According to Dr. Sponenberg the Choctaw Horse is the last intact tribal strain of Colonial Spanish Horse.
In 2014 the Oklahoma Spanish Colonial Horse was designated the Official Heritage Horse of Oklahoma. When many others would have given up long ago, the Rickmans persevered. Because of their dedication and perseverance the Choctaw and Gilbert Jones strains of Colonial Spanish Horses are still with us, however the future of these horses is far from assured. Bryant and Darlene remain concerned about what will happen with the herd when they pass or can no longer care for them. Bryant worries that the despite the forty plus years of sacrifices that they have made the horses will be lost. The Choctaw Horses still remain on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy’s “threatened” list and additional breeders are needed to to continue the Rickman’s efforts if they are going to continue to survive.
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We searched for hours for this particular band, Bryant's calls brought them out of hiding where they greeted him as a trusted friend
A young stallion protectively overseeing his band
A band responding to Bryant's call, many of whom are gaited