World Horse Welfare’s fourteen individually-designed sculptures to be auctioned
World Horse Welfare is offering the chance to own fourteen truly unique pieces of equestrian art as bidding opens for its stunning Invisible Horse Sculptures which featured at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials earlier this year.
Designed, adorned and painted by renowned artists and personalities, each of the fourteen stunning sculptures told the story of a horse rescued by World Horse Welfare. From the ‘rock-star’ horse Dippy imagined by celebrated hat designer, David Shilling, to the decadent gold leaf of Cambodian working horse Mesor crafted by artist, Katie O’Sullivan, the eye-catching florals of Shetland pony Blossom decorated by fashion designer, Julian Seaman and the jockey silk emblazoned youngster Dash created by racehorse trainer, Jamie Osborne – each horse is a completely original and hand painted design.
Each sculpture stands at around 7hh (71cm) high and is made from fibreglass, created from a stunning clay maquette which was sculpted by Judy Boyt. In addition to sculpting The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials trophy, Judy Boyt has exhibited all over the world and her work is held in many private collections from the Royal Family to the Duke of Roxburghe and actress, Jane Seymour. In order to create the maquette, Judy chose World Horse Welfare Adoption horse, May, as her muse and live-sculpted her at the charity’s Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Somerset.
As part of World Horse Welfare’s Charity of the Year status at Badminton Horse Trials, the completed sculptures were then positioned around the event with adults and children alike captivated by the quest to find all fourteen and complete the trail.
World Horse Welfare Director of Fundraising, Emma Williams, said:
“From the germ of an idea almost a year ago, the Invisible Horse Trail became a fantastic reality and we will be thrilled to see the horses ‘rehomed’ to be loved and enjoyed by successful bidders in the auction. We are delighted with both the stunning designs and support of all the artists involved, each one has created a unique and special piece which tells the story of World Horse Welfare’s work through a different creative approach.
“The response to the horses so far has been overwhelming, with thousands of people enjoying the sculpture trail at Badminton Horse Trials and also at our Glenda Spooner Farm and Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centres where the horses have spent the summer months. This is a great opportunity to own a one-off piece of equestrian art whilst supporting World Horse Welfare’s vital work to help horses across the globe and we look forward to seeing the bidding get underway.”
All the artists and designers involved in the Invisible Horse Trail donated their time and creativity free of charge. Money raised from the auction of the horse sculptures will help to support World Horse Welfare in improving the lives of horses in the UK and around the world.
The online auction closes on 3rd November and these bids will be fed into a live auction (invite only) on 4th November at the BT Tower with auctioneer and racing presenter, Mike Cattermole. You can also submit a maximum bid to bid on your behalf. Top bidders will be notified on 7th November and delivery will be arranged at the bidder’s expense.
Visit the online auction site: www.invisiblehorseauction.com
Find out more about the Invisible Horse Trail at: www.worldhorsewelfare.org/the-invisible-horse-trail
World Horse Welfare has named 2016 the year to highlight the world’s invisible horses who often suffer in silence as people either cannot or choose not to see them. From the horses left in barns and stables for weeks on end, to those working many hours every day on the streets of Choluteca in Honduras or Cape Town in South Africa who go unnoticed by governments and policymakers, to the horses transported long distances across borders to uncertain futures and those who sadly are sometimes found too late. World Horse Welfare will be focussing on a number of key themes as the year progresses including; foals, rescue and rehoming, working horses around the world and campaigning to improve laws to protect horses.
For more information please call Carys Samuel on: 01953497248 or 07826 871 682 or Jessica Stark on: 07900 994002 or email caryssamuel@worldhorsewelfare.org / jessicastark@worldhorsewelfare.org
