Horsetails
Hope Valley
![[Picture]](images/art/_DSC5727.jpg)
The rare Hackney horse was bred in the early 19th century, needed for its incredible endurance and fast-trotting gait as a quick means of transport on the newly developed roads. Hope Valley, a Hackney stallion, was brought to the United States in 2003 and was named World Champion Hackney Stallion that same year. The following two years, he won the World Champion Hackney Harness Championship at the Royal Canadian Winter Fair. Hope Valley currently stands at Hillcroft Farm in Paris, Kentucky, a proud representative of the rare Hackney breed. Hope Valley's tail hair has been generously donated by Hillcroft Farm in Paris, Kentucky.
Hillcroft Farm
Bill Fletcher
A series of exceptional public school teachers laid the foundation for a future career in art for Bill Fletcher, a Kentucky artist gaining a national reputation for his still lifes and landscapes. As an adult Fletcher studied and worked in the field of toxicology, simultaneously honing his skills in drawing before moving to oil painting in 1996. In his representation of Hope Valley, Fletcher wanted to emphasize the charm of this classic breed, painting the Hackney horse in a transparent monochrome wash in Venetian Red oil paint in the style of an old photograph to convey the timeless, fashionable elegance of this particular horse.
About the Project
Fifty-two artists from around the country have been chosen and each given small replicas of a violin and bow. Each artist has been assigned an unforgettable, beloved horse and has created a work of art. Artists have worked with paint, glass, metal, and other mediums. Their only charge was to embrace either the image or spirit of their horse. Horses include well-known Thoroughbreds, as well as other breeds represented in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™.
Each piece will be on display at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. During the Games, a silent auction will take place, with all proceeds go to the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra’s Partners in Education, a program benefiting the children in high-risk areas of Kentucky through music education.
Please take the time to enjoy our art gallery (link to gallery), learn more about our special events (link to special events), and shop in our retail area for your very own HORSETAILS® 2010 merchandise. If you have questions about the project or would like more information, please contact us.
The Presentation
Each completed work of art is professionally mounted on linen mat board and framed in an antique black wooden slant-top shadow box. Framed by Lexington’s premiere sporting arts framer, the finished size measures 13.25" x 17".
