Volunteer Spotlight: Bob Holleman and His Passion for Wild Horses

Meet Bob Holleman! Like many volunteers on the Virginia Range, Bob moved to an area with wild horses, and they captured his heart. He helps in numerous ways, from monitoring horses and fixing fences for Wild Horse Connection to assisting the rescue team. Bob is also a certified darter for the fertility control program.

Getting Involved with Wild Horses

Tell us how you got involved in wild horses?
I saw wild horses in Lockwood, where I moved to 5 years ago, and was curious about how they were taken care of. I found a number for Wild Horse Connection and called. My wife and I quickly got involved.

Volunteering and Its Rewards

What is your favorite part of volunteering?
My wife and I do a lot of volunteering. We like helping out in ways that we can. It's our way of giving back and sharing all the various abilities we have. The reward is in feeling I was able to make a difference.

The Significance of Wild Horses

Why are wild horses special to you? What do they represent to you?
First and foremost, they represent freedom to me. I love their strength and determination to survive no matter what life throws at them. I feel their unique majesty and the simple wonder of God's creatures when I am with them. I truly care and feel connected to them.

Bob's Background

What is/was your day job?
I am a retired Navy Seabee (construction division of the US Navy). I am also a retired builder, business owner, rancher, and farmer.

Memorable Moments on the Range

Do you have a favorite memory from the range that you can share with us?
Every time I am out on the range is a favorite time, but my most impactful time was once when we had a mare that had to be put down. She had just lost a foal and couldn't recover from the birth complications.

As we waited for law enforcement to arrive (about 3 hours), I sat on the ground with her and just rubbed her and talked to her. She lay at my side quietly; I could feel her happiness at the birth of her baby, sadness for the loss of her baby, hurt for her own pain, exhaustion, and her own realization that her life was coming to its end. She felt peace to be lovingly comforted by another of God's creatures (me) in her last moments. I felt honored and humbled to share those moments with her. And peace to know she wasn't alone at her end.

Wildlife on the Range

What other animals have you seen on the range?

• Bighorn sheep
• Coyotes
• Snakes
• Mule (hinny)

Personal Preferences

Okay, aside from horses, what is your favorite animal?
Dogs

If a theme song played every time you go out on the range, what would your theme song be?
Don't Fence Me In

Challenges in Fertility Control

Since you are also a fertility control darter, which horse has been your toughest to dart/photograph? Why?
The ones on the top of the mountains. I have to hike up to get to them and be careful not to spook them (or fall) at the same time.

Fun Facts

Does pineapple belong on pizza? Yes or no?
No