PRESS RELEASE: March 2014 (Cutline:::/w/Attached Photos by Jennie Smith, Running of the colts & Diane Weeks, Spring foal, are on display on the Choctaw Cultural Wall in the Antlers, Oklahoma Library.) Press Release From the Rickman Spanish Mustangs and the Southwest Spanish Mustang Association (SSMA). (For more information contact Bryant Rickman at: (580-743-1991) or Francine Locke Bray at: (317-409-6517) The Spanish Mustang of Oklahoma, famous for excelling in endurance competitions and all around equine events was officially bestowed the honorable title of “The Heritage Horse of Oklahoma” on March 5, 2014 in Oklahoma City. It was a very important day for the colonial Spanish horses preserved in the foundation herds of Bryant and Darlene Rickman of Southeast Oklahoma and other members of the Southwest Spanish Mustang Association who, with the Livestock Conservancy, have worked for many years ensuring the preservation of this genetic and cultural treasure. We all extend a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to Senator Jerry Ellis and Representative Curtis McDaniel for their roles in the passing of The Heritage Horse of Oklahoma Concurrent Resolution No. 34 declaring these horses be recognized as the Official Heritage Horse of Oklahoma. Sen. Jerry Ellis authored the resolution in the Senate and introduced it for a reading and vote shortly after the session began. It passed unanimously, and then rushed over to the House where Rep. Curtis McDaniel presented it shortly after noon, and again, it was approved unanimously. We were told it was quite an accomplishment to get both votes on the same day. SSMA Chair, Bryant Rickman and his wife Darlene Rickman, were not able to join us but we all felt they were there with us in spirit, as well as Gilbert Jones, who established the SSMA in 1977, and all those before them who have worked so very hard to protect and preserve these wonderful and rare horses. As stated in the Resolution, these equine treasures… “Originated from Spanish horses brought to the Americas with the early settlers, and are unique in their genetics, history, geography and contributions to the people of Oklahoma.” In addition, “These Spanish horses were relocated in the 19th century to Indian Territory when tribal peoples were removed from their ancestral homes and were carefully bred and maintained by families who treasured them as cultural remnants and practical beasts of burden.” To learn more about these amazing horses and how to become involved in the ongoing conservation program, contact Bryant Rickman at (580-743-1991) or thespiritofblackjackmountain/, or Harold Davis (580-579-3143) at southwestspanishmustangassociation/.cid:[email protected].
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 03:13:07 +0000
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