HGG Community Forums

Cheers · Jan 17, 2018 5:21 PM

I finally hit 100k/day show bonus again! Yay! As a result, I want to give away my show bonus every day for 7 Days. That’s right, I’m giving away 100k/day for seven days!

Anyone can play, but your account must be 2 months old for you to win.

Every day I will have a different contest. All contests will involve you sharing a happy, funny or interesting story or fact about that day’s topic. Contests will close at roll over that day (so this will be a very short day, but the next 6 Days will run for roughly 24 hours each.

You must must must include your player ID in each entry! You may enter every day, but you may only win once. If you want to share a story but don’t want to win, please simply state that in your entry. All winners will be chosen by me. In the event I need a tie-breaker, my husband will be that judge.

I will announce the winner and pay their winnings at the same time that I announce the new daily contest topic.

First topic:

Who is your favorite historical horse or horseperson and why? If your love is based on a specific work of art or book, please cite that for us.

hiddenvfarm · Jan 17, 2018 5:35 PM

Awesome:) great idea:)

Skylight · Jan 17, 2018 5:43 PM

Congrats on the 100K!

Snowman. I love the story about how an unwanted auction horse ended up being a money winning jumper. I also love how much he loved the guy who rescued him. The guy sold him but Snowman kept finding his way home to his rescuer.

20418

BlueJumpingBean · Jan 17, 2018 5:46 PM

My favorite horseperson of historical times has to be Lis Hartel. She had polio, overcame it to a degree and still rode! She was the first women in the Olympics for the equestrian (dressage) segment in 1952.After she retired she raised money for polio sufferers and for therapeutic riding. She even started one of the first therapeutic riding centers in Denmark, her country of origin.

Thank you so much for this Cheers! This is SO generous of you! Thank you!
ID- 28178 `Blue

ShiningStar · Jan 17, 2018 6:00 PM

Does Secretariat count? I watched him win the Triple Crown when I was 13. I cried like a baby when he won. And cried like a baby when he died. He was and always has been my hero.

ConvivialityFarm · Jan 17, 2018 6:01 PM

Congrats! My show bonus is a pitiful 1,000hbs :))
My favorite horse-person would be George Morris. I know, typical right haha. But anyways, I feel like George Morris has been a bit of an inspiration to me ever since I started riding! He is acclaimed as one of the best horse trainers in the world, and I have learned so much just from watching some of his clinics. I also believe he has help keep show-jumping, somewhat, as classical and timeless as when he rode in the bigger shows and events (like the Olympics!)
Thank you so much for offering to do this!
ID #: 26956

horsey2 · Jan 17, 2018 6:18 PM

My Favourite ancient horse would have to be Bucephalus who was Alexander the great's horse he was considered one of the most heroic horse of all times. I love the story of how Alexander tamed him by facing him away from his own shadow, Then mounted him. Alexander was the only one who could ride Bucephalus which he did indeed as he rode him into every battle.
Thankyou Cheers this is really generous :)
ID - 36894

EasternShowBarn · Jan 17, 2018 6:24 PM

Do they have to be famous and how far back in time? :))

Cheers · Jan 17, 2018 6:35 PM

They have to be somewhat documented, Eastern, but not necessarily famous. If you pick someone or some horse not well known I’d like to be able to relatively easily google them and learn more.

I’d say George Morris is pushing into modernity as he’s still currently alive and active in the horse world, but there is no limit on how far back you can go. They must not be mythical though—no Pegasus or Apollo’s chariot horses or something like that unless you want to reference a specific work of art. If you’re thinking along those lines you’d really be better saving that answer as it will be more relevant on another day (hint hint wink wink). American Pharoah is probably too recent for this contest, but that just means you’re unlikely to win today, not that I would be upset with your entry.

Cheers · Jan 17, 2018 6:39 PM

@ShiningStar Secretariat definitely counts and I’m super jealous you remember watching him win the Triple Crown. I saw the other day on either Chronicle of the Horse or one of the TB magazines that someone is doing a project photographing his few living sons and daughters, mostly from his last year at stud. They’re all 28+ I think. It was really cool to read.

Waldgraf · Jan 17, 2018 6:44 PM

I think my favorite has to be Sergeant Reckless - a horse purchased from a racetrack by the American Marine Corps during the Korean War. She was trained to be a pack animal but she ended carrying ammunition to, unaccompanied, as well as wounded soldiers to safety. She was the first horse to complete an amphibious landing with the marine corps and was awarded numerous medals (including two purple hearts). Always loved the story!

SeldomSeen · Jan 17, 2018 7:04 PM

I wish I could remember the name. They weren't famous, so I guess not historical but this story was special to me. When I was in fifth grade I was sent to live with my grandparents for a year. I brought my herd of plastic ponies with me and they were the only company I had as my grandparents lived pretty rural and away from any school friends. They also would have a Reader's Digest on the back of their toilet seat that I would read before and after showers, among other times. In one of the editions there was this story of an Appaloosa who was born without spots. She was also born with some issues, I only remember her not really having a tail and the children would make her a multi-colored tail out of nylon. She apparently made an excellent lessons horse, patient and unspookable. She was used to help teach foals manners and could do all sorts of tricks. They ended up breeding her because of her gentle manner and she died foaling the most beautiful filly.

I guess this story really touched me as I related a lot to this horse. I've always had low self esteem, I know I am not much to look at, and it made me feel better. Despite not being a looker her people still found value in her.

Seldom Seen #26465

Cheers · Jan 17, 2018 7:58 PM

That’s a cool story Seldom and totally counts!

Painted Dreams · Jan 17, 2018 8:36 PM

Congratulations on the show bonus! I hope I reach that some day. And what a great contest!

My favorite historical horse would have to be Snowman. He was a slaughter house rescue who turned out to be one of the most amazing show jumpers in history. Snowman and Harry (his owner) loved to show off by performing the trick of jumping over another horse. Harry was an immigrant and made all of his fame and wealth himself. Harry lives in my area and a friend of mine has competed against his grandson. When the movie came out about them that friend's family was invited to see the premier. The movie, and book it is based on, are so moving, especially to me since my first horse was a kill pen rescue who turned out to be the most amazing pony! Anyone who loves horses should read the book (The Eighty Dollar Champion) and watch the movie (Harry and Snowman).

ID: 12695

ShiningStar · Jan 17, 2018 9:30 PM

Oops I forgot my ID on my entry. 39051

Cheers · Jan 17, 2018 9:37 PM

Congratulations to BlueJumpingBean, our first winner! Your winnings have been transferred to your account.

Topic #2 is

What piece of equestrian art is your favorite and why? I’m looking for paintings, drawings or sculpture here. If possible, please include a link to an image. Any subject as long as it’s “horsey” in nature—doesn’t even have to feature an actual horse.

I have several favorites, but the Mustangs of Las Colinas by Robert Glen is one of the coolest pieces of installation art in the world in my opinion. It is a larger than life sculpture of 9 mustangs galloping across a square in Irving Texas. The square is paved in a dark pink stone and there is a fountain some of the horses run through. I remember visiting the site as a child and think of it often now as an adult. You can feel the thunder of hooves, hear the 4 beat strike and the breathing as you stand there with the horses. Very cool.

http://mustangsoflascolinas.com/

Xceptional · Jan 17, 2018 9:46 PM

Mine is Gentle Spirit by Silvana Gabudean.
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/gentle-spirit-silvana-gabudean.html

It is such a beautiful and peaceful painting. And shows the gentleness present in all horses.
ID:39050

RipshinCreekFarm · Jan 17, 2018 10:49 PM

My favororite piece of equine artwork is George Stubbs' "Whistlejacket". It was ahead of its time, with no background and lifesized. I have always like the probably fictional account of how the real Whistlejacket saw his portrait and tried to attack it.

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/george-stubbs-whistlejacket

(No entry, just sharing)

Cheers · Jan 17, 2018 11:09 PM

@Xceptional please update your answer with why you like that piece to qualify for the prize.

horsey2 · Jan 17, 2018 11:45 PM

My favourite equine art work would have to be the mare and foal of scone.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Mare_&_foal.JPG
Because I visited it many times as I still do when we drive through Scone every time I stand next to it and touch both the mare and foal It is all most as if I can hear a foal whinny and a mare nickering her answer.
Thankyou for being so generous
ID-36894

BlueValley · Jan 18, 2018 12:15 AM

I cannot for the life of me remember the title of the piece or the artist's name, but I will add it if I can find either in my desk. :)

It was an acrylic painting I first saw at a local, equestrian trade show. They were in the back corner of the facility and somehow this painting was the first this I saw when I turned down that aisle. In the middle of their display was a large painting (26''x24'', at least) of an Alberta wildie stallion. He was standing on the top of a hill, beautifully bay with a thick, rugged mane I would kill for. He was staring at you, with deceptively intelligent, brown eyes. Behind him stood his lead mare, and behind her was the rest of his band grazing in a field of golden grasses. Further behind them all was a mountain, topped with a storming, turbulent thunderstorm.

This wasn't a painting that represented grace, or finesse. Yes, it was beautiful, nearly photorealistic, but that's not the point I am trying to make.

This painting, as the woman told me, isn't something you'd want to place in your bedroom, or down the hall. It's a centerpiece, to be hung over a hearth, in the center of your living room. It demands attention, this stallion. He's standing at the ready, poised to defend his right.

I loved this painting immediately, because it was so different from what we see at so many shows. So often, it's a horse in a field grazing, or a mare and foal, or a performance horse mid-leap over a jump.

Something struck with me. It wasn't an action piece, but it wasn't just a few horses in a field. There was so much energy in the stallion's expression and the sky behind him. I find it difficult putting it in words, the right words, to justify just how powerful this piece was. It was truly stunning.

BlueValley #25784

Cheers · Jan 18, 2018 1:57 AM

I hope you can find the artist name, BlueValley! I definitely want to look them up now!

BlueValley · Jan 18, 2018 3:02 AM

I will do my best to find their name! They had many beautiful pieces!

BlueValley · Jan 18, 2018 3:25 AM

I found it! (much easier than I thought it would be) :D Minor correction, it was not green grasses, it was golden. :)

"Freedom" by Kim Penner Equine Art
http://www.kimpenner.com/gallery/reproductions/nggallery/image/46

ZefSoFresStables · Jan 18, 2018 4:08 AM

27897
Since I was able to read I have, and one of my early loves were Marguerite Henry's horse stories, including King of the Wind. I remember the first time I saw this painting of the Goldolphin Arabian and his kitty Grimalkin and realized how alive history really is! This painting really sparked me to examine how animals in art have changed over time and style, besides always having a haunting quality, that this horse lived and was real, and now is a legend.
Really love reading everyone's answers!
https://www.godolphin.com/about-us/our-heritage/the-godolphin-arabian/

KingsCrossing · Jan 18, 2018 4:11 AM

@BlueValley that piece is just so gorgeous and the way you explained it gave me an amazing picture in my mind and it looked exactly like the picture, beautiful explanation of an extravagant painting.

ElementalStables · Jan 18, 2018 6:08 AM

28079

My favorite horse related piece of art is the Charioteer of Delphi (or the Heniokhos). It's a bronze statue of, obviously, a charioteer. The horses are missing now, but the charioteer is incredibly well preserved. I actually spent 3 weeks in Greece in 2017 - it's the trip I've most wanted to take in my life - and spent a day at Delphi so I actually got to see the statue in person.

I did my minor in classics and this was always one of my favorite ancient statues - it's one of the best preserved and best examples of bronze statues coming out of ancient Greece. One of the reasons I've always loved it is the facial expression on the statue, particularly the eyes - there's just something so beautiful and amazing about it.

GreenAcres873 · Jan 18, 2018 6:18 AM

My favorite horse related art is in the Thoroughbred Park in KY. There are 7 life size horse sculptures as well as 6 other mares and foals around the park. I love that its in the middle of downtown and every time I go to Lexington I make it a point to see them.

https://horseracingandthoroughbredpark.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/thoroughbred_pa-0441_236581.jpg

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0e/67/71/05/thoroughbred-park.jpg

ID 31716

Painted Dreams · Jan 18, 2018 6:56 AM

My favorite piece of equine art would have to be Le Cadeau De Cheval. It is a mural of a horse made up of 238 smaller paintings of horses. It was put up for exhibit in 2008 and when I was little I was given a book showing all of the paintings that make up the mural. All of the paintings are beautiful and each is done by a different artist.

http://www.imageryfinearts.com/Cadeau.php
ID: 12695

SeldomSeen · Jan 18, 2018 11:48 AM

When my grandpa first retired someone gifted him water-colour lessons. He really enjoyed them and continued for several years. Was even featured at an art event in town, made the papers. I don't know if he still paints but when he first started he painted something for me as a Christmas gift. I remember watching him sketch it out and paint it based on a church program he got one Sunday, not realizing he was painting it for me. I still have the painting. It survived several moves and one cockroach infestation(eww) The frame broke during one move, so I have to get it reframed, and at one point a few drops of water landed on it but it still very precious to me. Instagram cropped his name out:( It is signed simply Dale.

A post shared by SeldomSeen #26465 (@afancyfawn) on Jan 18, 2018 at 8:20am PST

Cheers · Jan 18, 2018 12:26 PM

Loving seeing all this art! Some I know well myself and some is new to me! Really nice stories to go with your selections, y’all!

ConvivialityFarm · Jan 18, 2018 2:09 PM

26956
I'm not the most familiar with equine art, but I'll give it a shot!
My favorite would have to be Whistlejacket by George Stubbs. Although I don't absolutely support the way he learned to draw them, I think the details in it are simply stunning! The horse's muscles and shadows are so meticulously detailed it is fabulous.

Also, look at this!: http://www.mariadangelo.com/coloredpencil.html

ConfluenceFarms · Jan 18, 2018 4:41 PM

OH, do I love equestrian art! I have a Pinterest board with over 2500 pins of equestrian art! I'm not going to enter, but I really want to share a couple of my favorites!

I LOVE paintings that show real horses, not slick shined up horses with perfect conformation! So I love this one by Gayla Wiedenheft (I also have a thing about yellows and golds and browns in paintings): https://www.pinterest.com/pin/518899188309246566/

This elegant sidesaddle painting of Catherine de Wurtemberg has always been a favorite (It would go over my huge stone fireplace in my mansion): https://www.pinterest.com/pin/518899188309280614/

I don't know what kind of photographic technique she uses, but I really like Jamie Heidens photography: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/518899188307926858/

And, finally, Debbie Criswells folk art style is just gorgeous!: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/518899188306275359/

Cheers · Jan 18, 2018 4:52 PM

Very cool shadows in that last one, Dena!

Cheers · Jan 18, 2018 8:25 PM

Bump

Cheers · Jan 18, 2018 9:19 PM

Congratulations to Blue Valley for winning yesterday’s prize! That artist absolutely has a knack for filling her paintings with movement and energy, even when they are of peaceful moments.

Today’s topic: what was your favorite part of the recent holiday break. I’m looking for a real life moment, not a game one. A favorite present, outing, party, or even a quiet moment but something that helps reflect what the holidays (whatever holiday you happened to be celebrating) mean to you.

We went home for Christmas this year—my first at home in 4 years and my first since we lost my dad. My sister’s baby is 2.5 now and she is a hot mess! So independent and a huge personality. On Christmas Day she got a tricycle from my mom and she’s just that little bit too short to be able to pedal it right now, so my lovely husband was discreetly giving her a shove at just the right moment so she could ride it around the house. Just a little moment, but thankfully my mom got a photo and it was a special moment for me!

HunterUnderSaddleGirl · Jan 18, 2018 9:20 PM

Ooh! I really wish I could do pictures. But I don't even have any much less figure out a way to host it. My sister is an AMazing equestrian artist. Like good enough to make a living off of it. She got her major in mathematics and minor in art. One time for my birthday she painted me a horse. Coincidentally it looked like my horse. Socks on both left legs. One in back slightly higher. Front right just a half pastern. It looked like the horse was running by a river. It was a fairly realistic painting, but it just had this amazing fantasy quality to it. Her style is vaguely similar to tony o Connor equine art who is also very good.

I'll link a tony o Connor equine art piece just because. He just seems to catch a horse's personality.

https://m.facebook.com/tonyoconnorequineart/photos/a.473893760420.289104.275031255420/10153984748480421/?type=3&source=54&ref=page_internal

Most of his painting are amazing pics of a horses expression. My sisters painting are normally moving. Showing their beauty in motion. Although she does have a few standing ones.

15552 thank you so much! This is awesome!

HunterUnderSaddleGirl · Jan 18, 2018 9:25 PM

Oops too late for yesterday. Today's topic is super cool though.

The main part of my break was a horse show. Just the entire thing was awesome! I tried out my new horse! We've been having mystery lameness issues, but she got a LOT better at the show. We went in most of the classes. We tried a few patterns and she was amazing! My old horse would freak out being alone in the arena so we never did that great. And my equitation suffered as I was in "defensive riding". We were even brave enough to try hunter hack. It just felt like a true Christmas when my old horse had so many issues, but then mom found me this girl, and she really took care of me.

15552

SeldomSeen · Jan 18, 2018 9:41 PM

My youngest is almost 20 months old. She was born with a rare genetic disorder and we almost lost her! She spent 5 months in the NICU and is developmentally delayed. She was home for last Christmas but this Christmas she was full of personality. She watched her older siblings open gifts to make sure she was doing it right. I let family know how we are currently working on getting her to stand up with an eye towards walking in PT so everyone got her some sort of push toy. She loved them! The minute she opened one up she would start clapping(her sign that she is happy with current events) and unerringly find a button to push. She loves dancing to the music and would even "sing".

I know my older kids must have gone through these stages but with her every single milestone she makes is a victory and wonder. Watching her enjoy this Christmas was amazing.

26465

horsey2 · Jan 18, 2018 10:16 PM

My favourite part of this break would have to be the 3 days before Christmas because me and all of my family, on my mum's side, went to a national park. We did heaps of trekking, played lots of uno and took lots of photos of the big iguana that lived in the front yard, although my favourite part was when we where so hot we decided to go for a swim while the males where fishing, so we went down to the water hole that had a big waterfall and no bottom and swam around for ages. It was amazing☺️

KingsCrossing · Jan 18, 2018 10:23 PM

the best part of my holiday was coming home to help my mare birth her very first foal and to have her laying down and watching me clean of her gorgeous filly to her then getting up and putting her head in my chest and smooching my neck as a thank you. the best holiday ever, the foal is all healthy and is a little liver chestnut paint filly. Such a wonderful thing to experience with her and help her through it all, now everyday my little dash (foal, hasn't got a real name yet so looking for proper name and registerable name mom - docs smart oak - dad - little boby lena) stands at the fence waiting for me to play with her then lay down with mum in the grass with her little bub. absolutely adore the pair of them. #19450

BlueValley · Jan 18, 2018 11:46 PM

Thank you, Cheers! :)

RubyJoFarm · Jan 19, 2018 7:16 AM

24891-

My favorite past holiday moment was when my immediate family was able to come together at the same time. Birds have left the nest now and we all live about 3 to 6 hours from home. It's very hard with all our schedules to try to align so we can be home together.

We went out on a Friday night and had a couple drinks as adult siblings, which is the first time we have ever been able to. I'm tremendously thankful. I don't even remember what gifts I got. The best gift was spending time with my brother and sister at home.

Cheers · Jan 19, 2018 2:09 PM

Bump

best friend · Jan 19, 2018 3:06 PM

What is today's topic for contest?

best friend · Jan 19, 2018 3:11 PM

14374

My favorite part of the Holiday was spending some quiet moments with my horse Caddo. My family and I are going through a rough patch and that horse helps to center me where I can think with a clear head. He is exceptional at reading me and doesn't mind me just watching him in the pasture with his sire.

Skylight · Jan 19, 2018 4:43 PM

Well since I havent had any big breaks in awhile. (Yep I worked on Christmas and through the New Year. )

I'm just going to concentrate on the end of my days. I get to come home and spend time with the minis. I have 3 2017 babies that I get to love on. One is bossy, one is comical, and one is super quiet. When ever I go in and just sit, they all come over and put their faces in mine. Its just a nice way to end the day and just be.. :)

ElementalStables · Jan 19, 2018 4:43 PM

28079

My favorite part of the holidays was waking up early in the mornings, going upstairs (my room's in the basement), making a pot of coffee and curling up on the couch with a coffee and a book.
I went home for the holidays but was still on my work schedule which meant I woke up a good 1-2 hours before my parents, and usually right around the time the sun was just starting to come up. It was just incredibly relaxing to be back home, reading books I've had for years, and watching the sun come up with a cup of coffee (from a pot! instead of having to make each individual cup with my Keurig machine because I don't have a coffeemaker at my apartment lol).

Cheers · Jan 19, 2018 9:52 PM

Congratulations KingsCrossing! I had a terrible time picking a winner this time but I loved your description of your lovely mare and her new baby.

By the way—Docs Smart Little Lena? Smart Doc Lena? Smart Little Doc Lena?

Topic for Day 4!

Did you make a New Years Resolution? If so, what and how is it going? If not, do you have a goal or project you’re working towards/on? What is it?

I gave up on resolutions a long time ago (I think that’s part of turning 30?). However, I want to work on a writing project this year. I wanted to try to write a little every day, which got sidelined by me getting the flu, but I really want to work on this project. The eventual goal is the great Ausmerican novel, but really I feel like the only place I’ve been creative for a long time is the kitchen. I want a creative outlet that doesn’t involve calories! I’ve got a bit of a start on it. We will see how it goes!

CWScowgirl87 · Jan 19, 2018 10:10 PM

This year I want to travel as much as possible. Some amazing opportunities have come up recently, including finding out that I'm a citizen of another country by descent! I never pictured this kind of a life for myself. In fact, I always imagined the exact opposite - a nice, settled life somewhere in America. I am hugely enjoying widening my horizons and finding out I want to do things and go places that previously had never even crossed my mind. Every day I realize again how blessed I am to even have a chance at these kinds of opportunities. I'm very, very excited for this new year and new life, meeting new people, and having the adventure of a lifetime! :D
16853

Cheers · Jan 19, 2018 10:12 PM

Where are you a dual citizen of? That’s super cool! This year is a homebody year for us, but 2019 looks like 3 or 4 international trips...so I’m saving up vacation days!

Members log in here:
Username:
Password:
By hitting the above you signify that you agree with our rules and conditions.
Forgot your password?

HGG Community Forums

Join our discord server!

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories

In this Discussion

Who's Online (0)

Join our discord server!

Enlarge Your Pastures

Reminders!