We Ride Sport and Trail Magazine June 2019 | Page 7

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2019 Horse

Regalia

Parade

The Biggest

Pow Wow in

North America

April in Albuquerque, New Mexico

means it’s time for the Gathering of

Nations (GON) Pow Wow, the largest

in the United States and North

America. Over 565 tribes from

around the United States and 220

from Canada convened in the Land of

Enchantment to participate in

dancing and singing. People travel

from all around the world to

experience this weekend long

celebration. It’s all about tradition

and passing it down to future

generations. It’s a colorful sight and

a beautiful display of Pow Wow

Regalia. With nearly 3,000 singers

and dancers participating, the

competition singing and dancing at

the “Gathering” remains the best in

the world.

Since they changed to their new

home on the Pow Wow Grounds of

the New Mexico State fair property,

just off historic Route 66 in central

Albuquerque, the Gathering is now

presenting the Horse and Rider

Regalia Parade, an extra special event

for horse lovers. This age-old

tradition of honoring the Horse

Nation was once practiced by the

horse tribes across North America

and is now being reinvigorated.

The Horse Regalia Parade is

becoming one of the main highlights

of each day of the Pow Wow.

Recently, I had the opportunity to

meet and talk with Beverly (Bear King)

Moran, a Hunkpapa Lakota beadwork

artist, who’s Paint Mare “Midnight

Dream” was honored this year to

carry the Thundering Hooves “Saddle

of Hope” as a Spirit Rider in memory