North Dakota Honorary Equine

Nokota Horse

(Equus caballus)

Adopted in 1993.

The Nokota breed may well be those distinct horses descended from Sioux Chief Sitting Bull's war ponies. Some still run wild in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. These horses not only have historic value for all westerners, but they have significant cultural and historic value to some of our Native American peoples. Many have urged the State of North Dakota to designate the Nokota horse, Equus caballus, as an "honorary state equine" and this status was achieved in 1993. The NPS, however, has yet to manage the horses in a way that would preserve a historically accurate herd.

Nokota horses traditionally ranged in the Little Missouri Badlands of SW North Dakota, appearing in the late 19th century. The horses are believed to be descendents of the Sitting Bull ponies as well as horses which escaped or were released from the ranching industry.

The National Park Service enclosed the Nokota's traditional range area and in doing so "captured" numerous Nokota horses. The NPS' initial intention was to eradicate these horses, although a small demonstration herd is now "officially" sanctioned.