Category Archives: Art/Photography

The Equine Vision of Robert Vavra

Kentucky Horse Park to Present a 60-Year Retrospective by the World’s Premier Photographer of Horses

LEXINGTON, KY (February 24, 2011) – Famed novelist James Michener once wrote, “Though equus has fired the imaginations of painters from the prehistoric hunter-artists of Altamira to Leonardo da Vinci, Velazquez, Goya and Picasso, still in the history of photography no cameraman has recorded the horse with such excitement and personal style as has Robert Vavra.  His photographs are works of art; they are interpretations of the horse as perceptive as those done by Stubbs and Remington.  They are a joy to see, because they evoke the inner nature of the horse.”

Today Vavra is universally recognized as the world’s premier photographer of equines, and his work will be the focus of the Kentucky Horse Park’s next exhibition, Vavra’s Vision: The Equine Images of Robert Vavra, Mar 19 – May 30 in the International Museum of the Horse – a Smithsonian Affiliate. The exhibition is being presented courtesy of the International Institute of Photographic Arts.

By portraying the horse in his fresh and very personal way, Vavra has become an icon in his own lifetime. He is the author of 37 books accounting for more than 3 million volumes in print, in eight languages. This retrospective exhibition will delve into the world that Vavra has created through his lens over the last 60 years while circling the globe. In photographs, in film and in print, his images capture the strength, beauty and wisdom of the horse.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13315

Susan J. Stickle Named 2011 Photographer for Challenge of the Americas & World Dressage Masters

Steiner and Hoag from the 2010 Challenge of the Americas. Photo Credit: Susan J. Stickle.

Wellington, FL – February 9, 2011 – Noted and distinguished photographer Susan J. Stickle has been announced as the professional photographer for two exciting events that are coming to Wellington the week of March 10-13.  The World Dressage Masters returns to Wellington March 9-11, 2011, for the third year on its international tour, with three different competitions for dressage enthusiasts and the public alike held at the Jim Brandon Center.  The weekend events wrap up with the tenth annual Challenge of the Americas March 12, 2011, which includes a Grand Prix team dressage quadrille and musical freestyle competition.  This year, the Challenge will also feature a four-on-four polo match featuring patron level players.  The Challenge is held at International Polo Club Palm Beach and benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Stickle, originally from Maplewood, New Jersey, has been shooting professionally since 1995, covering local, regional and National Dressage championships. She bought her first camera at age 17 with her very first paycheck after always having an interest in photography.  She began riding western at age 20, and then moved to a dressage barn where she fell in love with the sport.

“At that time, there were no real professional photographers shooting the actual classes, only the awards,” noted Stickle.  “We just shot each other and our friends, and never looked back.”  Stickle started her business, Susan J. Stickle Photography, with longtime partner Jonna Koellhoffer and the two continue working together today. Susan rode dressage competitively with her chestnut Thoroughbred mare, Bonnie. The pair were high score champions at training level and went on to compete thru the lower levels. Her love of horses and her knowledge of dressage have given her a wonderfully keen eye that shows in her work.

Continue reading Susan J. Stickle Named 2011 Photographer for Challenge of the Americas & World Dressage Masters

Secretariat “Voice of the People” Award to Zenyatta, by Jane Heart

Personal Appearance, Saturday, February 5, 2011, Santa Anita Park, California

Mrs. Penny Chenery has established the Vox Populi award for the “voice of the fans to honor the horses they love”. The first award will be presented to the Zenyatta team this coming Saturday.

Mrs. Chenery will participate in a special poster signing to commemorate this historic occasion. Scheduled to join in the festivities are Zenyatta’s owners Ann and Jerry Moss, trainer John Shirreffs, and jockey Mike Smith. Kate Chenery Tweedy will also be in attendance signing copies of her newly released book “Secretariat’s Meadow.” Join Penny Chenery as she presents the inaugural Secretariat Vox Populi Award to the Zenyatta team on February 5th at Santa Anita Park.

I am delighted to be a part of this inaugural event as well as displaying my jewelry for Secretariat and Barbaro. Visit with me on Saturday and Sunday February 5 and 6 from 10:30 to 5:00 at the Champions! Santa Anita Gift Shop entrance. It will be a very special day indeed.

Continue reading Secretariat “Voice of the People” Award to Zenyatta, by Jane Heart

Official Licensed Jewelry 1973 Triple Crown Winner Secretariat

Secretariat, America’s champion, fondly known as Big Red, became a hero and a symbol of hope during the early 1970s.  His legacy as the greatest racehorse of all time has endured to this day. From the cover of Time magazine to his very own United States postal stamp, Secretariat’s image has been an inspiration to those that have followed his career and continue to love him even now.

“I am honored to have the license to design jewelry for Secretariat. He followed his heart with his tremendous passion for running and has been an inspiration to me to continue to follow my own heart.”  The jubilation heard in the voice of Chic Anderson from CBS television during the 1973 Belmont Stakes said it all: “He is running like a tremendous machine!”

All Secretariat designs are made and hand finished in Arizona. The styles include a large and small pendant, charm, charm bracelet, brooch, and cuff links in silver and 14k gold. Each piece is stamped with the name Secretariat on the back and arrives in a gift box with a blue satin pouch and blue and white checkered commemorative card with the inscription:

“Keep the Big Red Flame Burning!”

Jane Heart LLC

P.O. Box 6399

Scottsdale, AZ  85261

jane@janeheart.com

www.janeheart.com

Cynthia Mulvaney and Dory Tuohey Selected as Cover Artists for 2011 HITS Thermal and HITS Ocala Official Show Programs

'A League of Its Own’ oil on linen by Cynthia Mulvaney adorns the cover of the 2011 HITS Thermal Official Show Program.

SAUGERTIES, NY (January 24, 2011) — HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce that submissions from Cynthia Mulvaney and Dory Tuohey were selected to be the cover art for the 2011 HITS Thermal and HITS Ocala Official Show Programs.

Each year HITS issues an open call for artists to submit their equine-themed work to be considered for the program covers. This year’s submission produced lots of exceptional artwork to choose from, with Mulvaney’s and Tuohey’s work, winning out over 50 submissions.

Mulvaney’s ‘A League of Its Own’, an original oil painting on linen, was selected as the artwork for the HITS Thermal Official Show Program. This highly-detailed piece captures the power, energy and movement of a horse cantering while turned out, providing a beautifully realistic image for the cover of this year’s show program.

Continue reading Cynthia Mulvaney and Dory Tuohey Selected as Cover Artists for 2011 HITS Thermal and HITS Ocala Official Show Programs

Lusitanos on Focus – Equine Photography Workshop in Portugal

Internationally acclaimed equestrian photographer Paula da Silva teaches international equine photography workshop in Portugal, in May 2011

The internationally acclaimed equestrian photographer Paula da Silva is going to teach an international equine photography workshop from 30th April to 4th May 2011, in Portugal.

This year’s theme will be the Lusitano horse and Portuguese equestrian traditions. The participants of the workshop will get to visit some of the most charismatic places related to the Lusitano horse, where they will be able to photograph several aspects of Lusitano horse breeding, High School work, etc.

Registrations close in the end of January. For more information, please visit the website www.lusitanosonfocus.com and the Facebook page “Lusitanos on Focus” (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lusitanos-on-Focus/100736449986516).

Kelley Farmer and Rosalynn Win $20,000 USHJA Hunter Derby

Kelley Farmer & Rosalynn ©Flashpoint Photography

Wilhelm Genn and Happy Z Take $25,000 National Grand Prix

Green Cove Springs, FL – January 23, 2010 — Kelley Farmer, who hails from Keswick, VA, partnered with Rosalynn to capture the top spot of North Florida’s Inaugural $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby sponsored by Jerry Parks Insurance, Great American Insurance Group and The Bruning Foundation, held Saturday under the lights of the covered arena at the Clay County Agricultural Center in Green Cove Springs, FL.

The evening was kicked off in the “Marques at Green Cove Springs”, the stylish and inviting VIP tent adjacent to the arena, with a delicious dinner provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grill and a very special Live Auction to benefit HOPE Therapeutic Riding Center. “While we raised a lot of money for HOPE, the generous bidders were big winners too. They got some outstanding deals on an array of items- like the Sea World Aquatic package and the Golf World getaway,” Tony Weight, President of North Florida Hunter Jumper Association, said.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13035

Fundraiser for Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue in Morriston, FL

This Valentine’s Day help rescue horses & a chance to win a beautiful oil painting of your horse or dog.

South Florida artist Karla Smith is offering an oil painting to the winner of the Valentine Fundraiser for Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue in Morriston, FL. The drawing will be held on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 6:00 at Beauty’s Haven. For only $10.00 suggested donation you can buy a ticket to help many horses in need and have a chance to win a portrait of your horse or dog. The winner will receive an oil painting portrait done of his or her dog or horse on a 14 x 18 inch wrap around canvas (no frame). The winner will need to supply the artist with photos of the subject, which will safely be returned upon completion of the painting.

This will make a wonderful gift to yourself or friend and will be truly helping out so many horses in need. Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue does an incredible job of taking in horses in desperate need of care, love and medical treatment. The dedication, care and love everyone at Beauty’s Haven gives the horses in need are amazing. They get horses in dire circumstances and very poor health from starvation, no health care, etc. and they do everything they can to change all that. When the horses start improving from medical care, food, shelter, and love, you can see in their eyes how grateful they are. For more information about Beauty’s Haven please go to: http://www.beautysequinerescue.org/.

For examples of the artist’s work please go to: http://www.sapphireartstudio.com.

BREYER Releases GG Valentine & Heartbreaker Model Horses

GG Valentine and Heartbreaker. Photos: BREYER and Courtesy of the Client

Buffalo, NY – December 16, 2010 – Legendary mare GG Valentine has done it again.  This time not in the show ring, as she was retired from showing in 2007, but as a mother after having another legendary baby. Due to her incredible success both as a championship hunter and a fantastic broodmare, BREYER has released a new model horse of GG Valentine with the colt Heartbreaker. GG Valentine and her rider Jennifer Alfano were one of the leading hunter combinations in the nation from 2001 to 2007. In 2007 at the Devon Horse Show, GG Valentine was retired in a special ceremony, accompanied by Alfano, owner Barbara Kearney, and trainers Susie Schoellkopf, Emil Spadone and Sharon O’Neill.

GG Valentine’s third foal was born in February of 2010 and will be shown under the name Heartbreaker. The beautiful weanling is by Oh Star, a 2000 U.S. Olympic show jumping team alternate ridden by Todd Minikus. “The birth went perfectly,” noted Kearney. “GG was a perfect mother and he was full of himself for the first six months. He really enjoyed running around the field carrying his feed pale and learning to be a horse.” This is incredible mare and foal duo can now be yours by purchasing the replica BREYER horse and foal model at any local tack store or at www.breyerhorses.com.

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Gabriele Boiselle to Be Special ‘Black Friday’ Guest on Horse Radio Network’s Morning Show

Equestrian photographer and world traveler Gabriele Boiselle has been invited to be a special ‘Black Friday’ guest on Horse Radio Network’s Internet-based ‘Horses in the Morning’ radio show, this Friday, November 26, 2010. Gabriele will be talking to show hosts Glenn the Geek (America’s Horse Husband) and Jamie Jennings live from Voglerhof, her 200-year-old home and studio near Frankfurt, Germany.

“I’m pleased to be able to talk with Glenn and Jamie, sharing some of my adventures and experiences in places such as Morocco and Jordan, photographing so many special horses that are near and dear to me,” reports Gabriele.

While the direction of the conversation is wide open, it’s sure to be an enjoyable listen; Gabriele’s journalistic training combines with her sunny outlook, charming personality, and storytelling skills so that tales of her adventures and her passion for catching just the right moment on camera will come across to the audience.

The show is live, M-F, beginning at 9 AM Eastern time (8 AM Central, 7 AM Mountain, 6 AM Pacific) and ending at 10:30 AM Eastern.

Continue reading Gabriele Boiselle to Be Special ‘Black Friday’ Guest on Horse Radio Network’s Morning Show