The 2012 BLM Helicopter Roundup on the Challis Herd Management Area (HMA) resulted in 150 wild horses being permanently removed from this 154,150 acres of wild public lands, leaving an estimated 185 Challis wild horses on the range. WLP was present during the roundup and immediately put in motion development of a community focused program to address the Challis wild horses removed as result, that would not be adopted otherwise. Subsequently, and a first, not one Challis wild horse displaced in 2012 was shipped out of the state to BLM longterm holding facilities.
WLP brought all sides together to create the WLP Adoption Project, resulting in an evolving success story. As of Summer 2013 WLP has purchased and adopted 130 Idaho wild horses, to include 22 babies born to our wild Challis mares already pregnant at the time of their adoption.
"Together, we did it! The WLP Adoption Project is first of its kind and sets forth a new working model. All sides came together to make this WLP Adoption Project possible and thanks to unprecedented teamwork we have adopted 108 native Idaho wild horses, 22 babies to follow this spring. In total we have rescued and saved 130 wild lives. Wild futures have been secured at home, to be forever protected on WLP lands. As result, no wild horses from the 2012 Challis Roundup were shipped out to BLM Long-term Holding. According to the BLM this is the 2nd largest adoption in BLM history. You helped turn a page in the history books and forever secure these wild lives in a new manner. It takes a village and WLP thanks you!" -Andrea Maki, Jan 20, 2013
By way of private supporters Project WLP has adopted, purchased and removed these native Idaho wild horses from the existing taxpayer funded system. This is the second largest adoption in BLM history, however first of its kind in intent and action. Thanks to unprecedented teamwork, we have secured these wild lives in a new manner to remain together on permanently protected WLP wild expanse in Idaho.
“It takes a village.”
— Andrea Maki, Founder Wild Love Preserve
Second Stop: In August 2013, after trimming all wild horse hooves, which will again wear naturally once they are turned out to native wild expanse, we moved all adopted wilds and our new additions to larger leased corrals and pasture which were also modified to meet BLM requirements.
Specific contributions to Wild Love Preserve covered the expenses for these modifications, their move, hoof trimming, etc. WLP wilds remained at this location until September 2014.
Third Stop: August 30 and September 2014 brought another milestone as we were finally able to move our 130 adopted wilds from our leased second location to our leased 400 acres.
Prior to this transition, a second round of WLP wild horse's hooves being trimmed. To meet BLM requirements we had to purchase a custom-made wild horse tilt-chute for trimming hooves. This mighty piece of equipment makes for a safe and productive trim, but also comes with a hefty price tag. If you have interest in contributing towards this required project expenditure please inquire.
Team WLP is lucky to have the heart and expertise of our lead, wild-horse loving, cowboy on board. Subtle communications, moves, patience, mutual respect and understanding result in WLP wilds being moved with care via our cowboys on horseback. This video clip below of our guys in action, shows some behind the scenes moments from our long awaited move and turn out to our leased 400 acre ranch on August 30, 2014.
Upon turning our wilds out their wild instincts kicked right in and they were over the moon about being together again. No words can express the relief and joy of seeing these wild wonders back together after being separated, geldings from mares as per BLM requirements, since the October 2012 Roundup - their patience has been truly extra-ordinary. Magic and wildness fills the air and remains electric. Mixing and mingling in their chosen bands, but still one big family at the end of the day. Boys busy rallying the ladies, the ladies trumping certain wishes of the boys, and our littles are now yearlings experiencing the sheer joy of running like the wind, kicking up their heels, playing and grazing amongst their family and friends. Most important, these strong family bonds created are lasting and forever. This 400 acre pasture is another step towards their final move to Wild Love Preserve's native wild expanse.
Project Wild Love Preserve's preservation of this wild American icon is legacy project. Our adopted wilds and their offsprings will live their lives together on WLP wild expanse in their native region, allowing for family bands and dynamics to be established, nurtured and permanently protected. That which we do today sets the stage for future generations to equally nurture, treasure and experience. Wild Love Preserve is about the whole and for the whole - past, present, future.
