In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Christine Kman, President and Co-Founder Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates and co-owner of Chasing Horses, LLC, embarked on her path with her husband Gary to protect and preserve the wild horses of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Christine shares her experiences, pivotal moments, leadership principles, and vision for the future. Discover how her unwavering dedication led to groundbreaking achievements, how she navigated challenges, and how she continues to inspire others in the field of wildlife advocacy.
Journey to Becoming a Pioneering Leader
In 2017, Christine and her husband Gary began sharing photos and stories about the wild horses of Theodore Roosevelt National Park on social media. They engaged and educated the public on the history and current management of the wild horses. That engagement with their followers led to the birth of their small business, Chasing Horses, LLC in 2017. As the public began to see issues with the management, the cries for change from their followers gave birth to Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates in 2021.
In December 2022, Theodore Roosevelt National Park announced its decision to completely eliminate the wild horses within its boundaries. Christine & Gary Kman along with those long-time followers of Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates immediately took action to protect this historic herd. After three years of unwavering dedication, the park announced in April 2024 that it would abandon its plans to eliminate the horses. The couple continues to stay the course, working toward federal protection for these wild horses through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horse Protection Act, introduced to Congress in 2025.
As their following continues to grow, the couple continues to engage and educate followers about all aspects of the wild horses of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Core Values and Principles in Leadership
When founding Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates, Christine received advice from one of the organization’s lawyers: “A nonprofit belongs to the community it represents.” This principle has guided her leadership, ensuring that education, community engagement, and incorporating the input of followers remain at the forefront of decision-making.
A Turning Point in Christine Kman’s Career
In 2023, Christine worked with state legislators to pass a resolution urging federal legislators to allow the wild horses to remain in the park. That same spring, she lobbied Congress and realized the significant impact of that legislative effort. What initially seemed like a small action turned out to be a pivotal turning point, revealing how state-level decisions can influence federal outcomes.
Long-Term Vision for Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates
Christine’s long-term vision involves continued collaboration with state and federal legislators, as well as with new leadership at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, to ensure the horses have a sustainable management plan that prioritizes their health and longevity. She also envisions creating a wild horse sanctuary in Southwestern North Dakota to provide a permanent home for Nokota horses.
Defining Innovation in Wild Horse Advocacy
Christine believes innovation in advocacy comes from thinking outside the box, seeking creative ways to engage elected officials, and remaining persistent and consistent in outreach efforts.
Balancing Risk-Taking and Strategic Planning
Christine acknowledges that every step in the fight to protect the herd carried risk, as the possibility of losing the horses was real. However, she remained hopeful that raising voices and advocating for change would lead to success.
Impact on the Industry Over the Next Decade
Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates is often approached by other nonprofit organizations seeking advice on preventing roundups of wild horses. Christine is always willing to share insights and collaborate with fellow advocates. Additionally, the organization is compiling its work into a book that will be released in the near future.
Industry Disruptions and Challenges
Christine identifies Project 2025 and the federal government’s ongoing push to eliminate wild horses and burros from public lands as the biggest disruptions facing her field.
Responsibilities of Today’s Leaders for Future Generations
Christine believes leaders must work together and fulfil their civic duty by raising their voices to protect resources and freedoms, ensuring that future generations can experience the presence of wild horses and burros on public lands.
Approach to Social Responsibility
Christine believes that everyone carries the responsibility to be socially responsible. Her organization ensures that all information shared with followers is accurate and truthful by consistently fact-checking before publication.
Reflections on Leadership
Looking back, Christine would have been more open about sharing losses along the way. Many breakthroughs and successes were the result of lessons learned from setbacks.
Sources of Inspiration and Mentorship
Christine draws inspiration from fellow advocates and the dedicated followers of Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates, whose passion and knowledge continually fuel her work. Christine also feels blessed to have a wonderful partner in all things in her husband Gary, who shares her passion for these historic wild horses.
Lasting Impact on the Industry
Christine hopes to change the future for wild horses and burros, securing their protection for generations to come.
What Sets Christine Kman Apart as a Pioneering Leader
Christine maintains that her success stems from persistence, consistency, and the ability to objectively listen to her board, followers, and fellow advocates. She emphasizes that anyone with dedication and determination could achieve similar outcomes.
Protecting the Herd for the Future
In December 2022, Theodore Roosevelt National Park revealed plans to remove its entire herd of wild horses. Over the next three years, Christine, Gary and their organization fought tirelessly to ensure the horses remained where they have always been. On April 25, 2024, the park officially abandoned its removal plans. Today, Christine continues working closely with federal legislators to secure permanent federal protection for the herd, determined to prevent a repeat of the past three years’ challenges.
In conclusion, Christine Kman’s journey stands as a testament to the power of persistence, community involvement, and fearless advocacy. Through tireless dedication, she has not only protected a treasured herd of wild horses but also set a precedent for how grassroots action can influence policy and create lasting change. Her work with Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates continues to inspire individuals and organizations across the country, proving that one person’s determination can spark a movement capable of shaping the future for generations to come.
