The kuntz brothers have been saving the breed for 40 years
Frank Kuntz
Frank everyday wakes up to feed his herd of 185 horses. He has dedicated the last 40 years and has worked tirelessly to preserve the strong bloodlines and to promote their unique characteristics that set them apart from other equine breeds. He has perservered through drought, economic hardships, debt, doubters and the loss of a non profit to a rogue board whose intentions were not for the horses. His steadfast dedication to these incredible horses is a testament to honor and respect the Nokota’s® long and rich history.
Even after the untimely death of his brother Leo, his unwavering committment to protect these horses did not end, he was the only one to give up his inheritence and in exchange took in 80 more horses from Leo, as they were genetically important to the breed. His ultimate goal is a sanctuary for these horses where they can be protected, cherished and preserved for future generations, a place for an interpretive, learning and therapy center so that they can touch the lives of all like they did him.
leo kuntz - ride in peace
Leo had a hard exterior but a kind, soft soul. His passion for the horses could never be argued. Leo had an incredible eye for horses and was the first to recognize the undeniable differences that made the Nokotas® so unique. Leo was the man to coin the name Nokota® as he wanted to honor their wild heritage and pay tribute to the first horse owners who were the Native Americans. Leo worked diligently to preserve the genetic phenotype of these horses. Leo himself was also the founder of the organization with his brother, they ultimately also pushed him away and out. But he never lost sight of the main goal, PROTECT.
He was one hell of a rider, a great horseman and an even better man. Even though he died in an unfortunate accident on his way to check the horses, his spirit still remains strong among them. He is always remembered and cherished by all that knew him but more importantly, his legacy lives on with these horses he cherished.
Frank and Leo donated the original horses to the organization they formed but no longer allowed to be a part of, not by choice but by force, to help preserve and bring awareness to the breed. They have traveled countless number of miles and have talked to thousands of people regarding the horses. There has not been a moment in their lives that they have not committed to the horses. They deserve more recognition than they get but never asked for anyone to love them, just for those to fall in love with the horses. Selfless, honest and dedicated are just a few words to decribe these two. If they didn’t have a shirt on their backs, they would find one so they could give it to someone else.