The Nokota Horse

The NP (National Park) Nokota comes in two types, Traditional and Ranch.  The NP Traditional Nokota fits the description of early Indian type horses.  They resemble the Andalusian strain of Spanish horses brought to this continent by the Spaniards.  They have large, kind eyes, broad foreheads, and thick manes and tails.  They possess keen intelligence and a calm but curious disposition.  Their heads are straight or slightly concave in profile.  They are large-boned with thick hoof walls, rarely needing to be shod.  The NP Traditional Nokota stands 14.2 to 15.3 hands.

The NP Ranch Nokota has been crossed with horses that have native blood, crossed with Thoroughbred.  Some Percheron blood is also present in a few NP Ranch.  This was the common practice to produce the larger ranch horses that were the preferred ranch horse of the Northern Plains.  The NP Ranch Nokota will stand anywhere from 15 to 17 hands. 

The NPC (National Park Cross) are Nokota's with breeding stock blood in them.  Originally, Reservation horses were used as breeding stock.   This registry is closed.

The PB (Part Blood) Nokota's have either Pony or other outside blood other than breeding stock. 

As described by the artist Frederick Remington in 1888, these Indian horses are more square on the quarters than most breeds.  This gives them an uncanny jumping ability. They have unusual strength and endurance, making them ideal mountain and trial horses.  Being descendants of the buffalo and war horses gives them a natural instinct when it comes to cattle, remaining calm, and watching the cow.  Most exhibit the smooth "Indian Shuffle", a trait that was prized by Indians and cowboys.

The color of the Nokotas as described by many who saw the horses in the late 1800's is still the same.  Blue and red roans, greys and blacks are most common.  Blood bays and overos are also a part of the color pattern.  Some have blue eyes, many still have "bald faces".

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