A Concurrent Resolution recognizing the Oklahoma Colonial Spanish horse as the Official Heritage Horse of Oklahoma; and directing distribution.

          WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Colonial Spanish horse, which originated from Spanish horses brought to the Americas with early settlers, is unique in its genetics, history, geography and contributions to the people of Oklahoma; and

          WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Colonial Spanish horse maintains 100 percent Spanish genetic markers and has been considered the purest free-roaming Colonial Spanish horse in the United States, and since 1980 their genetics have been preserved in the foundation herds of Bryant and Darlene Rickman of Southeastern Oklahoma; and

          WHEREAS, thousands of these Spanish horses were relocated in the 19^th 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; and

          WHEREAS, these horses hovered on the brink of extinction following the Civil War and again in the 1970s; however, a number of families closely guarded large herds, insuring their preservation and preventing crossbreeding; and

          WHEREAS, due to the movement and demise of most of these families, numbers have dwindled, placing the horses on the Livestock Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List for livestock breeds in danger of extinction; and

          WHEREAS, according to the Southwest Spanish Mustang Association, which works closely with The Livestock Conservancy to ensure the purity and survival of the Oklahoma Colonial Spanish horse, 800 – 900 of these registered horses remain alive today; and

          WHEREAS, with its rich heritage, resilience, and perseverance, the Oklahoma Colonial Spanish horse embodies the very spirit of Oklahoma and remains a living piece of state history.

          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2^ND SESSION OF THE 54^TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN:

          THAT the Oklahoma Colonial Spanish horse be recognized as the Official Heritage Horse of Oklahoma.

          THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the designation of the Official Heritage Horse of Oklahoma be included in the publication of the Oklahoma Almanac.

          Adopted by the Senate the 5^th day of March 2014

          Adopted by the House of Representatives the 5^th day of March 2014