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Beautiful Horses of Indiana
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Charlie Klavohn's Charlie Horse, "Charlie", is a palomino-pinto miniature horse who simply sparkles with cheerfulness. Just watching him with his owner Keith, who is in high school, brings on lots of smiles! Charlie calmly posing -- knowing he is a star, and Keith gleaming with pride -- knowing his mini equine is a real bundle of joy!
The two have won grand champion titles at many 4-H, open and breed shows. They have grand champion trophies in driving, halter and liberty classes. Keith's mother Katrina writes, "[Charlie] is absolutely regal when he runs in the liberty class." While I was there, Keith escorted Charlie to a large grassy arena for a private liberty session so I could photograph this proud palomino in action. Zooming full speed around the ring, Charlie strutted his stuff just for us! He's a dynamo! Katrina lists Charlie's many honors: "Charlie has recently won the honor of Indiana 4-H Horse of the Year for his contributions to others and myself. He has brought joy to people in nursing homes and Bible schools. He has helped in equine education through demonstrations, judging clinics and agriculture class presentation. One of his greatest accomplishments was helping to teach others how autistic people can benefit from horses." She adds, "His mystical look makes you wonder if unicorns do exist!" |
Gidasp Gidasp is the first Akhal-Teke I've met and based on this stallion Akhal-Tekes are now one of my favorite breeds! Gidasp has the shiniest coat I've ever seen. Gleaming like a pure gold vessel, I could almost see my reflection in his coat! Check out the sheen in this photo with him and Eron, his trainer/rider, who leases Gidasp. Eron breeds pure bred Akhal-Tekes in Indiana at IRUS Stables.
Along with his gleaming coat Gidasp's lean athletic confirmation and elegant nature are characteristic of the breed. I love his unique look - with his high withers, dished face, long neck, high headset and lanky body. This is a breed that has its own "look." I was in awe as he galloped through his large grassy pasture, enthusiastically extending those mile-long legs in ground-covering strides. At a trot he seemed to float above the ground.
This rare breed is said to be over 3,000 years old, originating in the ancient deserts of Turkmen. Click here to read more about Akhal Tekes, a fascinating breed! |
Bayli I love painting white horses and Bayli was no exception. Her coat is pure white accented by her dark black eyes and purple-gray muzzle. Of course I had to throw in pinks, blues, yellows and even orange hues. In this painting Bayli is a rainbow! Bayli's owner, Donna, was wonderful! She allowed me to photograph Bayli in the many beautiful settings that are sprinkled throughout her farm. Bayli posed outside her gorgeous old barn, alongside a white shed, and even beside a wonderful antique tractor. Then Donna put Bayli through her "Parelli Paces" -- jumping, circling and twisting and turning in her arena. Donna is an artist too! In fact she'd had her artist club over to her lovely farm for some plein air painting a few days before I was there. I was amazed to learn no one in the group had focused on painting Donna's horses. Bayli is a model that is hard to resist!
Donna and Bayli |
Dante and Tipper Pasture pals, Dante and Tipper, are American Trakehners. The warmblood breed, originating in Prussia, is known for its floaty trot, good substance and refinement. Often used for jumping and dressage, they are wonderful all around sport horses. Dante and Tipper's owner Carrie explained that Tipper, her gray mare, is full Trakehner, while Dante is a cross. His dam is a Percheron/Thoroughbred cross. They were both extremely playful when we visited to take photos. With their keen interest in people and curiosity about the "scary" props we brought along to prick ears for pics, it was very hard to get this pair to move far enough away from the camera to take anything but the closest of close-up photos. They are definitely people lovers! Carrie wrote about Dante: "His dark eyes are intelligent and full of mischief. . . . He comes when I call him and can't get enough belly rubs. He's a horse that is everyone's friend in the pasture and if he were a guy would be the one that everyone wants to hang out with." Now Tipper, according to Carrie, is a princess: "She is definitely my princess being not at all stoic when in pain. If she gets the smallest cut on her leg she is immediately lame and wants lots of love and attention. After the proper amount of attention she is suddenly not lame anymore. She hates walking in mud or water and I indulge her diva attitude by trying to find ways around. She makes up for it in her wonderfully floaty canter and a fabulous extended trot. Even though she's a princess she has a very sweet attitude and loves to be loved on."
Dante, Carrie, and Tipper |
Ben Ben's owner, Barbara, described him as "an unusually beautiful palamino leopard P.O.A." Intriguing description, isn't it? Since I'd never painting a P.O.A. (Pony of America), decided immediately to include Ben (whose registered name is Phantom's Spanish Pants) in the Beautiful Horses of Indiana project. I'm so glad I did because he is a perfect example of a P.O.A. Actually, with his lush mane and tail, he's beyond the norm for the breed. And he loved running through the pasture flashing his good looks. But it was an interior pose that captured my attention for his painting. I love the play of light inside barns -- it creates beautiful highlights and shadows that are just begging to be painted. This painting of Ben is one of my new favorites!
Ben and Barbara |
Bettin on a Storm In Dianna's nomination of her Tennessee Walker, Bettin on a Storm, she wrote Stormy's conformation and temperament make her "a calendar girl for the walking horse industry." Stormy is a beautiful Tennessee Walking Horse! Calendar girl material for sure! Dianna added, "Stormy will show horse lovers all over the nation that we grow more than corn in Indiana." They sure do! Dianna told me their family owns five TWHs, so I was hoping to get to take some group shots.... I always love to take group shots of horses racing through fields -- and Dianna's horses were so cooperative -- putting on a wonderful show! In fact I'm planning a major painting featuring four of her TWHs after I finish the Beautiful Horses of Indiana series. My favorite lumber yard -- Curry Lumber -- is cutting the wood right now!
Bettin on a Storm and Dianna's husband... He's a five-star husband! |
Miss Makayla Miss Makayla lives at a Girl Scout Camp where -- at 18 hands -- she towers over all the campers! But Miss Makayla's personality is perfect for interacting with children. She seems shy, calm and very good natured. Her owners, Jodi and Eric, work for the camp and live on the campgrounds. In describing her more, Jodi wrote: "[Makayla] has the gentleness of an angel and eyes so deep that she can coax even the most reserved child into trusting her. . . . Her compassion and patience are reflected in the hearts of the children that only she could reach." Jodi adds, "Makayla arrived while I was going through a life threatening illness and then she was tragically orphaned at one month of age. I needed someone to talk to and she needed someone to cling onto after the loss of her mother. We connected and met each other's needs. Makayla has made a draft size impression in my heart and the hearts of the kids that come to camp. She is a true blessing to our family."
Miss Makayla with Jodi's son Nolan |
Shawnee What would you imagine a Rocky Mountain/Spotted Saddle horse would look like? After reading that unique breed combination listed on Pat's nomination for her mare Shawnee, I just had to find out! Shawnee was indeed what one might imagine! Her unique brown-gray mottled Rocky Mountain color splashed tastefully onto to a white coat -- a la pinto style -- was indeed unique. And her coloring was a wonderful challenge to paint. I wanted to not only capture Shawnee's special color, but also her playful nature in this painting. Shawnee seemed to enjoy running through her large pasture -- luring us to follow across the low areas of standing water and oozing mud from the recently flooding of last summer's major storms in Indiana. We dutifully tiptoed through the mud while Shawnee and her pasture mates splashed through at top speed. It seemed like a game. The horses the clear winners!
Shawnee and Pat |
Crush This paint stallion was just divine! A perfect horse for his devoted owner, Mike, who loves showing him off.... but for a special reason. Here's what Mike wrote, :I am a paint horse owner and our philosophy is that God created the universe in six days and rest on on the seventh. On the eighth day, He painted the quarter horse and the paint horse was created. My paint horse is an eleven year old black and white Tovero stallion named Crush. He's owned me since he was 2 years old and is my second best buddy next to my wife. His pattern is so striking that people are drawn to him and have to pet him. For a stallion, to have strangers often approaching him is not always a wise move and yet Crush loves the attention. People at our local county fair are always lifting their children up to pet his head. He's always kind, especially when little ones come up to his legs, and is remarkably well tempered for a stallion. "Whether he is winning Grand Champion ribbons at county fairs or when we're out trail riding, people always comment on how beautiful he is. This opens the door for me to witness to people what a great job God did in painting Crush. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be allowed to care for this beautiful creature."
Mike and Crush |
Butch RESERVED This mini traveler has lived the life for which only he knows all the details. Butch's known history begins in 1991 when he arrived in Michigan with a load of cattle. Barbara, with whom he resides currently, nominated him for the Beautiful Horses of Indiana, and shared this tale: "Nobody actually knows where he was boron or how old he is. He arrived along with a load of cattle to a Michigan farm on a cold late November day. Nobody claimed him or knew where he came from. "For five years he lived in Michigan as an independent, freedom loving horse. he made the farm his home, but found the nearby village his playground. Being a horse with a love for adventure and independence he would go into the village at will. He was a welcome visitor by the show owners and visitors alike. They affectionately named him Butch. After a day of visiting he'd head back to the farm on his own. "In 1996 he moved to Indian to make his home with me. I was taken immediately by his free spirit and his friendly loving nature. A bond was formed that will remain forever. He's a horse's horse. He's never lost his free spirit or love of adventure. Butch has never won any ribbons, trophies or medals, but his gold is in his heart. His beauty is within. His love of people and other animals makes him irresistible."
Butch and Barbara |
Bygone IMNAH Beamsong "Lily" Debra tells her story about Lily so well! Here it is: "Horse sales are an interesting place to be. Sellers are busy with potential buyers and last minute preparations while buyers are busy marking sales lists and asking questions. Most horses are taking it all in stride, but a few whinny and stomp in protest.
Lily and Debra |
Montana Montana is a perfect Appaloosa with his wonderful blanketed rump and white blaze. But he's way more than handsome to his owner Joan. I'll share her story.... "I first met Montana when I decided on a whim to stop at a boarding stable to see if they offered riding lessons. I always loved horses and just wanted to see if I still carried that passion. To make a long story short I bought him that day. I'll never forget my husband's and boy's reactions when I told them the news. 'Are you crazy' and 'That's Insane!' "He is the first horse I ever owned and needless to say I was not an experienced horse person. I had not ridden since I was a teenager and at that time he was only halter broke. "Little did I know when I purchased him five years ago, the huge part he was going to play in my life, as ten weeks after I bought Montana my youngest son, Andrew, passed away at the age of twenty. "Montana has helped me through the toughest of times. He is my riding and camping companion, my escape, my teacher, my healer and we have a great bond. He has a very soft eye, and a personality that at times seems human to me. I've had all types of riders on him from children to my 81 year old aunt. He is very special to me and will always have a special place in my heart." Thank you Joan for sharing your story!
Montana and Joan |
Sky Rhyneil nominated Sky, her Rocky Mountain/ "My horse Sky is so beautiful she is like a dream horse. She has a long white mane & tail. And is white with dappled grey. She has a strong build and carries herself beautifully. Her personality also makes her so beautiful, she is so friendly and loving. When I call her she comes running to the fence. First time I ever met her we instantly connected. I was horse sitting. Then was told she was for sale. And didn't hesitate one bit and purchased her immediately. "I trust her with anyone, my five grandchildren all ride her and lover her dearly, as do I. People tell me that she reminds them of the horse in Cavalia. I also agree with their methods of training -- giving her freedom and love." Sky was all that Rhyneil promised!
Sky and Rhyneil |
Miss Scarlet "Chocolate Palomino" were the words Susan used to describer her granddaughter Shelby's Arabian-Quarter Horse mare, Miss Scarlet. Doesn't that sound delicious!? Of course I had to meet Miss Scarlet! Actually the real treat turned out to be seeing Shelby and Miss Scarlet together! Shelby herded her pretty mare - who had been lovingly "dolled up" and looked gorgeous -- into a big arena and cheerfully chased her in circles so I could get LOTS of photos! Miss Scarlet is very photogenic! And Shelby loved showing her off! And chocolate with a few dapples is fun to paint!
Shelby and Miss Scarlet
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