’s wild horses, explores their deep cultural and spiritual significance, and reveals how time spent in nature can improve mental health.
From the Green Mountain Herd Management Area to the history of mustangs in North America, discover how these iconic animals connect us to history, literature, and the natural world.
Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, Western landscapes, or mental wellness, this episode of Wyoming Chronicle will leave you with a new appreciation for wild horses and their role in our shared story.
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⏱ Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction: Chad Hanson & The Wild Horse Effect
1:00 – Location: Green Mountain Herd Management Area
2:00 – What is a wild horse? Defining mustangs
3:40 – History of horses in Wyoming (1640 find)
4:30 – Horses in religion, spirituality & literature
6:00 – Virginia Woolf’s “wild horse in all of us”
7:00 – Wild horses & mental health benefits
9:00 – Nature deficit disorder & Richard Louv
10:30 – Origins & evolution of horses in North America
12:00 – Genetics of Wyoming mustangs
13:30 – Horse family dynamics & natural breeding
15:00 – Photography process & equipment
17:30 – Wyoming herds: Green Mountain, Stewart Creek, McCullough Peaks
19:00 – Humanities, history, and philosophy of wild horses
20:00 – Chad Hanson’s personal journey & discovery of mustangs
23:00 – Publishing The Wild Horse Effect with Chronicle Books
24:00 – Support from Wyoming Humanities Council
25:00 – Wildlife & ecosystems around Green Mountain
26:00 – How to see wild horses in Wyoming
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
#wildhorses #WyomingChronicle #ChadHanson #TheWildHorseEffect #mustangs #WyomingPBS #NatureAndMentalHealth #GreenMountainHMA
Join host Steve Peck of Wyoming PBS as he speaks with Chad Hanson, Casper College professor and author of "The Wild Horse Effect." In this inspiring conversation, Hanson shares breathtaking stories and photography of Wyoming’s wild horses, explores their deep cultural and spiritual significance, and reveals how time spent in nature can improve mental health.
From the Green Mountain Herd Management Area to the history of mustangs in North America, discover how these iconic animals connect us to history, literature, and the natural world.
Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, Western landscapes, or mental wellness, this episode of Wyoming Chronicle will leave you with a new appreciation for wild horses and their role in our shared story.
---
⏱ Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction: Chad Hanson & The Wild Horse Effect
1:00 – Location: Green Mountain Herd Management Area
2:00 – What is a wild horse? Defining mustangs
3:40 – History of horses in Wyoming (1640 find)
4:30 – Horses in religion, spirituality & literature
6:00 – Virginia Woolf’s “wild horse in all of us”
7:00 – Wild horses & mental health benefits
9:00 – Nature deficit disorder & Richard Louv
10:30 – Origins & evolution of horses in North America
12:00 – Genetics of Wyoming mustangs
13:30 – Horse family dynamics & natural breeding
15:00 – Photography process & equipment
17:30 – Wyoming herds: Green Mountain, Stewart Creek, McCullough Peaks
19:00 – Humanities, history, and philosophy of wild horses
20:00 – Chad Hanson’s personal journey & discovery of mustangs
23:00 – Publishing The Wild Horse Effect with Chronicle Books
24:00 – Support from Wyoming Humanities Council
25:00 – Wildlife & ecosystems around Green Mountain
26:00 – How to see wild horses in Wyoming
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
#wildhorses #WyomingChronicle #ChadHanson #TheWildHorseEffect #mustangs #WyomingPBS #NatureAndMentalHealth #GreenMountainHMA
