Chief is a magnificent stallion from the Sulpher Springs Herd Management Area in Utah. The horses from this area have the DNA most similar to the primitive Iberian horses, the Sorria, now threatened with extinction. 

After his heart-wrenching roundup, Chief was cruelly separated from his family and his homeland. He endured various forms of abuse while attempts were made to “break” his strong wild spirit. The scars he bore were both seen and unseen.   

Chief’s story, whispered to me through the winds of time, found a glimmer of hope when what seemed to be a soft landing was found with a facility that worked in equine-assisted therapy. Even in this safe haven, he remained resolute, showing no inclination to connect with humans. He quickly created a consistent pattern of either turning his back or fleeing any attempts at eye contact or touch from humans. It just wasn’t his preference, until one extraordinary day when a young boy entered his world.

This boy had known nothing but abuse his entire life, starting in his crib. Two souls, battered by darker side of human existence.  With a depth of understanding wild hearts possess, this stallion took his first kind steps towards a human, this broken child. Recognizing their shared wounds, and acknowledging vulnerability suddenly created a safe space for both.

As the session came to an end, Chief, in a gesture of protection and solidarity, positioned himself between the boy and the facilitator in an effort to protect him.  Even with this remarkable moment, it was apparent this wasn’t the life for this stunning stallion and the search for refuge again, began.  

It was clear Chief yearned to embrace his wild essence once more, and heal, on his own terms. A place where he could live a life free from human pressure. Refuge was found and he was relocated to a wild horse sanctuary where he found his way back to his native way of life. He now protects a beautiful herd of Sulpher Springs mares who, like he, were removed from their families and home territory. All of them allowed to return to their untamed spirits, yet again.