In this post, I share the story of Fierce Grace, a black-and-white horse photograph by world-renowned equine photographer Tony Stromberg. I bought it fresh out of college at a home goods store, despite a tight budget (thanks to my horses). Stromberg, author of “Spirit Horses” and “The Forgotten Horses”, is known for capturing the soul of the horse in his photography. This piece still hangs on my wall today, reminding me of the beauty of wild horses and the fierce freedom that every human spirit craves.

Fierce Grace: The Photograph That Captured My Spirit

Fresh out of college, I had just landed my first “real” job. The paycheck was steady, but let’s be honest it barely stretched far enough. Between horse expenses and student loans, the idea of buying art seemed almost laughable. And yet, one day at a random home goods store (now long out of business), I stumbled across a black-and-white horse photograph called Fierce Grace by Tony Stromberg.

The horse in the image looks off to the side, wind whipping its mane, as if it carries both defiance and serenity in one breath. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to take it home. It was not in the budget, but I bought it anyway. And to this day, it still hangs on my wall.

Why Fierce Grace Matters

There is something timeless about Stromberg’s work. His photography doesn’t just show horses it reveals them. Fierce Grace embodies that wild spirit: the raw beauty of freedom, the power of movement, the wisdom in stillness.

That horse reminds me of the wild herds roaming this country, symbols of endurance and independence. Every time I look at it, I send up a prayer that they are safe, that we treat them with the respect they deserve. I’m deeply moved by people like Tony Stromberg who capture these animals with reverence, turning fleeting moments into eternal images.

A Post-College Lesson

That purchase marked something important for me. It wasn’t about decorating my walls. It was about feeding my soul. Even when money was tight, even when practicality whispered, you shouldn’t, I chose to honor what stirred my heart. And years later, Fierce Grace continues to remind me of the part of the human spirit that longs for wildness.

How many times have you sat in a meeting and wished you could just walk out, free as the wind? How many times have you wanted to say what you really think like, strong opinions with very little facts don’t make truth but instead bit your tongue?

That’s the pull of the wild: honesty, authenticity, freedom. Horses embody it. And so does this photograph.

Why I Still Love It Today

Even after all these years, Fierce Grace remains more than just a reproduction. It is a compass. It grounds me and inspires me, reminding me daily of the balance between strength and softness, between discipline and freedom. Yes, I had no business buying it at the time. But in hindsight, it wasn’t a reckless choice, it was an investment in my soul.

Who is Tony Stromberg?

Tony Stromberg is an internationally recognized equine photographer celebrated for capturing the raw essence of horses in a way that feels almost spiritual. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Stromberg spent over 20 years as a commercial advertising photographer before turning his lens exclusively toward horses.

He is the author of several acclaimed photography books, including Spirit Horses, The Forgotten Horses, and Horse Medicine. His mission goes beyond aesthetics his images act as a reminder of the deep, soulful connection between humans and horses, and as a call to protect wild herds that embody freedom and resilience.

What makes Stromberg’s work extraordinary is that he doesn’t just photograph horses; he honors them. Each image is a meditation on grace, strength, and authenticity the very qualities that draw so many of us to horses in the first place.