My parents may wonder how they have raised such a horse crazy daughter, but I know my love of horses is at least partially inherited.  Horses factored into my dad’s best “growing-up” stories, where he was a city boy who learned to ride the hard way at his cousin’s ranch in Montana.  My mother also loves animals.  She grew up on a Montana farm where her family raised wheat and cattle while she raised kittens and rode her black and white pony. 

Eventually, circumstances found both my parents at Montana State University in Bozeman.  I’m sure my father discovered my mother’s love of animals.  One of their first dates brought them to his cousin’s ranch for a “romantic” horseback ride.  Dad checked out the prospective mounts – only two to choose from.  He knew one of the horses was pretty high-strung.  He didn’t know the other one, but it stood half-dozing in the sunlight.  Mom got the dozer, until it bucked her off and they had to switch horses.  Then, she got the fast one! 

This sculpture, entitled “Runaway Date” represents the drama that unfolded in the wake of this decision.  On the way back, Mom’s horse grabbed the bit in its teeth and ran “hell bent for leather” all the way to the barn.  Dad raced behind on his decidedly slower horse.  When working on this sculpture, I tried to capture the determination he must have felt; to rescue her and NOT mess this up!  On her face, I tried to show both fear and the resolution of a farm girl who would NOT fall off in front of her new boyfriend! 

Dad says he never caught her – that day, anyway.  Mom made it back to the barn in one piece, and despite the harrowing experience, Dad still married his “Runaway Date” a few years later.

Limited edition of 20.  Price of $3,900 includes wooden base.  Shipping charges apply.

Dimensions of sculpture (approximate size)