Legendary one-eared stallion known as Van Gogh dies after two decades in Utah
A legendary one-eared stallion known among wild horse advocates as Van Gogh has died after more than 20 years on Utah’s southern range.
The golden Palomino horse, known for being a resilient fixture in the Onaqui herd, was suffering from swelling he had on his penis since at least August that developed an infection, impaired his movement and left him thin and in poor condition, according to the nonprofit group Onaqui Catalogue.
The Bureau of Land Management humanely euthanized the stallion on April 9, the nonprofit said in posts on its social media pages. His official BLM name was OQ93yS and the agency estimated he was in his mid-20s.
The BLM in Utah did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for information about the stallion on April 11.
One Ear was released into the Onaqui herd management area (HMA) in 2005, and had established his first family band of wild horses in the late winter and early spring of 2010, Onaqui Catalogue reported.
“He spent time in the north herd range and most recently in the south herd range. He lost his ear in a legendary battle on (Feb. 28, 2011), earning him the name One Ear and Van Gogh,” the group said. “This loss hits hard. One Ear was a dynamic stallion who captured the hearts of many who visited the range.”
Heartfelt tributes to the beloved stallion spread across social media.
“I’m writing this through tears. The mighty stallion ‘One Ear’ is gone,” wild horse photographer and advocate Sandy Sharkey said on Facebook and Instagram. “One Ear was one of the most loved wild stallions in Utah’s Onaqui range. A powerful, feisty boy, covered in battle scars and usually two day’s worth of caked mud.”
Sharkey recalled witnessing the horse fighting battle after battle on the range and shared several photos of the stallion proudly sporting his battle wounds.
“Eight years ago, I saw One Ear with a massive, bloody shoulder wound,” she said. “Rather than retreat from yet another battle injury, One Ear was charging around, eventually galloping headstrong into a duel with not one but TWO other stallions — at the same time. He recovered from the shoulder injury. It was as if it never happened.”
More recently, Sharkey spotted One Ear hanging out with another stallion in a remote area of the Onaqui range.
“His days of fighting for mares were over, but he looked majestic and beautiful and content,” she said. “You could say that One Ear captured our hearts, but I like to think he went one step further. He set our hearts free.”
Another photographer shared photos and video of One Ear engaged in and even challenging other stallions to battle.
“One Ear was small in stature, but I think in his mind he was the biggest, baddest guy on the range,” Susan Goudge said. “It was always special to see him, and to see what sort of mischief he’d end up stirring up …”
Goudge said she was grateful he was able to live freely, except for a period of time when he was rounded up by the BLM.
“The day the BLM released some of the stallions that they’d captured, the waiting crowd let out a huge cheer when One Ear came flying out of the back of the trailer!” she said. “His age was estimated to be somewhere in the mid-20’s, so he did have a full life, brimming with adventure. We’ll miss you, golden boy.”
“What a beautiful stallion! All muscle and attitude!” someone said under the video of One Ear challenging a stallion known as Cobra for his mare.
“This video (shows) him at his best,” another person said. “This is how I will always remember him.”
Wild horse photographer Darlene Smith also shared several photos of the stallion, including one of him with the horse he lost his ear to in their 2011 fight.
“One Ear was one of the most beloved south stallions. His stocky build and strong personality were hard to miss,” Smith said, adding that he also “loved a good mud bath.”
“Of course the biggest difference between him and other stallions was his missing ear, which is part of the legend,” she said, describing how he lost the ear in a fight with a stallion known as Goliath.
The stallions are pictured together in what the photographer said is her favorite photo she’s captured of them, “taken long after the fight happened.”
“They were all chummy as if nothing ever happened between them,” she said. “Horses can teach us so much. I will sure miss this amazing teacher.”
This story was originally published April 11, 2025 at 1:58 PM with the headline "Legendary one-eared stallion known as Van Gogh dies after two decades in Utah."
