DOINews: Communications Officers Embrace Roles in Challis Wild Horse Gather

11/07/2012
Last edited 09/05/2019

BLM Idaho Public Affairs Officers Sarah Wheeler of the Idaho Falls District, Heather Tiel-Nelson of the Twin Falls District and Jessica Gardetto of the Idaho State Office enjoyed some time with the talented Prada horses, Shorty and Rooster, at the recent Challis Field Office wild horse gather.

As part of the BLM Idaho Wild Horse and Burro team, these public affairs officers designated safe observation areas with the team; escorted interested members of the public to observation areas and the BLM Challis Wild Horse Facility; answered public questions and concerns; filmed and photo documented the gather; and updated websites and social media each evening after the gather was finished for the day.

Three BLM public information officers posing for a photo with two Prada horses.
From left, BLM public affairs officers Sarah Wheeler of the Idaho Falls District, Heather Tiel-Nelson of the Twin Falls District and Jessica Gardetto of the Idaho State Office embrace the talented Prada horses, Shorty and Rooster, at the Challis Field Office wild horse gather. Photo by BLM.

After all of these hours each day, they still smile and love their jobs because of the camaraderie of the people they work with and the majestic outdoor landscape they call their "office."

Shorty's and Rooster's job was to lead each group of wild horses into capture sites at the Challis Field Office wild horse gather. They wait until the horses make visual contact and then run in front leading them into the corrals at the capture site. From their stellar performances this past week, you can tell they love their jobs, too.

Wild horses moving north from Corral Basin Wilderness Study Area.
Wild horses moving north from Corral Basin Wilderness Study Area. Photo by BLM.

Wild horses arriving safely at the Antelope Flat capture site.
Wild horses arriving safely at the Antelope Flat capture site. Photo by BLM.

On Wednesday, Oct. 31, a total of 267 horses had been gathered over the course of six days in three different capture locations within the Challis Herd Management Area, completing the gather. The number of horses gathered and released should achieve the appropriate management level of 185 animals to maintain the overall objective of healthy horses on healthy rangelands.

Five Challis field office team members jumping in the air and kicking up their heels; mountains in background.
"We wrapped up gather operations today. Just look how happy some of the team is to be done," said Challis Field Office manager Todd Kuck. Photo by BLM.

By: BLM-Idaho
Nov. 6, 2012

Important Links:

Daily Gather Report: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/wild_horses_/gathers/challis_gather_2012/challis_gather_updates.html
Daily Photos: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/wild_horses_/gathers/challis_gather_2012.html
Facebook (scroll to the bottom of the page): http://www.facebook.com/BLMIdaho

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