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.
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Tuesday's Horse 
This is a very good idea to diversify locations for rare breeds of horses. The more spread out a breed of horse is the less likely we would lose them to a traumatic loss in just one area. As long as those horses spread out have enough #`s to survive in their new area.
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