In early 2023, the Tarpan Horse Conservation Program (THCP) supported the rescue of the Stroebel herd of 31 Tarpan horses. Thanks to the efforts of Joan Steelhammer, Krisstie Shockey, Kate Beardsley, Don Shurtleff, and others, members of this herd were placed in safety. These horses have primitive traits found in American mustangs, themselves descendants of horses brought by Spanish conquistadors. A 2003 FARM SHOW Magazine article suggests he may also have introduced a Polish Konik into his breeding effort. From the 1990s onward, Gordon and Lenette Stroebel carried Hegardt’s vision forward, building a herd that embodied these rare, ancient traits.
In 2024, the herd found a permanent refuge under the care of Jordanna Anawalt, who adopted them and now provides sanctuary on a multi-thousand-acre refuge in Oregon’s central desert. Now, the Oregon Tarpan Horses are working in collaboration with humans and the land to help revive the stories of original relationships of reciprocity—stories that are needed to return at this time. See their story here:
https://www.choicetribe.com/oregon-tarpan-herd
Ts'ehdiyah,
Jordanna Anawalt
Founder | Conscious Choice & Congruent Communication Coach
Krisstie Shockey (below), long-term supporter of this herd, retains the registry for the Oregon Tarpans.
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