The Challis Wild Horse Relocation: A Trail of Tears, Free Spirits and Uncharted Territory

The Challis Wild Horse Relocation is a poignant story of resilience, freedom, and the relentless efforts to preserve the wild spirit of these majestic creatures. Documentarian and photographer Elissa Kline has been at the forefront of this journey, capturing the essence of the wild horses through her lens.

The Beginning of a Saga

“The white Greenfire mare,” as she is known, has been a central figure in the Challis Wild Horse saga. Elissa Kline, who has been photographing this mare since the beginning, chooses not to name the horses to preserve their wildness. Her journey with these horses began in 2004 during a photo shoot for Sun Valley Magazine, where she fell in love with their beauty and spirit.

A Mission to Save

Elissa, along with Doro Lohmann of Silent Voices Equine Rescue and Jodi Herlich, embarked on a mission to save these horses from being disbanded and relocated across the country. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been conducting roundups since the 1930s to control horse populations, often leading to family bands being torn apart.

Raising Awareness

The trio organized fundraisers and online campaigns, even enlisting the support of James Taylor and Carole King to raise awareness. Despite their efforts, finding a suitable relocation site in Idaho proved challenging.

A New Hope

Hope arrived from Southern California in the form of Neda DeMayo, head of the Return to Freedom wild horse sanctuary. She offered to take the horses, and with the help of veterinarians and volunteers, the horses were transported over 1000 miles to their new home in Lompoc, California.

Adjusting to a New Life

While the horses now roam freely on over a thousand acres, the transition has not been without its challenges. Elissa notes changes in their physical appearance and spirit, particularly in the Greenfire mare.

Looking to the Future

The project has sparked a larger initiative to keep the horses on their homeland in Idaho, working with the BLM to manage them responsibly. This effort aims to inspire others to preserve the wildness of these magnificent creatures.

Thanks to the dedication of Elissa, Doro, Jodi, and Neda, the white Greenfire mare continues to roam the plains of California, a symbol of freedom and resilience.