The Nokota® Horse Conservancy was represented at the Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio for the first time in 2009. Organized by Ohio Nokota® owner Jorja Mottayaw, the event was attended by 3 Nokota® horses and their people.

The Nokotas attending included Mottayaw's Jingle Hawk - a 4 year old grulla roan gelding sired by Smoke Signal. Also in attendance was Chant du Coeur (pronounced Sean D'Core) - an 8 year old fully traditional grey gelding sired by Target and owned by Lesli Schmeltzer of Cincinnati, Ohio. And traveling from the Bluegrass state was Blue Moon Rising - a 9 year old blue roan gelding sired by Blue Moon and owned by Margaret Odgers of Crazy Horse Farm in Paris, Kentucky. Blue Moon Rising is a long-time and well-known Nokota® representative, having most recently been on-loan to Kentucky Horse Park in 2007 and 2008.

The Nokotas were on display to the public throughout the 4-day event, as well as participating in two separate demo events. On Saturday, Chant du Coeur was the model for In-Hand Demo narrated by Seth Zeigler - who traveled with wife Emma from North Dakota to support the event. And Sunday morning was the Nokota® Breed Demo, featuring all three Nokotas. Jingle Hawk and Chant du Coeur were presented in-hand while Blue Moon Rising showed off his best Kentucky Horse Park style under-saddle.

The Nokotas were well-received in all their venues. Very notably, this marked the debut for both Jingle Hawk and Chant du Coeur in an Expo environment. Both horses handled the intensity of people and horses in close quarters with remarkable composure. And veteran performer Blue Moon Rising clearly enjoyed being back in action after a quiet winter at home. Without a doubt, keen curiosity and friendly demeanor is the trademark of the Nokota® - whether veteran or novice.

Many thanks to the horses as well as the people who made Equine Affaire - Ohio possible: Jorja and Carl Mottayaw, Katrina Fry, Lesli Schmeltzer, Karen Pfeifle, Chris and Margaret Odgers and Seth and Emma Zeigler.

Youtube links:

Slideshow: view video

In-Hand Demo: view video

Breed Demo: view video