Category Archives: Art/Photography

Art/Photography, Community/Charity

Silver Charm Portrait by Barbara Livingston Now Available

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Dual Classic winner Silver Charm on the day of the barn fire at Old Friends (Photo by Barbara Livingston)

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 11, 2016 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, in conjunction with Daily Racing Form and photographer Barbara Livingston, is proud to offer for sale an exclusive, limited-edition portrait of dual-classic winner Silver Charm.

The image of the now retired Kentucky Derby and Preakness champion galloping in freshly fallen snow was captured by Eclipse-Award-winning photographer Barbara Livingston at Old Friends’ Dream Chase in January, on the day a devastating fire destroyed one of their barns.

When news of the fire got out, many friends and supporters stopped by Old Friends to offer support and well wishes. Among them was Livingston, who came to officially record the tragedy with her camera. But while she was there she noticed Silver Charm running joyfully, and she quickly captured this stark but stunning image.

After Livingston shared the picture on her social media, it went viral and soon became one of the most requested Old Friends photos ever. Daily Racing Form editors worked with Livingston and Old Friends to make available this limited-edition 8 x 10 portrait (only 250 have been produced), each signed by the artist.

“On a dim, smoke-filled afternoon Barbara was able to see a beautiful ray of silver light,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “This photograph is not only a testament to her enormous talent, but I also like to think of it as a forecast of our future: Hopeful.

“We can’t thank Barbara and our friends at DRF enough for helping us share this wonderful picture of the great Silver Charm with his fans.”

The photographs are available for $50, plus $3.00 shipping and handling, and can be ordered by visiting the Old Friends eBay store (CLICK HERE) or by visiting the Old Friends website (www.oldfriendsequine.org) and following the eBay link.

All proceeds from the sale of the photo will go to Old Friends and will contribute to barn rebuilding efforts.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for 160 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Racing

Jane Heart Jockey Cap Jewelry Benefits Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund

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Lexington, KY (October 30, 2015) – Jane Heart LLC is pleased to announce the new Jockey Cap Collection that will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Created in 2006 by leaders in the horse racing industry, PDJF assists jockeys who have suffered on-track catastrophic injuries. PDJF is an independent public charity that has disbursed over $6.0 million dollars and currently supports 60 permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. Nancy Lasala, President of PDJF, is “grateful for the support of our many industry partners who are committed to the welfare of these men and women, and we welcome Jane Heart to help in this important cause. The PDJF is able to bring much needed financial assistance to a group of athletes who have given so much to the sport of horse racing.” A portion of the proceeds from each design sold will benefit PDJF.

Jane commented: “In reviewing my racehorse designs for Secretariat, Barbaro, and Man o’ War, it seemed a natural that a new design would be a jockey cap to highlight and recognize the greatness of the human athlete in this dynamic sport. My inspiration also came from spending some time at various Secretariat Foundation events over the past several years with Ron Turcotte, the renowned Hall of Fame jockey of Secretariat and the well-known ambassador for PDJF. Ron’s tireless efforts to raise money for PDJF and his winning smile and kindness to all during his autograph session appearances is truly admirable. Being next to him and seeing the appreciation his fans, young and old alike, have for him and how he responds to their every comment and question is heartwarming. Ron truly has been an inspiration to me, and I look forward to help raise funds for PDJF.”

The Jockey Cap designs come in two different size sterling silver charms and one features goggles as an accent. Hand-polished and finished after casting in the USA, these adorable charms can also come hand-enameled in a variety of jockey silk colors in either solid color or two tone. Custom colors are available upon request. Pricing for the charms start at $65.00 and can also come as pendants, on bracelets, and as cuff links. Each piece comes with the Jane Heart logo stamp inside and arrives in a velvet pouch with a commemorative card for PDJF. Visit the website at www.janeheart.com to see the Jockey Cap Collection or call 1-888-703-0503. Select items are available at the Keeneland Gift Shop and the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop, both in Lexington, KY; The Santa Anita Gift Shop in Arcadia, CA; and the Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop in Louisville, KY.

For more information, contact:
Jane Heart LLC
PO Box 6399
Scottsdale, AZ 85261
Phone: 1-888-703-0503
Mobile 602-300-5148
jane@janeheart.com
www.janeheart.com

Art/Photography, Community/Charity

Equine Sculpture Gallops onto Kentucky Horse Park

Artist Adrian Landon Installs Moving Sculpture at Park

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 23, 2015) – With a 10-foot wide steel and stainless steel body, 100 bearings, 30 feet of chain, 23 articulating joints and one small motor, a new Mechanical Horse sculpture welcomes visitors to the Kentucky Horse Park.

The sculpture was recently installed by New York sculptor Adrian Landon and is the newest exhibit secured by the International Museum of the Horse for guests visiting the park for events such as the CP National Horse Show, the Breeders’ Cup Festival and the Breeders’ Cup.

The Mechanical Horse sculpture, on display through October 2016, is located at the park’s Visitor Center.

Landon has a large portfolio of work with metal as his preferred medium. He feels that his work with horses is among his most passionate.

“There is something truly epic in representing horses in metal and my passions for both things come together quite well,” Landon says on his website.

For more information about the Mechanical Horse or the International Museum of the Horse, contact the Kentucky Horse Park at 859-233-4303 or 800-678-8813 or info@kyhorsepark.com or visit www.KyHorsePark.com.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 18,400 competition horses in approximately 200 special events and horse shows in 2014. The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is THE place to get close to horses. Information about the park’s programs and activities can be found online at www.KyHorsePark.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and Periscope.

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Racing

Cigar Memorial Statue to Be Unveiled at Hall of Champions

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Bronze Sculpture Features Cigar and Jockey Jerry Bailey Winning 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2015) – The Kentucky Horse Park will unveil a new memorial statue dedicated to the great Thoroughbred champion Cigar on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. Created by artist Douwe “Dow” Blumberg, the statue will be placed at Cigar’s gravesite at the Hall of Champions and features Cigar with jockey Jerry Bailey winning the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

One of the world’s top Thoroughbred racehorses, Cigar died Oct. 7, 2014, at age 24. In May 1999, Cigar came to the Kentucky Horse Park to live out his retirement. He was voted Champion Older Male and Horse of the Year in both 1995 and 1996. In August 2002 he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Cigar was also voted the Racehorse of the Decade of the 1990s.

Blumberg is a Kentucky artist and former professional horse trainer. Originally from Los Angeles, California, he now resides north of Lexington. His works include New York City’s new America’s Response Monument and the Flight 5191 memorial in Lexington.

Thanks to support from all over the world, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation was able to commission the statue. Additional contributions are being accepted to complete the Cigar Memorial. Contributions may be sent to the Cigar Memorial Fund at the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511, or made by phone at 859-255-5727, or online at www.khpfoundation.org.

For more information about the Cigar Memorial Statue unveiling or Cigar, contact the Kentucky Horse Park at 859-233-4303 or 800-678-8813 or info@kyhorsepark.com or visit www.KyHorsePark.com.

The Kentucky Horse Park is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 1. Admission is $16 for adults and $8 for children, and includes the Next Day Free. Admission includes the International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate; and the “Showplace for Saddlebreds” – The American Saddlebred Museum & Gift Shop.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 18,400 competition horses in approximately 200 special events and horse shows in 2014. The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is THE place to get close to horses. Information about the park’s programs and activities can be found online at www.KyHorsePark.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and Periscope.

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Art/Photography, Community/Charity

The Raw Horse Project Debuts in China to International Acclaim

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Photography: Sebastiano Vitale.

Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China (October 20, 2015) – Fine art equestrian photography recently exploded in the Far East, as The Raw Horse debuted multiple exhibitions across China to resounding approval. Brainchild of Italian photographer Sebastiano Vitale, The Raw Horse features breathtaking equestrian images from shoots in Wellington, Florida, Poland, Argentina, Texas, California, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Following the first two exhibitions at museums in Beijing and Shanghai, Vitale and his collection of art were invited to participate in numerous equestrian events across China, from Cavalia’s Asian tour and the Longines Global Champions Tour Hong Kong to Dalian Beach Polo.

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, painting 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 debut museum showings at the Shanghai Sculpture Park and Today Art Museum Beijing in late 2014, The Raw Horse commenced its 2015 tour at the Longines Hong Kong Masters at the AsiaWorld-Expo. The prestigious social and competitive event evenly distributes the limelight between sport, fashion, and art. The most exclusive names in the world of equestrianism, couture and luxury brands were showcased in conjunction with 25 of the world’s top horses and riders vying for over 1 million USD in prize money during the CSI 5* class. The Raw Horse was selected for a large scale solo exhibition at this prestigious showcase, and was also a presenter at the ultra-modern Espace Hong Kong exhibition and the SO! Dalian Beach Polo tournament in June of 2015.

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. Cavalia, which features 40 horses and 40 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians, celebrates the relationship between horse and human, making The Raw Horse a perfect complement to the show. Seen by over 4 million spectators across North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Asia since its 2003 debut, Cavalia hosted The Raw Horse in July and August of 2015.

RawHorse2The success of The Raw Horse exhibitions and enthusiasm expressed for equestrian fine art photography in Asia has led to Vitale being selected to showcase his work at the HH President of UAE Polo Cup, January 5-15, 2016, in Abu Dhabi. Held at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, the two week long tournament represents the epitome of equestrian sport and social lifestyle in the Emirate, and is the most prestigious polo experience in the Middle East.

Vitale, who is based out of the United States in the winter, schedules 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 Stone’s 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 Grazia Neri. The Raw Horse is his latest body of work and was launched at the prestigious Miami Art Basel in 2012 to international acclaim for its combination of equestrianism and reflection of the human condition.

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.

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Racing

The Old Friends “Fall” Tee, Featuring Artwork by Daily Racing Funnies, Now Available

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GEORGETOWN, KY – SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 – In June Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, launched a quarterly Booster campaign offering seasonal T-shirts with artwork by Daily Racing Funnies.

The “Summertime” tee was a great success, and on Tuesday September 29 the “Old Friends Fall Edition T-Shirt” will be available via Booster.com, the online crowdfunding site for charitable causes that revolves around selling custom T-shirts directly to supporters.

This second seasonal shirt, “Fall”, will celebrate The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which will be held this year at Keeneland Racecourse on Oct. 30 and 31st.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that has retired more than 40 Breeders’ Cup winners or contenders over the years, many of whom are featured in the fanciful illustration done by Daily Racing Funnies.

The shirts will be available for two weeks only beginning September 29 and the goal will be to sell 50 tees. To order, go to https://www.booster.com/old-friends-fall.

In this ongoing campaign, a new shirt with a new seasonal design will be available again this winter and next spring.

In addition, the first Booster shirt, “Summertime”, is be back by popular demand. The “Summertime” tee will be available for a limited time only and can be ordered by following this link: https://www.booster.com/oldfriendsummertime2.

The unisex T-shirts are made of 100 percent Gildan Ultra Cotton and the designs are rendered in full color. The price is $20 with $5 for shipping and handling and all proceeds go directly to Old Friends. There is no additional shipping and handling on multiple orders.

The Lexington, KY-based Daily Racing Funnies has been creating whimsical horse racing-themed comics via its website, including humorous looks at such champions as Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

To learn more about Rick and Marcy (Mel) of Daily Racing Funnies, visit their website at www.dailyracingfunnies.com or join their Fan Page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/drfmel.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 110 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org or Sylvia Stiller, (502) 863-1775, sylvia@oldfriendsequine.org

Art/Photography, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

World’s Top Jumping Athletes in Team Photo Shoot at FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in Barcelona

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Team Spain joined 18 more nations competing at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final 2015 in Barcelona starting today (Thursday, 24 September) in a special photo shoot as part of the #SupportYourNation campaign. (FEI/Richard Juilliart)

Lausanne (SUI), 24 September 2015 – All 19 nations competing at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final 2015 in Barcelona have taken part in a special photo shoot as part of the #SupportYourNation campaign, which centres on supporting the athletes at this Final across all news and social media platforms.

The world’s top Jumping riders may have a serious mission ahead of them, but that hasn’t stopped them having fun on set at the Real Club De Polo De Barcelona, where the €2.3 million Final showdown kicks off at 16.00 local time today (24 September).

Use dedicated hashtags on social media: #SupportYourNation #FEINationsCupFinal #Furusiyya.

About the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final

A massive line-up of 19 countries has qualified through leagues all over the world to compete at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final 2015, targeting a total prize fund of €2,362,500.

Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and Venezuela will be bidding for the title of Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 champions.

The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping series was created by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and a four-year €16 million sponsorship package was agreed with the FEI in December 2012.

The FEI’s top partner, Swiss watchmakers Longines, is Official Timekeeper.

For further information on the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final 2015, visit www.csiobarcelona.com.

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final 2015 Media Contact:

Isabel Suter
Press Officer
Email: isuter@rcpolo.com
Tel: +34 760 258 222

At FEI:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian, Publications/Media, Show Jumping

Rio 2016 FEI Reportage Photobook – Share and Enjoy

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Lausanne (SUI), 13 August 2015 – The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games are now just around the corner, and to celebrate the first Games to be held in South America, the International Equestrian Federation (Fédération Equestre Internationale, FEI) has specially commissioned a stunning online Rio 2016 FEI Reportage photobook.

The Rio 2016 FEI Reportage photobook – www.fei.org/reportage/rio2016testevent – celebrates the passion, joy and athleticism of Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian at Rio, where the sport will mark 104 years in the Olympic movement and 20 years in the Paralympic Movement, and all in one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.

Images by Raphael Macek

All images in the Rio 2016 FEI Reportage photobook are by Brazilian photographer Raphael Macek. His father, a veterinarian and horse breeder, instilled a passion and love for animals in in him from a young age. After graduating with a fine art degree from New York Institute of Photography, it was not long before Macek’s inspiration turned back to his family roots. Macek now travels the world capturing the beauty and emotions of animals and horses.

Share & enjoy #Rio2016 images

All images in the Rio 2016 FEI Reportage photobook can be shared on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #Rio2016.

The Rio 2016 Olympic equestrian action gets underway the day after the Opening Ceremony on 5 August 2016. The world’s best horses and riders will compete for medals in the Olympic disciplines of Eventing, Dressage and Jumping over 12 days of intense competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in the Deodoro Olympic Park.

Para-Equestrian Dressage is then set to be a major highlight at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, which start on 7 September, and promise to be the largest celebration yet of high-performance sport for people with an impairment.

rio2Equestrian at Deodoro Olympic Park

The Deodoro Olympic Park is the second largest Rio 2016 Games cluster. Deodoro’s nine venues will host the Olympic sports of basketball, BMX, canoe slalom, fencing, hockey, modern pentathlon, mountain biking, rugby sevens, shooting and the Paralympic sports of wheelchair fencing, Football 7-a-side and shooting alongside Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, and Para-Equestrian Dressage: www.rio2016.org/en/the-games/map-of-the-venues-0.

Rio 2016 Olympic Games – qualified nations

Brazil, as host nation, earns automatic team qualification for Rio 2016. Full details on qualified nations will be updated at http://fei.org/fei/games/olympic/rio-2016 & www.fei.org/fei/games/paralympic/rio-2016. The following nations have so far qualified Olympic team spots for Rio 2016 Olympic Games:

Jumping: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, USA, Qatar
Dressage: Australia, Brazil, Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, USA
Eventing: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, USA

The remaining equestrian team places at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be decided at continental qualifiers, including the FEI European Championships in Aachen (Dressage and Jumping) and the Longines FEI European Eventing Championships in Blair Castle (GBR), while individual places will be decided according to world rankings.

FEI Media contact:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Art/Photography, Fundraisers, Racing

Old Friends to Launch Booster Campaign Featuring Artwork by Daily Racing Funnies

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GEORGETOWN, KY – JUNE 8, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, is launching a quarterly Booster campaign that will offer a seasonal T-shirt with artwork by Daily Racing Funnies.

Booster is an online crowdfunding site for charitable causes that revolves around selling custom T-shirts directly to supporters. This first campaign, “Summertime”, will run for two weeks beginning June 8 and the goal will be to sell 50 t-shirts.

The first Booster shirt will feature Old Friends’ equine retirees enjoying such summertime activities as swimming, having a picnic, boating and enjoying barbequed carrots. A new shirt with a seasonal design will be available in Fall, Winter and next Spring.

To view the shirts or to order, visit http://www.booster.com/oldfriendsummertime.

The unisex T-shirts are made of 100 percent Gildan Ultra Cotton and the designs are rendered in full color. The price is $20 with $5 for shipping and handling and all proceeds go directly to Old Friends. There is no additional shipping and handling on multiple orders.

The San Diego-based Daily Racing Funnies has been creating whimsical horseracing-themed comics via its website including humorous looks at such champions as Take Charge Brandi, California Chrome and American Pharoah.

To learn more about Rick and Marcy (Mel) of Daily Racing Funnies, visit their website at www.dailyracingfunnies.com or join their Fan Page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/drfmel.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 110 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org or Sylvia Stiller, (502) 863-1775, sylvia@oldfriendsequine.org

Art/Photography, Community/Charity

Paintings of Old Friends Retirees Featured on New Website from Artist Dagmar Galleithner Steiner

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Portrait of Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm by Dagmar Galleithner Steiner, original pastel on Clairefontaine Pastelmat (photo courtesy of Kate Hunter).

GEORGETOWN, KY – MAY 26, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, is pleased to announced the launch of Dagmar Galleithner Steiner’s new fine-art website, which will offer for sale original pastel, pencil, and watercolor portraits of Old Friends retirees.

The artwork, which has been three years in the making, will be featured in Galleithner Steiner’s forthcoming book In the Company of Old Friends.

A portion of the proceeds from online sales will benefit Old Friends, a 501 (C) (3) charitable organization that cares for more than 150 former racehorses.

To view and purchase the images, visit the website at http://www.dagmar-galleithner.com or contact the artist at (626) 999-6213 or by email at info@dagmar-galleithner.com.

Many of Galleithner Steiner’s original canvases are based on photographs taken by such equine photographers as Barbara Livingston, Matt and Wendy Wooly of Equisport Photos, Rick Capone, Laura Battles, Candace Chavez, Suzie Picou-Oldham, John C. Engelhardt, and many others.

The featured Old Friends retirees include Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, Eclipse Award winner Sunshine Forever, Breeders’ Cup Champion Gulch, Hall of Famer Precisionist, and fan favorites Ogygian and Clever Allemont.

Original canvases vary in size and range from $1,800 to $8,600. Print reproductions of three images — Silver Charm, Ferdinand and Ogygian — are also available. They have been created in limited editions of 450, with each signed and numbered by the artist. In the coming months all of the images will be available as prints.

Galleithner Steiner was raised in Germany, and horses have been a part of her life since childhood. During college she spent a great deal of time at the harness racetrack in Munich, helping to retrain and re-home horses done with their racing careers. It was at the tracks, both harness and Thoroughbred, that Steiner earned her first commissions as a painter from various owners and trainers who wanted portraits of their horses.

She is married to jockey Joe J. Steiner and now lives in Southern California.

Galleithner Steiner’s work can be seen in private collections around the world. She has also donated paintings and prints to numerous equine aftercare programs around the country, including Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue, Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE), CANTER California, Thoroughbred Charities of America and Old Friends.

Most recently Galleithner Steiner was commissioned to do the official portrait of 2014 Pacific Classic winner, Shared Belief.

“It would be a mistake to classify Dagi as just an ‘equine’ artist,” said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends. “Her talent is enormous, and she is very accomplished. But we’re thrilled that she has made horses — especially our Old Friends retirees — her subject of choice. Her style perfectly captures their beauty, their grace and, more importantly, their soul.”

About Old Friends

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 110 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org