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The
History of the Choctaw Horse
“The historical record for the Choctaw Indian horses is extensive
and more details are known for this strain than for many other strains of
Spanish Colonial horse. But they are surviving
by a thin thread... They are perilously close to extinction."
Dr. Phillip Sponenberg
Professor Pathology and Genetics, Virginia Tech
The Choctaw Indian Pony was an integral part of Choctaw tribal culture,
spirituality, and heritage. This tough, small horse lived through struggles
and tragedies with the tribe, and some carried the ill and infirm on their
backs along the Trail of Tears. Throughout their complex history, the Choctaw
managed to maintain their unique horses through the preservation efforts
of individual families. These strains were carefully guarded and had extensive
oral pedigrees that went back to the early 1800’s. Up until the early
1970’s it was possible to find up to 1500 of the original type Choctaw
horses. Since that time their numbers have been drastically reduced and
100% Choctaw horses now number less than 200.
The Choctaw Indian Horse Conservation Program is being launched by Fusco
in association with Dr. Phillip Sponenberg of Virginia Tech, Bryant Rickman
of Oklahoma, and the Return to Freedom Organization, as an immediate rescue
effort to help preserve this historically, culturally, and scientifically
important genetic resource before it is too late.
Along with ensuring their survival, our goals for the program include:
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• enhancing the genetic base of the strain
• conserving variability in horses that go back to all Choctaw
breeding
• ensuring the preservation of rare colorations such as the
"calico tobiano"
• maintaining enough diverse lines to provide for breeding in
the future
• returning the Choctaw horse to Choctaw tribal lands and programs |
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