The invitation was extended by WEG’s Equestrian Director to veteran performers Blue Moon Rising (Nokota) and Billy Jack (Spanish Mustang), owned by Chris and Margaret Odgers of Crazy Horse Farm. WEG organizers were seeking authentic Native Horses for the Native American Group participating Opening Ceremonies and in WEG’s Equine Village. 

In addition to Blue Moon Rising  and Billy Jack, six other Nokotas are on-board for the project. Four Nokotas owned by Felicia Rocholl of Fergus Falls, Minnesota will be part of the Native Village presentation, as well as two Kentucky-based Nokotas - Raising Cain, owned by Crazy Horse Farm and Dragon, owned by Valerie Mulholland-Cravens.

What is WEG? It will the largest equestrian event ever held in Kentucky. Its 800 competitors and 900 horses from 60+ nations gathered to decide 8 World Championships in the FEI-recognized disciplines over 16 days. In addition to the 300,000 visitors on-site, WEG will be televised by NBC Sports, in the largest television coverage ever given an equestrian event. 2010 is the first time the World Equestrian Games have been held outside of Europe.

In addition to be part of the Native Village Group, the Nokotas will participate in breed-specific presentations throughout their stay in the Equine Village. Nokota Horse Conservancy directors will be on-hand to help with the presentations, including Leo Kuntz and Dr. Castle McLaughlin. And John Steven Hockensmith, the official photographer of the Kentucky Derby and author of Spanish Mustangs in the Great American West, will give presentations about the Spanish Mustang breed with Billy Jack.

The Equine Village will be set up in the heart of the Kentucky Horse Park with breed and discipline organizations showcasing North Americas horses to the many international visitors – including Quarter Horses, Saddlebreds, Morgans and Standardbreds, as well as the BLM. The Nokotas and Billy Jack will be among the only Native breeds presented at WEG.

It’s truly a wonderful opportunity for our horses, and many thanks to WEG organizers for inviting our horses to be part of this historic event taking place in Kentucky. But most of all, Billy Jack and Blue Moon Rising earned this invitation through their countless hours logged exhibiting at the Kentucky Horse Park. They established their reputation as 'can-do' horses in any conditions. We should all be proud.