Ponca

Appearance
Ponca is a brown and white piebald horse with a black and white mane and tail. He has a feathered collar. His mane spikes up like a porcupine's spines. Around his eye, there is a painted blue circle, and there are blue bands on his upper forelegs and an intricate blue design on his haunches. There is a smaller, similarly, intricate design painted in white near his poll.

The Name Game
The tribe this steed was based on were located in what is now known as Northern Nebraska. Historically, the Ponca lived in earth-covered lodges in permanent villages, and went on seasonal buffalo hunting expeditions. Their traditional enemies were the Sioux.

In 1879, Standing Bear, a Ponca Chief, was arrested for leaving the reservation without permission. His court case established Native Americans as “persons within the meaning of the law,” and possessing the right of equal treatment under the law. It took many decades before that concept was universally applied, however.

Porcupine
Ponca has a special connection to the porcupine.

Inspirational Message
English: "A truly playful spirit lets everyone win."

Italian: "Un vero spirito giocoso lascia vincere gli altri."

French: "Le joueur authentique, c’est celui qui laisse tout le monde gagner."