Horsetails
John Henry
![[Picture]](images/art/_DSC5813.jpg)
Named for the American folk hero, the Thoroughbred bay gelding John Henry was foaled in 1975 in Kentucky. A great many accomplishments to his name, he was voted to seven Eclipse awards, and was named Horse of the Year in 1981 and 1984, making him the only horse to win in two non-consecutive years. By the time he won Horse of the Year in 1984, he was 9 years old, and is currently the oldest horse ever to be given that honor. The same year, he was the oldest horse ever to win a Grade 1 race. Over the course of his career, he won 30 stakes races and earned $6,591,860 in winnings, making him the wealthiest racehorse of his day, still holding the record for the wealthiest gelding. A horse noted for his incredible intelligence, John Henry was named Racehorse of the Decade for the 1980s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990. After suffering serious health problems, John Henry died in October of 2007 at the age of 32 and is buried at the Kentucky Horse Park who generously donated his tail hair.
Kentucky Horse Park
Shelley Hunter
A Michigan native, Shelley Hunter received her Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and spent time as a painter and as a ceramist before discovering her calling as a sculptor. Now an award-winning sculptor, her pieces combine her love of art with her lifelong love of horses, and she is especially reputed for her portrayal of the equine form in action. In her relief of John Henry, Hunter shows the horse running across a blue sky, evoking the image of the stallion running fast and free in his celestial resting place.
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".
