Cousin Paul ranched over 200 Nakota horses on their land in Litton. When we arrived in Bismarck Paul asked William what he would like to do during our stay. William quickly responded “Let’s go see the horses”. This is the day!
We meet up with Mom, Aunt Jan, Barb and Paul a little after noon and pile into Paul’s four-door pickup truck. On the one hour drive down to the ranch we hear stories about the area, the history of the horses and the people and organization which owns the horses on the ranch. The Nakota’s were almost extinct in the early 20th century, but the creation of Theodore Roosevelt National Park provided an environment for a few surviving bands to breed and expand the population. The park sold off some of the horses beginning in the mid-1980’s to manage the size of the herd. The primary owner of the horses on the ranch is Frank Kuntz, and a filmmaker will be in town in a week to begin production of a documentary on him and the Nakota horses. Paul, Barb and their family will also be included the film. Wow - film stars in the family.
We meet up with Mom, Aunt Jan, Barb and Paul a little after noon and pile into Paul’s four-door pickup truck. On the one hour drive down to the ranch we hear stories about the area, the history of the horses and the people and organization which owns the horses on the ranch. The Nakota’s were almost extinct in the early 20th century, but the creation of Theodore Roosevelt National Park provided an environment for a few surviving bands to breed and expand the population. The park sold off some of the horses beginning in the mid-1980’s to manage the size of the herd. The primary owner of the horses on the ranch is Frank Kuntz, and a filmmaker will be in town in a week to begin production of a documentary on him and the Nakota horses. Paul, Barb and their family will also be included the film. Wow - film stars in the family.
When we think of North Dakota we often think of flat, open land. The views at the ranch are of open land, but definitely not flat. This is reinforced as we bounce around in the truck while Paul drives us out to the pasture where the horses are currently grazing. We are able to get very close to the horses, even having these wild animals nuzzle up to our hands. They are beautiful! We are so happy that are able to experience them.
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