"Ten Thousand Horses #1 – The Sacred Pilgrimage of Guanajuato"
Once a year, the plains of Coronejo, Guanajuato come alive with the rhythmic sound of hooves, the flutter of sacred banners, and the quiet reverence of riders and pilgrims alike. It is the time of the annual blessing of the horses, a tradition that dates back generations, where the deep bond between humans, animals, and the divine is celebrated in a grand display of faith and unity. Photographer Chuck Jones found himself amidst this ancient ritual, his camera poised to capture a moment of pure reverence, as a procession of riders, banners held high, journeyed forward to receive their blessing.
In this platinum palladium print, titled "Ten Thousand Horses #1," Chuck immortalizes a breathtaking scene—an open field filled with proud horsemen, each bearing banners dedicated to saints and protectors, their faces etched with devotion and tradition. It is more than just an image of a pilgrimage; it is a visual testament to the unbroken thread of cultural heritage that has endured through generations.
The Story of "Ten Thousand Horses #1"
The moment captured here is sacred. The riders, dressed in their finest, approach with dignity and pride, their banners lifted high, adorned with the images of saints such as San Isidro Labrador and San Santiago, protectors of the fields and the animals they bless. These banners, hand-painted and worn with age, flutter in the soft breeze, as the golden light of the morning sun reflects off the dew-covered grass. It is a pilgrimage not just for the riders, but for their horses, who stand tall and steadfast, awaiting the ancient blessing that connects them to the land and the heavens above.
In the center of the image, a lone man walks ahead of the procession, embodying the humility and reverence that this sacred event commands. He leads with a quiet strength, guiding the others through the field, as the banners behind him sway like the flags of a forgotten kingdom. The horizon is painted with Suzanne Birrell’s delicate watercolor toning, capturing the soft, pastel hues of dawn, as if the heavens themselves are blessing the earth with their gentle light.
The horses are not just animals here; they are revered companions, symbols of strength, endurance, and loyalty. Each rider sits tall in their saddle, knowing that their connection to these majestic creatures is blessed by the divine. The solemnity of the moment is palpable, yet the scene is filled with a sense of unity, tradition, and an unspoken reverence for the old ways that continue to bind these communities together.
The Photographer’s Journey
This print is a direct result of Chuck Jones’ nearly eight-year journey, in which he traveled 56,000 miles across Mexico in his Jeep, seeking to capture the disappearing traditions and moments of rural life. This pilgrimage, the annual blessing of the horses, is one of the last bastions of such deeply ingrained cultural practices. Chuck’s mission was to documentthese vanishing traditions before they slip into the past, and in "Ten Thousand Horses #1," he succeeds in preserving a moment that carries the weight of history and the warmth of community.
Once Chuck captured this scene, the image was entrusted to his wife, Suzanne Birrell, who brought her masterful touch to the final work through her watercolor toning. Suzanne’s delicate hand brings a softness to the skies, a warmth to the grass, and breathes life into the banners as they flutter in the air. Her work elevates this photograph from a simple image to a rich, multi-layered piece of art, combining the depth of the platinum palladium process with the fluidity and grace of watercolor.
Why Own "Ten Thousand Horses #1"?
By owning this one-of-a-kind platinum palladium print, you are acquiring more than just an image—you are holding a piece of Mexico’s cultural history in your hands. This print, at 15" x 22", is a testament to the deep-rooted traditions that continue to thrive in rural Mexico, despite the modern world encroaching on all sides.
Priced at $5,800, this exclusive 1 of 1 edition ensures that the moment Chuck captured will remain as unique as the traditions it honors. Printed on 100% cotton Arches Platine paper, this piece is designed to last generations, much like the pilgrimage it depicts. The platinum palladium process offers unparalleled tonal depth, while Suzanne’s watercolor toning brings warmth and life to the image, making it a truly unique work of art.
Call to Action
"Ten Thousand Horses #1" is not just a photograph—it is a window into a world where tradition, faith, and the bond between human and horse remain sacred. It is a chance to own a piece of that world, to preserve it in your collection, and to share in the story of a culture that refuses to fade into history.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind artwork that celebrates the richness of Mexico’s disappearing traditions. Will you become the steward of this powerful story?
By acquiring "Ten Thousand Horses #1," you are not just investing in art—you are investing in history, tradition, and the timeless beauty of faith.