Category Archives: Art/Photography

Press Club of Long Island Honors Equine Photographer Diana De Rosa

LONG ISLAND, NY – June 7, 2018 – Professional equine photographer and EQUUS Film Festival Co-Organizer, Diana De Rosa, was presented with first place at the Press Club of Long Island annual awards in the category of Non-Local Photo. The photo was taken at a polo match during the 2017 International Polo Club season in Wellington, FL. Second and third place went to photographers from Newsday, the well-respected daily newspaper on Long Island. To win ahead of two Newsday photographers was a real honor.

The PCLI annual awards dinner was attended by over 230 guests, where close to 300 awards were given out to first, second and third place winners. De Rosa, who has covered eight Olympic Games, joined co-host David North and Eileen Lehpamer, from News 12, to MC the evening honoring the many award winners while also catching pictures throughout the night. The event was held at The Woodbury Country Club in Syosset, Long Island.

“I am thrilled to have achieved this honor,” De Rosa remarked. “My passion for photography has taken me all over the world. This photo was taken during an exciting polo match where top national and international polo players fought hard for their teams. To be recognized for my photography means a lot to me. I post a lot of my photography for people to view on my web site: www.dianaderosa.com so that others can share in the beauty of the horse.”

The photo appeared with an article De Rosa wrote on www.hubpages.com/@dianaderosa called “A Twist of Polo.”

Contact: Press Link
Phone: 516-848-4867
Email: dderosa1@optonline.net
Website: www.dianaderosa.com, www.dianaderosa.net

Man o’ War Commemorative Mural Painted on The Village Idiot

Restaurant to Host Unveiling Party after Mural Completion

Lexington, Ky. (June 8, 2017) – The legendary Man o’ War, one of America’s original sporting heroes, will be depicted in larger-than-life fashion via a 30′ x 30′ mural in downtown Lexington. The mural is being painted by Agustin Zarate and is part of the Kentucky Horse Park’s Man o’ War Celebration, presented by Windstream, which includes a series of events to highlight the life of the great racehorse.

An unveiling party at The Village Idiot is slated for Thursday, June 29, at 4 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the mural, which was commissioned by LexArts and is sponsored by Mt. Brilliant Farm. The Village Idiot will offer food and drink specials, and the Kentucky Horse Park will provide complimentary tickets as door prizes at the event.

The Man o’ War mural will span the entire side of the two-story Village Idiot building and will commemorate the horse’s victory in the 1920 Belmont Stakes. Based on a historic photograph during his racing years, it will portray Man o’ War parading in front of the Belmont crowd following his historic feat.

“Agustin’s rendering of the Man o’ War mural is extremely impressive and I can’t wait to see the larger-than-life finished product,” said Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director Laura Prewitt. “Man o’ War was truly a remarkable horse, and I hope this mural will become a downtown fixture that raises awareness of his life and legacy from both locals and visitors.”

This is the first building mural project for Zarate, a native of Mexico City and a longtime Lexington resident. An experienced painter, muralist, graphic designer, and illustrator, Zarate has worked with various medium including oil, acrylic, watercolor, and airbrush.

Zarate was selected by LexArts and Mt. Brilliant from many local artists that submitted proposals for the Man o’ War project. He was chosen based on his authenticity in capturing the horse in all his racing greatness.

“There was a lot of interest from the artist community in painting a large scale tribute to the legacy of Man o’ War,” said LexArts Community Art Director Nathan Zamarron. “Dozens of artists from throughout Kentucky submitted talented designs with a wide variety of artist interpretations. Agustin Zarate was selected for his mastery of realism and understanding of the anatomy of the horse. We are confident the finished result will be a lasting icon and a treasured work of art for Lexington.”

A commemorative beer crafted by Alltech to enhance the Man o’ War Celebration will also have its release at the mural unveiling party. Called “The Mostest Wheat Ale” after Man o’ War’s nickname, the celebratory beer will be available at various locations throughout Lexington on tap this summer.

“We are happy to honor one of the most famous race horses of all time with a beer brewed for the celebration of Man o’ War,” said Pete Weiss, marketing manager of Alltech. “Mostest Wheat Ale tells the story of Man o’ War, and that he was the ‘mostest’ horse to ever run.”

The Kentucky Horse Park’s goal in its season-long Man o’ War Celebration is to celebrate the life of the legendary horse, as well as encourage people to visit the premier tourist destination, which is currently hosting a special exhibit entitled Man o’ War: The Mostest Horse That Ever Was.”

To learn about other events scheduled for the season-long Man o’ War Celebration, visit the Kentucky Horse Park’s website at www.kyhorsepark.com/featured-events/man-o-war-celebration-presented-windstream.

Contact: Lisa Jackson
(859) 259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov
www.KyHorsePark.com

Virginia Horse Center Foundation Brings Mission to Middleburg

Lexington, Va. – Feb. 5, 2017 – The Virginia Horse Center Foundation hosted a successful event on January 31, 2017 at the National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg, Virginia. Upwards of 30 people were in attendance including members of the Board of Directors and the Advisory Board, as well as friends of the Foundation.

Attendees were treated to a private tour of the museum’s current art exhibitions, ‘Picturing English Pastimes: British Sporting Prints at the NSLM’ and ‘The Chronicle of the Horse in Art,’ as well as highlights from the museum’s permanent collection.

Founded as the National Sporting Library in 1954, the institution has expanded to become a library, research facility and art museum with over 26,000 books and works of art in the collections. The National Sporting Library and Museum is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the literature, art, and culture of equestrian, angling, and field sports.

Following the tour, a luncheon was held for participants. During the luncheon, Virginia Horse Center Foundation President Ernie Oare and CEO John Nicholson spoke. They addressed the attendees to discuss the mission and vision of the Horse Center, as well as their enthusiasm for the growth that they are seeing in the family and friends of the Horse Center particularly in Northern Virginia. The Virginia Horse Center recognizes that all areas of the state contribute to the overall equestrian culture of Virginia and need each other to succeed. The Virginia Horse Center is here to support all of our friends around the state and in the mid-Atlantic region.

“It was wonderful to have such a dedicated group of equestrians learn more about the Virginia Horse Center and the mission of the Foundation,” said Nicholson. “Middleburg is not just a top equestrian destination in Virginia, but it is one of the top equestrian destinations in the country. The residents understand the importance of the sport and its history – a legacy we hope to continue at the Virginia Horse Center with their support.”

To learn more about the Virginia Horse Center Foundation and its mission, please visit www.horsecenter.org.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Zulu Interagro Brings Equine Chic to Allure’s December Issue

Zulu Interagro and Gigi Hadid in the December issue of Allure Magazine. (Photo courtesy of Allure/Conde Nast)

New York, NY (December 6, 2016) – Chiseled features, lustrous locks, and elegant forms are typical of any photo shoot for Allure magazine, and in the 2016 December issue an equine supermodel sported his ravishing good looks alongside 2015 Model of the Year Gigi Hadid for Allure’s feature spread. The 21-year-old Hadid posed au naturel while reclining on Zulu (who was also au naturel) in a stunning black and white image that has become the cover photo for Allure magazine’s Facebook page as of mid-November. Hadid, who is also the 2016 December issue cover girl, appears at ease on the 14-year-old Lusitano gelding, despite the lack of clothes. Zulu’s photogenic baroque appearance and laid back attitude made him the epitome of the equine supermodel.

Bred by Interagro Lusitanos of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Zulu Interagro (Profano Interagro x Trovoada Interagro) was imported to the US in 2008 as part of the Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction held in Wellington, Florida. Zulu’s owner, Athene von Hirschberg, came to the Auction looking for a versatile, compact, athletic horse and found what she was looking for in Zulu. Over the years she and Zulu have competed up to the FEI levels in dressage, working equitation, 15-mile rides, hunter paces, and eventually began his career as an equine supermodel. Zulu’s photogenic qualities were first utilized by Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci, who featured the black horse in a spread at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, posing with two models in Pucci’s flagrant designs on the polo fields. Von Hirschberg’s friendship with Cari Swanson of Cari Swanson Productions, which has provided horses for major motion pictures such as Hidalgo, Winter’s Tale, and The Horse Whisperer, served as the catalyst to launch Zulu’s modeling career into the big leagues. Swanson received the casting call for a horse of Zulu’s temperament and appearance for the major international fashion magazine, and von Hirschberg was more than happy to oblige.

“He handled the entire ordeal like a pro,” said von Hirschberg. “Obviously he was required to stand and remain calm for a long period of time, with people in various positions and bright camera flashes, but he took it all in stride and even got bored and began nibbling on his handlers. His personality and athleticism set him apart, and he really does anything I ask of him.”

In addition to competing through the Prix St. Georges level in dressage, Zulu has also been a champion competitor in working equitation, a discipline mirroring the techniques utilized by working horse and rider pairs and requiring a diverse range of talents. For Zulu’s breeder, his combination of beauty, athleticism, trainability, and an exceptional temperament are a reflection of their breeding program, which has spent over 40 years carefully developing the modern Lusitano sporthorse. Zulu’s sire, Profano Interagro, is a son of the famous Legendario do Mirante. Legendario’s sire, Novilheiro MV, made history in some of the most prestigious show jumping arenas of Europe under the guidance of Olympic Silver Medalist John Whitaker. The Lusitano stallion was an international show jumping champion and one of the most famous Lusitanos of all time, with a career that included winning the British Showjumping Championship and leading the European rankings for prize money earned. Profano’s influence in many Interagro pedigrees has yielded top performing dressage, driving, and equitation horses, including a 2016 Rio Paralympic mount in Zizifo Interagro.

Zulu Interagro in a solo shoot at Interagro Lusitanos in Sao Paulo, Brazil with famed equestrian photographer, Bob Langrish (Photo courtesy of Bob Langrish)

But despite their accomplishments in the show ring, Zulu’s ancestors probably never had a nude supermodel lounging on their backs, a unique and impressive addition to the resume of Interagro’s progeny.

With over 40 years of experience breeding, training, and exporting Lusitanos, Interagro’s mission is to preserve the exceptional bloodlines and qualities of the breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, especially in the FEI and sport horse disciplines. Established in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga, Interagro’s initial vision was to preserve and restore the original foundational Lusitano bloodlines and lineages, many of which were in danger of extinction following the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the Interagro Lusitanos of today continue that legacy as they compete across four continents.

Click here to read more about Zulu’s shoot for Allure.

Visit Allure on Facebook to see Zulu as their cover photo.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website or follow them on Facebook. To organize a trip to Brazil or for any questions regarding sales or the logistics of importing horses to the US, contact their US Sales Representative, Peter van Borst at 817 368 9447.

Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Sebastiano Vitale: Untamed Art

Sebastiano Vitale was perched facing backwards on a quad bike, tearing across a vast field in Argentina. He clutched his camera closely as 500 polo ponies streamed around him.

These dynamic horses and ponies lead to powerful images shot by Vitale, an artist and photographer from Torino, Italy. He has created art his entire life, including everything from commercial works, to luxury projects, to human rights issues and horses.

The artist began his full-time, professional art career in 1998 and took up photography in 2010. “I only took one half hour photography class and the rest came naturally,” Vitale states.

Vitale said the technical aspect of capturing photos is very simple but composition is instinctive. He said the instinct “can be tamed, but it cannot be taught.” After working with music, video and mixed media for many years, photography is now Vitale’s main medium.

Although Vitale loves to ride, he said he isn’t very good. Despite this, he has spent a lot of time documenting horses and their behaviours.

“I have been always fascinated by horses, by their beauty, by the fact that they are a living means of transportation, used for thousands of years,” Vitale said. “I dream of traveling for months riding a horse, crossing countries and remote areas.”

Vitale has now created many projects about horses and the culture around them.

He said one of his most interesting projects documented the launch of Team Israel. He captured images as the team prepared for their first appearance at an FEI show in Wellington, Florida.

“In this case, my approach was telling the story of the people behind a national team, and showing exactly how it is a tough sport in terms of athleticism, concentration, work with the horse, and work as a team,” Vitale said. “Everything can be captured in a photo if approached properly.”

The photos shot in Wellington were featured in part in The Washington Post. Vitale said that when working on projects such as that, the most important aspect is to have empathy with the subject and remain understanding of different personalities, be it human or animal.

Empathy and patience were skills Vitale had to exercise on numerous occasions, including that of speeding along on a quad bike, while capturing images for “The Raw Horse.” Photos capturing “the most beautiful creatures in the animal kingdom” have led Vitale on a great photographic journey.

sebastiano_vitale_13“The Raw Horse” aims to represent the relationship between horse and man and was, in part, inspired by Gulliver’s Travels and its critique of 16th century Western society. Vitale said the story represents a higher form of civilization and that is what his Raw Horse project represents to him.

Born and raised in the countryside, Vitale has always been exposed to animals and nature leading him to regard them as pure. He said this relationship to nature is reflected in his work, especially in projects such as “The Raw Horse,” which he describes as a stepping stone in his professional artistic career.

When taking pictures, Vitale aims to capture not the actions, but the feeling of a moment.

He often uses blurred images to demonstrate the process behind an image. He has to take time to foster a relationship with the animal before capturing its image.

As Vitale approaches the subject with photography as his end goal, he creates a tension with the horse. He said he is not a horse person and often, horses are scared in the beginning, then curious and eventually they relax.

“Horses love it. It is difficult to describe, and it is mostly something related to energy and attitude,” Vitale says. “This approach allows the horse to show its personality, and it suddenly becomes human, or even more than human.”

As an artist, he has a wild nature and no logical explanation for why he does what he does. He explained that his parents ask the same question! For Vitale, the horse is a symbol of freedom, beauty, strength and poetry.

“Despite its wild nature, I find the horse to have incredibly human like features and most of all it evokes human emotions such as happiness, fear, curiosity, strength and freedom.”

See more of Sebastian’s work at www.therawhorse.com.

http://www.fei.org/stories/sebastiano-vitale-untamed-art

Sharon Lynn Campbell Named Official Artist of 2016 Capital Challenge Horse Show

Sharon Lynn Campbell’s portrait ‘Beautiful Bay.’

Upper Marlboro, Maryland – The artwork of Sharon Lynn Campbell has appeared at many of the country’s most prestigious horse shows, including the 2016 Capital Challenge Horse Show. As the newly named official artist of the Capital Challenge Horse Show, Campbell is masterfully creating two paintings for the 2016 edition of the horse show, to be held October 1-9 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD.

The Rochelle, VA based artist’s work will appear on the cover of the horse show prize list and on the annual Capital Challenge commemorative poster. Both paintings will be unveiled in August alongside the release of the official prize list.

“I painted the prize list cover art for Capital Challenge for the last two years, and this year, I have created a very artsy composition for the prize list cover art of the same horse that will be used as the jumping portrait for the poster and the horse show program,” Campbell explained.

As the winner of the $25,000 World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Professional Challenge and the 2015 $5,000 WCHR Professional Finals at the 2015 Capital Challenge Horse Show, Scott Stewart was selected as the rider to grace both the prize list and poster painting on the horse of his choosing.

“I met with Scott to see which horse he would like to put on the cover, and he choose the Gochmans’ beautiful grey gelding Catch Me,” Campbell said, referencing the mount on which Stewart earned the 2015 $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge victory. Campbell has now beautifully recreated a photo of the gelding, captured by James Parker, for the prize list cover.

For Campbell, the opportunity to paint horses like Catch Me for the Capital Challenge Horse Show is an incredible honor.

“I just really love this horse show,” Campbell said of Capital Challenge. “It’s the perfect transition from the outdoors to the indoors, and I have the opportunity to catch up with my West Coast clients and meet new people from all over the country. It’s always a great group of people that come to show. The management for the show are wonderful people, and it’s a pleasure to work with them.”

Campbell is a lifelong horsewoman, having grown up riding, showing, training, and even shoeing horses at her family’s horse farm in Indiana. Her equestrian knowledge and great understanding of the horse’s conformation and expression is evident in each piece of artwork that she creates. To learn more about Sharon Campbell, visit www.sharoncampbell.com.

For more information on the 2016 Capital Challenge Horse Show, please visit www.CapitalChallenge.org.

Emily Riden
Jump Media
emily@jumpmediallc.com

Lauren Kieffer and Lisa Curry Mair Join Forces to Benefit the Brooke

“Lauren and Patrick at Rolex”. Image courtesy of Lisa Curry Mair.

One of three-day eventing’s own top riders, Lauren Kieffer, and Vermont-based artist, Lisa Curry Mair of Canvasworks Designs, have teamed up to raise funds for Brooke USA. In May, Lauren sent Lisa one of her boots that was destined for the boot pile in the back of the tack-room closet. The charity, Brooke USA, supports the work of the Brooke, the world’s largest international equine welfare charity, which has worked tirelessly for over 80 years to improve the lives of working horses, donkey, mules and thus, the many people that rely on them.

Lisa is blazing a new creative path by painting life back into “retired” saddles and boots, covering them with her own equestrian inspired folk-art designs. They really are a unique twist on a classic equestrian staple and are a wonderful way to commemorate a horse-of-a-lifetime, a notable competition win, or even the history of one’s own farm. Put on display in your trophy case, library, tack room or entryway, both the saddles and boots are conversation pieces that are also true works of art.

Want one of these fabulous creations for your very own? Now’s your chance! Interested bidders have until 5:00 pm on August 3rd to place the highest bid for “Patrick and Lauren at Rolex.” To bid, visit Canvasworks Designs’ blog and comment with your bidding price. That’s it. Simple.

All bidders will receive a daily email with the current highest bid. Winner will be announced on August 3rd. The winning bid will be a tax-deductible donation made directly to the Brooke USA. For more information, contact Canvasworks Designs directly.

Raw Horse Project Brings Unique Exposé on Spirit of the Equine to HH President of UAE Polo Cup

Photography credited to Sebastiano Vitale.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (May 27, 2016) – Set among the sport and spectacle of the most prestigious polo tournament in the Middle East, The Raw Horse Project’s collection of unique equestrian images brought an artistic and philosophical element to the HH President of UAE Polo Cup, held in the beginning of 2016 at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club in Abu Dhabi. A perfect complement to the region’s passion for equestrian sport, The Project’s exhibition was framed by the elegant Arabic architecture of the VIP and Hospitality sections and hosted prominent visitors including celebrities, sheiks, members of the royal family, and other prestigious guests.

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, the HH President of UAE Polo Cup is held in the name of the UAE’s president and features two weeks of tournament competition culminating in the Grand Final. Known as the most exclusive and state-of-the-art polo experience in the UAE, the event also serves as a ‘must attend’ sporting and lifestyle event in the Emirate. While the qualifying matches are closed to the public, the Final welcomed all spectators to enjoy its unique combination of international polo and entertainment, including a juxtaposition of medieval falconry followed by aerial displays and choreography by military jets over the lush green fields of the historic polo club.

As a visual hymn to the relationship between horse and human, The Raw Horse depicts the sheer beauty, peace, and freedom of the equine. The images range from impressionistic to precise, and compose an optic allegory of the horse, portraying the equine as a metaphor of the ancestral human feelings of peace, nobility, fear, freedom, vivacity, sadness, and love. The limited edition fine art prints are featured in a select number of galleries from Shanghai to Los Angeles, and include a series of photographic objects and sculpture intended for collectors and private galleries. Following its debut in the Middle East, The Raw Horse Project will add Abu Dhabi to its list of local galleries, and received special interest to collaborate on projects for the Royal Family by the Prince of the UAE, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.

RawHorse2Equestrian culture in the UAE focuses on the Sheiks and their families, who are the primary sponsors the events and owners of the venues and horses. The strong connection to religion, nature, landscape, and animals defines the atmosphere and passion for equestrian sports in this part of the world. High levels of disposable income, advancing technology, and a true enjoyment of the sport combine with traditional values and a deep bond with the natural world to make the Middle East a rapidly expanding and international caliber destination for equestrian sport. Racing and endurance riding are the preferred and featured disciplines, due in large part to the legacy of the sport and the Arabian horses that have been selectively bred and competed in the region for millennia. But the infusion of western and Spanish breeds, as well as the disciplines in which they excel, are making their mark on the Middle East’s growing equestrian demographics.

The brainchild of Italian photographer Sebastiano Vitale, The Raw Horse Project brought the spirit of the horse to Asia in 2015, where it was featured at multiple exhibitions across China to resounding approval. Following the first two exhibitions at museums in Beijing and Shanghai, the collection was invited to participate in numerous equestrian events across the country, from Cavalia’s Asian tour and the Longines Global Champions Tour Hong Kong to Dalian Beach Polo.

The primal poetry of The Raw Horse caught the attention of Cavalia creator and co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, Normand Latourelle. Vitale and his photography were selected to join the Cavalia Asian tour, based in Shanghai, and featured limited edition Raw Horse prints on display in the fantastic Cavalia show tent erected adjacent to the China Art Museum.

RawHorse3Vitale, who is based mainly out of the United States in winter and spring, also commissions a select number of private shoots for clients per year. His portfolio of work includes some of the biggest names in entertainment and equestrianism, including T.E.A.M. Israel’s equestrian team in Wellington, Florida, and Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, his wife, Shirley, and their Polish bred Arabians. Vitale’s photography has been featured in numerous mainstream and equestrian magazines, and his background includes more than 15 years of experience in art, mass communication, and visual journalism, creating campaigns for FIAT, the Olympic Games, RAI, and Atlanta International Airport.

For more information on The Raw Horse or Sebastiano Vitale, visit www.therawhorse.com or contact Equinium Sports Marketing: www.equinium.com, holly@equinium.com, +1 954 205 7992.

Breyer Debuts Brunello Portrait Model at Tryon International Equestrian Center

Legendary Hunter to Be Honored June 10th

Pequannock, NJ – April 23, 2016 – In the horse show world, the super stars of the sport tend to be jumpers or dressage horses. So it may come as a surprise to learn that the horse with the biggest fan club is super hunter Brunello!  As with many things, Brunello is simply exceptional. The 18-year-old Hanoverian owned by Janet Peterson and Liza Towell Boyd claimed his third consecutive victory in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in 2015 and was named the USEF National Horse of the Year, for the second time, as well as Show Hunter of the Year by The Chronicle of the Horse. Rider Liza Boyd claimed the USEF Emerson Burr Trophy for the third time as well, thanks to Brunello. And so it is only fitting that Brunello takes his place among the pantheon of horses that have graced Breyer’s stable of horse heroes!

Breyer is pleased to announce that it will introduce its new Brunello portrait model this summer, in partnership with Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), on June 10th, as a highlight of the Tryon Spring 8 FEI CSI 5* (June 8-12). Breyer Brunello models will be available for purchase at Tryon Tack beginning Friday, June 10th. Only 400 models will be available for the launch and each model will come with a special mini Breyer TIEC blanket only available at this show, while supplies last. Purchases limited to 2 models per person.

The weekend will kick off with a special presentation of the first Brunello portrait models to be created for Brunello’s owners Janet Peterson and Liza Boyd, and longtime groom Alberto Ramirez, on Friday evening, June 10th, during the Hunter Derby under the lights in the George Morris Arena at TIEC. Boyd and Brunello are preparing to compete in the Hunter Derby, offering fans and spectators a chance to see this historic pair live in competition.

On Saturday, June 11th, from 2:00-6:00 P.M., Breyer will host free Stablemates painting activities, demonstrations by model horse hobby artists including sculptor Morgen Kilbourn, equine color genetics expert Lesli Kathman, as well as fun model horse showing with Michelle Masters. Breyer’s mascot Pal will visit and there will be raffles and contests for prizes. Event activities will be held in the Special Pavilion tent overlooking the George Morris Arena.

Liza Boyd will be available for autographs (limited to 200) from 4:00-5:00 P.M. and Brunello will make an appearance at 5:00 P.M. as well for photographs. When asked what makes Brunello so special, Liza Boyd said, “Brunello: B: Brave to gallop under the lights; R: Rideable, to turn oh-so-tight; U: Unique, not your typical hunter type; N: Naughty, in his stall he will bite; E: Ego, he thinks he’s always right; L: Longevity, at 18 he’s still jumping with height; L: Lexington, three times he has had a magical derby night; O: Owl, for his wisdom and insight.”

Tryon International Equestrian Center is a state of the art equestrian facility located in Mill Spring, North Carolina. The venue offers competitors access to an array of equestrian sports including hunter/jumper, dressage, and eventing competitions throughout the year. The facility, which officially opened in 2014, began its inaugural year for FEI competition in 2015. This year, TIEC is set to host two CSI 5* competitions, as well as the prestigious Nutrena® USEA American Eventing Championships in early September, as well as two FEI CDI 3* competitions for dressage riders. TIEC is conveniently located just 45 minutes from Asheville, NC, and an hour from Charlotte, NC, in the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Tryon Riding and Hunt Club (TRHC), an important supporter of the equestrian community in the Western Carolinas, sparked the discussion regarding the creation of a Brunello Breyer model, as co-owner Janet Peterson is a longtime member of the organization. A social media campaign initiated by TRHC, has been tremendously influential in recognizing and honoring the remarkable career accolades of Boyd and Brunello.

“Having a Breyer model of Brunello to celebrate his accomplishments is something very special. He is a wonderful horse and is incredibly well loved by all of those involved with him, including myself, Liza Boyd, and her father Jack Towell,” said Peterson. “I’m very much looking forward to this replica of him, as well as the ceremony that is planned for June 10th. He has a large fan base and following in the Carolinas and I hope that everyone will join us for the festivities to honor his achievements.”

For those who can’t be at TIEC for the presentation, Breyer and TIEC will host an online sweepstakes offering six (6) Brunello models with TIEC model blankets signed by Liza Boyd via the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and Breyer Facebook pages. Stay tuned for more information.

Ticket Information

Spectators are welcome to attend the Tryon Spring 8 FEI CSI 5* at the Tryon International Equestrian Center free of charge. Breyer activities are also free of charge (while supplies last). The Breyer Brunello model debut is limited to 400 models at this show and will be sold on a first come, first served basis at Tryon Tack along with a mini Breyer TIEC model blanket as a special souvenir of the weekend. The standard Breyer Brunello model will be available nationwide in July 2016. TIEC is located at 4066 Pea Ridge Rd. in Mill Spring, NC. For more information, please visit TIEC at www.tryon.com or Breyer at www.breyerhorses.com.

About Breyer Animal Creations®

Breyer Animal Creations is a division of Reeves International (www.reevesintl.com), a family-owned, NJ-based toy manufacturer and distributor. Founded in 1950, Breyer celebrates the horse and other animals, dedicating itself to the creation of authentic and realistic model horses for play and collecting. Breyer is one of America’s most iconic toy brands and its ‘portrait’ models of horse heroes and animals like Secretariat, Valegro, Big Chex to Cash, Black Beauty, The Black Stallion, RinTinTin and Lassie have inspired children of all ages to love animals. Breyer’s partnerships with publishers like Scholastic and Macmillan Children’s Publishing and studios like Universal (Seabiscuit), DreamWorks (Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and Dreamer), and Touchstone Pictures (Hidalgo) have provided a base from which to create new content and play forms for children inspiring a world of imagination and creativity. Visit us at www.breyerhorses.com or call 800-413-3348 to learn more about the model horse hobby and Breyer Animal Creations.

Renowned Wild Horse Advocate Finally Appointed to BLM Board

Ginger filming Cloud and Family, May 2014 ~ photo by R. T. Fitch of Wild Horse Freedom Federation.

“It’s a first and a long time in coming.  Internationally acclaimed cinematographer and wild horse advocate Ginger Kathrens has finally been appointed to sit on the BLM’s Wild Horse & Burro Advisory Board.  Ginger and other advocates have attempted to be a voice for the wild horses and burros in the past but have been inexplicably passed over, but not this round.  The BoD of Wild Horse Freedom Federation would like to express their congratulations to Ginger and sincerely hope that her sage advice will be listened to and acted upon by the other members of the board.  Job well done.”
~ R. T. Fitch