Regional Industry & News

Kristi Noem and horse ‘Iceman’ statue unveiled

PIERRE, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem made an appearance in Pierre on Friday, as she joined all of her predecessors in the famed “Trail of Governors”.

Kristi Noem and her horse Iceman, forever together, are now cemented in history.

The life-sized bronze statue and official portrait can be seen at Hilger’s Gulch in Pierre. Noem said there are many people who helped make her leadership possible.

“No leader does it by themselves, and in South Dakota we truly had a team out of the governor’s office and also the people of this state. When I trusted them with personal responsibility, they made the best decision for them and their families, and I think that’s why we excelled so well,” Noem said.

Noem was joined by friends, peers, her kids and grandkids as well, who had hoped to ride the horse but were told no.

“South Dakota is home, so it’s been so amazing to be here today and to see everybody we love, to talk about memories but also to talk about the future,” Noem said.

The statue was made possible thanks to the work of John Lopez, who has crafted several pieces of governors and presidents.

“It was a challenge for me; I’ve got to make this feminine, it’s got a certain soft look to it. She grew up on a ranch; I grew up on a ranch. We have the same connection, so it was something fun for me to do,” Lopez described.

Noem may already be memorialized, but Governor Rhoden said her impact is still being felt.

“A good book says iron sharpens iron. Just working through some really difficult times really helped me mature in my leadership skills and dealing with that kind of adversity and doing it with poise, and calm and professionalism,” said Governor Larry Rhoden.

Noem said her new title as special envoy is going great, and she’s very proud of Larry Rhoden for continuing her work.