Soldier Hat
"At first glance, you notice that these Apache on horseback are standing in the stream. They are doing that to soften the horses’ hooves," Terpning says. "In the summer heat, when the hooves get very dry, they can crack quite severely and cause the horse to go lame.
"On second glance, you can see what the Apache see – a cavalry hat floating toward them in the water indicating that there are soldiers in the area.
"This image of the early 1880’s depicts an area in the Great Plains, just west of the Dragoon Mountains where Cochise had his stronghold. These Native Americans now know that it’s just a matter of time before the U.S. Army finds them. They’ll have to pack up and get out of there.
"I added high, towering rocks to the landscape to convey the feeling of a secluded, safe little haven. I wanted to create an idyllic scene of peace and tranquility, which is then shattered by this discovery."