Rockwall, TX (March 25, 2024) – Earlier this month, nine mares and a young stud descended on Rockwall to make their mark in the equestrian world.
The horses, Nokotas to be exact, were in Rockwall for the first stop of a long journey from North Dakota. A journey leading them to France and future homes in their new country.
Timman Maupin of Rockwall’s One Oak Ranch was introduced to the Nokota through her long-time friend and fellow horse enthusiast Anouchka Moscatelli, who lives in France. Maupin, her husband Jesse, along with her parents Brian and Lynn Swearingen (owners of One Oak Ranch) hosted the horses in Texas which included a special dinner to introduce Rockwall area equestrians to the Nokota breed, their history, and the work being done to maintain their lineage and their future.
“Nokotas are considered endangered,” says Maupin “and the last true piece of American history.” Many years ago, Frank Kuntz and his brother, Leo, fell in love with the beautiful horses roaming the badlands even as their land began to slowly disappear. Longing to see them thrive and with a small herd then confined to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the brothers purchased a band from the park with the desire to maintain the purity of the breed.
“The Kuntz Nokota Ranch was formed,” shared Maupin “and has continued careful breeding practices for over 40 years.” With a focus on preserving the breed, the Ranch is hoping to see a Nokota sanctuary established in the future.
“Most of the horses in France are a domestic breed,” says Moscatelli. “The Nokota is extremely rare in France and the opportunity to bring more of them to my home country has been on my heart for many years.” Her passion for the breed led her to a friendship with Kuntz and a desire to help bring awareness to his mission. Working together, Moscatelli coordinated a special event in France to highlight the breed and provide an opportunity for her fellow French to own one of these magnificent horses.
“The French are intrigued by the history and the story of the Nokota breed,” says Moscatelli. Images of the old west, cowboys, Indians, and horses running free come to mind, although those days are far in the past.
To finalize plans, Moscatelli reached out to Maupin for a temporary home where the horses would meet trainers and prepare for the rest of their journey.
Those selected from the Kuntz Ranch for this adventure remained untouched until their arrival in Texas. The energetic and curious band spent 10 days in Rockwall working with specially selected expert French trainers who worked daily to earn their trust. During this time, the horses were gentled enough for haltering and leading. The trainers also prepared the horses for their long flight, fashioning narrow chutes similar to what the horses would experience during their transport.
After a brief stay at a quarantine facility in Texas the horses boarded a flight to France.
In France, these emotionally intelligent, sensitive, and responsive horses spend three months with their individually selected trainer.
Once the three-month training period comes to a close, the horses will appear in a challenge exhibit in Lyon, France. The challenge is less of a competition and more of an example of the breed’s abilities and what can be accomplished over the course of just a few months. The breed is known to be especially trainable which gives them the ability to adapt easily to either English or Western riding. Following the challenge, which is open to the public, the horses will be placed for sale to a select group of buyers who have the experience, resources, and plans to further their training.
“I am excited to help share the story of the Nokotas,” said Moscatelli. “These horses deserve to be known and to have a part in bringing awareness to their story makes me very happy.”
Follow One Oak Ranch to see more about the cutting horse training and lessons offered year round. And follow along on the adventure from North Dakota to France on social media at Nokota Challenge. And stay tuned for a documentary to be released at a later date.
By Melanie Mayfield, Blue Ribbon News senior writer. Photos by Megan Redig, BRN and Nokota Challenge.
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