Chico
Margaret Odgers (left) on Capricho (Andalusian) and Kat
Bauder on Chico (Nokota)
at the Radnor Paper Chase and Hunter Trials,
April 13, 2003.
Photo by Jon Flasar.
Chico has been a part of our lives now for about two years. His impact on our family has simply been amazing. Through Chico, I've watched my young daughter blossom from a timid, beginner rider to a girl that boldly canters over any jump and gallops cross country, all in a matter of months. Through Chico, we've become educated in the history of the Nokotas. Through Chico, our family has met incredible people and been involved in activities we never expected!
Chico is the son of Nokota herd stallion Red Badger and the lovely Poster Girl. Our little pink-nosed grey gelding is representative of the traditional type Nokota. He captivated all of us from the very first with his bold, friendly, "take no prisoners" demeanor. He was 7 years old when we got him, and came from a somewhat checkered past. He had "washed out" of his first several homes - perhaps they didn't appreciate his marvelous jumping ability? Did we mention that he often jumped out of his pasture? After all, what's a four foot fence between friends?
It is amazing though, what tolerance and determination the love of a little girl can bring. Rather than throwing my hands up in despair over the "brat" and his proclivity for trouble, my daughter Kat's devotion to Chico made me find innovative ways to deal with Chico's various hi-jinks. For instance - something never taught to me in my very serious dressage lessons - that baling twine works well to discourage a horse from taking out a section of fencing!
Suffice it to say, when people ask if Nokotas are good jumpers - well, after we stop rolling our eyes and giggling hysterically - we do our best to nod our heads sincerely and say - yes - Nokotas are great jumpers!
And so, after the "washed out" Chico came to us - this is what he has accomplished. He has competed in dressage shows, hunter shows, horse trials, and pace events. He has done jumping clinics and dressage clinics with big name trainers. He has a score of ribbons from blue to pink, proudly displayed over his stall. He has represented the Nokota Horse Conservancy at horse expos, at 4-H, at local summer programs and at my daughter's school - yes - Chico even went to the Middle School to meet my daughter's classmates!
So even on the occasional day when I have to go out and fix a broken fence rail - I never cease to marvel at our most amazing Chico - bold, so, so smart, charming and funny and, like all Nokotas, capable of any job, any time. But it's his big heart, the one that reached out and touched my daughter, that has won me over to the Nokotas. They are extraordinary horses.
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