The racing buggy decals remind me of Michigan and Pennislyvania, and of the Amish. Credit: Kelly O

I will never forget, firstly, my creepy solo viewing of a graphic short video called Mr. Hands in 2005—or, secondly, my viewing, in a large group, of the beautiful and non-graphic documentary film Zoo. Ten years later, Charles Mudede and I revisited Enumclaw, Washington. It struck me as a town that still does and always will love horses. Whether THEY remember you-know-what or not. More photos after the jump…

The racing buggy decals remind me of Michigan and Pennsylvania, and of the Amish.
These racing buggy decals remind me of Michigan and Pennsylvania, and of the Amish. Kelly O
It kind of looks like theyre about to crash.
It kind of looks like they’re about to crash into each other? Kelly O
If everything isnt black and white, I say Why the hell not? —John Wayne
“If everything isn’t black and white, I say ‘Why the hell not?'” —John Wayne Kelly O
Another famous quote by John Wayne, Get off your horse and drink your milk.
Also by John Wayne, “Get off your horse and drink your milk.” Kelly O
Inside the Enumclaw Sales Pavilion, Every Body Needs Milk.
Inside the Enumclaw Sales Pavilion, “Every Body Needs Milk.” Kelly O
I wonder if Warpaint Sonny is still around.
I wonder if Warpaint Sonny is still around. Kelly O
When I was a little girl, a hot dog was probably still 50 cents. I also, like EVERY LITTLE GIRL wanted a pony of my own.
When I was a little girl, like EVERY OTHER LITTLE GIRL, I wanted a pony for every birthday. Kelly O
My mom, probably like a lot of other moms, said we could never afford to feed a horse.
My mom, probably like a lot of other moms, said we “could never afford to feed a horse.” Kelly O
This is a coloring book horse (and a coloring book frog!) next to a laminated recipe for caribou goulash.
This is a coloring book horse (and a coloring book frog) next to a laminated recipe for “caribou goulash.” Kelly O
This horse was for sale, for $80, outside an Enumclaw fruit stand.
This horse was for sale for $80 outside an Enumclaw fruit stand. Kelly O
This lady seemed to think about buying it, but passed.
This lady seemed to think about buying it, but passed. Kelly O
This horse wasnt for sale and also wouldnt stop eating or look up at me, no matter how many weird clicky noises I made.
This horse wasn’t for sale and also wouldn’t stop eating or look up at me, no matter how many weird clicky noises I made. Kelly O
This is a lost horse poster. Is this somehow sadder than a lost cat or dog? Somehow YES?
This is a “lost horse” poster. Is this somehow sadder than a “lost cat” or “lost dog”? Somehow, YES. Kelly O
According to Wikipedia, horse rearing is linked to fright, aggression, excitement, disobedience, or pain.
According to Wikipedia, horse rearing is linked to fright, aggression, excitement, disobedience, or pain. Kelly O
Have you ever ridden a horse when it jumps over something? Is it terrifying.
Have you ever ridden a horse when it jumps over something? Is it terrifying. Kelly O
The ceiling of the local farm supply store was also a little terrfying to look at.
The ceiling of the local farm supply store was also a little terrifying to look at. Kelly O
I wish all horses looked like these. Unbridled and free.
I wish all horses looked like these. Unbridled and free… Kelly O
... and in wide open spaces.
… and in wide open spaces. Kelly O
Who needs a horse, when you can just ride this?
Who needs a horse, when you can ride this? Kelly O
Or this—one of the flashiest show ponies of all.
Or this—one of the flashiest show ponies I saw in Enumclaw. Kelly O

Kelly O—formerly a Stranger staff photographer, music writer, Drunk of the Week columnist, and more!—finished art school and a soul-crushing internship at a corporate advertising agency in Detroit,...