Legendary wild horse’s presence will be missed in White Mountains

Legendary wild horse’s presence will be missed in White Mountains

The long shadows of mortality have swept across the lonely sagebrush flats of California’s White Mountains, claiming the life of a wild and elusive legend.

For three decades a mustang named Campito roamed wild and free in this windswept wilderness range best known as home to the oldest living thing on Earth, the bristlecone pine.

News has come from the U.S. Forest Service that this legendary mystery horse now belongs to the ages.

Campito’s remains were found by a hiker and confirmed by USFS biologist Kary Schlict. According to Lisa Cox, acting public affairs officer for Inyo National Forest in Bishop, it appears the wild horse enjoyed a final summer in the meadows of the White Mountains before passing away in August.

Hopefully, Campito slipped away peacefully in a soft summer meadow in this wild place he chose to live.

I had the pleasure of sharing the wilderness solitude of the White Mountains with Campito several times over the years but only learned some of his story a little over a year ago through social media.

Campito’s life is one rich in mystery and lore, consistent with any good tale of the Wild West. The legend only grew as social media allowed the sharing of his sightings.

This silky black stallion with the white forehead blaze became a summer fixture at nearly 12,000 feet in the sagebrush flats of the White Mountains.

Fortunate visitors might catch a distant glimpse as he grazed in the meadows near his namesake, Campito Mountain. No one seems to know where Campito spent the harsh winters.

In many of California’s wilderness fringes there are herds of wild horses, but Campito was not part of a wild horse herd. He chose a solitary life.

Occasionally, he was seen with a companion, but mostly Campito was the solitary king of his domain.

Compared to the Eastern Sierra just a few miles to the west, the White Mountains see very few visitors. The single dirt road into the area is the highest elevation public road in California and takes visitors to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and visitor center.

This is a harsh place, with storm winds of 100 mph or higher, below zero winter temperatures, ancient pines twisted by the severe elements and sparse vegetation.

The twisted bristlecone pines and trackless moon-like landscape at higher elevations are a photographer’s paradise. The opportunity to see an elusive wild horse was always a bonus.

My first encounter with this phantom creature was in the late 1990s, but over the years I saw him several more times. He was tolerant, but wary, never letting me get very close.

Such a regal sight to see.

As the legend of Campito began to grow on social media, his story further emerged.

In response to a photo of the horse and an online question asking if anyone know about him, it was Don Chambers, a resident of Bishop and a board member of the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association, that first began to provide information.

Chambers told of a freeze brand that identified Campito as being born in 1991 to the Buckhorn wild horse herd of Lassen County. Freeze brands, instead of traditional fire brands were applied by the Federal Bureau of Land Management that manages the wild horses.

The Buckhorn herd is thought to have originated from Spanish stock mixed with escaped ranch animals and U.S. Cavalry horses prior to and during World War I.

Records also showed that Campito was captured in 1995 and adopted in 1996 by someone near Susanville, but information after that is unclear.

There are vague accounts of Campito’s history but very little factual information. The only sure truth is we know he adopted the White Mountain Wilderness as home.

“There are stories and legends about Campito, from how he made his way to the Whites to where he goes in winter. I’ve not been able to confirm any of these, and sometimes legends should remain,” Chambers said.

I also came across Oceanside resident Jim Summers who developed a relationship with the mustang during several encounters over more than 20 years. He provided me with additional information.

Initially, Campito was wary when Summers approached, but that changed when he offered an apple.

“I held it out, but he would not come in close to get it, so I eventually rolled it to him,” Summers said.

Campito only watched, but the apple was gone when Summers returned the next day. During subsequent trips, carrots and more apples were brought by Summers, and it became apparent the mustang recognized him.

Summers said the horse would come when he called his name and follow him around but continued to stay at least 15 feet away.

Campito’s story got even more intriguing when Summers met a California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist who confirmed some of the stories of the horse’s history.

According to the biologist, Campito had been part of a High Sierra pack string but escaped during a trek into the high country.

This wild spirit was again free and unbridled.

I have admired his solitary life, the freedom, strength, spirit and romance he personified. This magnificent creature of the wind had chosen a life without boundaries and survived in a place where even plants are challenged to grow.

I felt a reverence whenever meeting Campito in his harsh, wilderness home.

Campito lived 31 years, a good, long life for a wild horse that generally lives 25 to 30 years.

His hoof prints will no longer be found in the dust of Campito Meadow, but his spirit will ride on the winds of the high country.

Campito lived and died in a place he loved, and my life is enriched from having met this beautiful mustang.

My heart aches at his loss.

Knowing his days were short, I had planned a summer trip this year to visit him once again, but life got in the way.

I wish I could have said goodbye.

Cowan is a freelance columnist. Email ernie@packtrain.com or visit erniesoutdoors.blogspot.com.