My Wild Horse Story: The Winfields

It wasn’t the first time Dave and Lizzie Winfield had covered some miles to adopt a wild horse. A few years ago, they drove from Bonners Ferry, Idaho to Rock Springs, WY to adopt a wild horse from the Salt Wells Creek herd management area for Lizzie. This time it was Dave’s turn – so in the middle of an Idaho winter, they loaded up and traveled 500 miles to Challis, Idaho for their chance to adopt a wild horse from the popular herd.

“I belong to the Idaho Mustang Facebook group and I started seeing conversation threads about the Challis HMA gather and the horses that would be available for adoption – which was exciting because the horses hadn’t been gathered in a while. It seemed everyone was talking about the conformation, size and calm demeanor of those horses,” said Lizzie. “Dave is a big guy, so I knew he would need a horse with some size.”

The Winfield’s arrived at the adoption the day before to study the horses during the public viewing time. When they saw a 3-year-old gray gelding, it was love at first sight!   It was a competitive bid adoption, so they were a little nervous – and completely thrilled when they won the bid for “Theoden” (named for the Horsemaster King in Lord of the Rings).

Dave is currently on the “spring break-up” when snowmelt prevents him from driving his logging truck. This time has allowed him to work with Theoden daily, taking his time with the horse.

“He has been skittish about his head, so removing the halter placed on him at the adoption and putting a different halter on him was a big deal,” said Dave. “The gateway to him wasn’t rubbing his forehead, it was his muzzle – he has definitely made me earn my touches!”

The Adoption Incentive Program was welcome support for the Winfields’ decision to adopt. 

“We learned about it at the adoption, and think it is great – it helped to pay for Theoden and our trip to pick him up!”   

The Winfields love the new addition to their family.

“He is so smart and he has great retention. There are a lot of distractions around here between the pigs, dogs, and children – retaining his focus can be challenging at times, but it is also helping to desensitize him,” said Dave. “You can see him processing his reaction to things and working through that flight mentality – he is just great.”