The story of Tanka, a six-year-old bay mustang, is a testament to the power of rescue, rehabilitation, and the deep connections that can form between humans and horses. His journey began amidst one of the largest horse rescues in U.S. history, a complex operation that involved numerous animal welfare organizations and a dedicated community of supporters. This narrative highlights not only the challenges of equine rescue but also the profound impact these animals can have on our lives.
The Genesis of the Hallelujah Horses
In February 2017, Dr. Nicole Eller, a veterinarian with the ASPCA’s Field Investigation and Response team, was called upon to assist with a monumental horse rescue. In November 2016, the state of South Dakota had seized over 900 starving and neglected horses from the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros (ISPMB). These horses were subsequently turned over to Fleet of Angels (FOA), an equine protection organization based in Colorado. While FOA, led by founder Elaine Nash, successfully placed 300 of the horses in new homes through a network of rescue partners, the remaining 600 faced a grim fate. They were held by the state to cover hay costs, at risk of being sold at auction to kill-buyers who would then ship them across U.S. borders for slaughter.
A Community Rallies: Saving the Herd
Faced with this critical situation, several animal welfare groups, including the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and Patricia Griffin-Soffel, founder of Sweetbeau Horses, pooled their resources. They collectively raised $150,000 to pay off the lien, effectively canceling the auction. This act of generosity was met with widespread celebration on social media, and the rescued herd became known as the “Hallelujah Horses.” Fleet of Angels, through a meticulous adoption application process, eventually found homes for all 900 horses, an extraordinary achievement in equine rescue. Elaine Nash emphasized the crucial role of the equine advocacy community, stating, “The equine advocacy community really got behind us. Through dozens of organizations, sanctuaries, rescues; hundreds of donors and adopters; and thousands of social media supporters sharing our story, we pulled off the largest rescue of horses ever.”
Dr. Eller’s Expertise and a Fateful Encounter
Dr. Eller, chosen for her extensive experience with equine veterinary care and wild horses, dedicated nearly three weeks to the Hallelujah herd in Nevada and Colorado. During this time, she performed essential procedures such as gelding wild stallions, trimming hooves, administering vaccines, and conducting blood tests. Even after her work was complete, Dr. Eller felt a profound connection to the herd, harboring a sense that one of the horses might cross her path again.
A Chance Reunion in the Nevada Desert
Her intuition proved correct. In November 2017, while visiting her partner, Thomas Smittle, an independent horse trainer, on a movie set in Nevada, Dr. Eller had a startling recognition. Thomas, a Lakota American Indian, was set to star in an upcoming film titled “Mustang,” which depicted a convict’s rehabilitation through training wild mustangs. When Thomas introduced Dr. Eller to his horse, she immediately recognized him as one of the stallions she had gelded in Colorado. The horse, named “Ite Tanka” in Lakota, meaning “great face,” was a six-year-old bay. He had initially been placed by FOA with Return to Freedom, a wild horse sanctuary in California, and was later loaned out for the movie by SweetBeau Horses. Following the film’s completion, Patricia Griffin-Soffel gifted Tanka to Thomas.
A Harmonious Partnership and a Loving Home
Patricia Griffin-Soffel, who herself began Sweetbeau Horses with 25 stallions rescued from the ISPMB case, observed, “I could see they were meant for each other.” She recalled meeting Thomas in 2016 while both were involved in equine therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD and was impressed by his dedication. “He really impressed me, and I was so happy to hear that our mustang was in his hands during the movie.” Dr. Eller describes Thomas as a “true horseman,” and for him, horses are more than companions; they are esteemed teachers. “Horses have taught me a lot about being a good human being,” he shared. “On a daily basis I learn something new, and it’s usually from a horse.” Dr. Eller echoed this sentiment, expressing her lifelong love for horses, stating, “I love seeing the world from between a horse’s ears.” Thomas’s connection to horses also stems from his childhood, where he witnessed his grandfather use a pony team for farming and logging in his native Oregon.
Both Dr. Eller and Thomas acknowledge the significant responsibilities and costs associated with horse ownership, emphasizing the need for adequate space and financial resources for their care. Thomas aptly likens horse ownership to having a child, noting, “They can become a part of your life in that way.” Tanka has now become a cherished member of their extended family, which includes Dr. Eller’s two horses, Jojo and Lakota, three rescued dogs, two cats, and a variety of rescued chickens. Tanka’s integration into this loving and secure environment is truly a cause for celebration, a fitting end to his remarkable journey from rescue to his “Hallelujah” moment.
