Horse Paintings Blog - January 2011

Miss Makayla
Posted February 1, 2011

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!

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Shawnee
Posted January 26, 2011

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!

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Crush
Posted January 24, 2011

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."

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Butch
Posted January 21, 2011

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."

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Bygone IMNAH Beamsong "Lily"
Posted January 18, 2011

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.
 
"I needed to thin my herd so I'd traveled to a local Morgan sale with two bays; a mare and her yearling son. The mare was very well bred but she and I never saw eye to eye on much other than her babies. She'd had a filly whose sale paid for hay one year; her son was going to be bigger and prettier. How I wanted to keep him! But I had too much on my plate already so he was for sale.
 
"The two horses were doing fine, they didn't mind the steady flow of people coming to look at them. During the few quiet moments I watched people working their horses for buyers. One horse really caught my eye... a lovely red mare of flowing circles being ridden western. With a little home work I discovered who the mare was. She'd come all the way from Kansas to Indiana and was one of the first horses in the sale. Nicely bred and only 3 years old I was sure she'd go high.
   
"They were calling the start of the sale so I walked over to the ring. To my utter astonishment there were only 2 bids on the red mare and they were horribly low. No Sale.
 
"Time to put my mare in the sale ring....I ended up with the same results as the red mare. I couldn't believe it. Then the bay yearling – no bids at all! Only then did I look around at the horses bringing in the bids. They were all dark brown or black.
 
"Suddenly, my arm was grabbed and a gal quickly mumbled something about the number 3 horse and would I want to trade and I needed to come to their stalls. Stunned, I made my way across the big arena.
 
"After introductions and some conversation I realized these people were serious about trading my bay mare for their red one. I told them the bay wasn't trained, they told me the red wouldn't wear a bit. The bay headed to Kansas and the red came home to Indiana.
 
"Lily was introduced to a hunt saddle and started on the long road to understand the bit. We hit the local horse shows for fun and miles and had a blast. Not only is she RED but she's easy on the eye with a lovely cadenced trot and that special sparkle. Even in a ring full of other chestnuts we'd be noticed. It was hard work but it was FUN! In training sessions she'd protest if she didn't understand, but give you her all when she got it. Somewhere along the way I popped her over a cross pole jump. Soon, we were working over higher fences and the search began for a competent instructor. Did I have the jumpin' horse I'd always wanted?
 
"We worked all summer and in the fall brought home blue ribbons in our over fences classes. I had my jumpin' horse!! Long term we'd like to win a championship at our regional Morgan show. We're also working to be competitive on the open hunter circuit.
 
 "Whatever happens, we're having fun doing it.
 
"I love seeing red!!"

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Love your blog! You are so talented.....please, please would you every consider doing a beautiful horses of Canada series? Please come to Canada...... -Deborah

Hi Deborah, Maybe someday I'll do Beautiful Horses of Canada! Thank you for that delightful idea! Canada looks rather large on the map -- floating up above the USA. I wonder how long it would take to drive around the country visiting farms with my camera??--Karen

Montana
Posted January 13, 2011

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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!

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Sky
Posted January 10, 2011

Rhyneil nominated Sky, her Rocky Mountain/Arabian mare, for the Beautiful Horses of Indiana project, writing:

"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!

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Miss Scarlet
Posted January 6, 2011

"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 lounging "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!

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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NEW YORK - Next State in "Beautiful Horses . . . " Series
Posted January 6, 2011

New York will be the next state in the "Beautiful Horses .... " series! Please spread the word! And if you know a special NY horse, please send in a nomination!

Here's the link to more information: Beautiful Horses of New York.

posted by Karen Brenner

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