Invisible Horse Trail Final Line-up of Artists

Each fibreglass sculpture will tell the story of a horse who has been helped by World Horse Welfare through the artist’s interpretation of that story. The maquette for the fibreglass sculptures was modelled on the charity’s adoption horse, May, by award-winning sculptor Judy Boyt, with the sculpture trail bringing to life World Horse Welfare’s campaign to raise awareness of the world’s invisible horses. 

Celebrated contemporary artist, Katie O’Sullivan has brought the story of Cambodian working horse, Mesor to life with a stunning design using gold leaf and a vibrant ceremonial headdress. Mesor is sponsored by The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust. Katie O’Sullivan said:

“Both my husband Jamie (Osborne) and I make our living directly and indirectly from the horse world and so any charity that supports the horse, as World Horse Welfare does, is a great cause that we are delighted to help raise money for.”

Sculptor, Joseph Paxton also took on an international-themed horse to paint, highlighting the global relationship between human and horse through the story of South African horse Imvula who transports local people long distances to reach work and access vital services. Sponsored by Norbrook, Joseph’s design refers to the ancient bushmen cave paintings and wildlife of the region in which Imvula, whose name means ‘when the rain comes’ in Zulu, inhabits. Joseph Paxton said:

“As humans, we have a duty to protect the planet upon which we live and to live harmoniously with the animals we share it with. For this reason, I was very keen to be involved in the Invisible Horse project, to raise funds and awareness to help protect the welfare of horses around the world.”

Acclaimed artist and interior designer, Jennifer Bell, painted a beautiful interpretation of World Horse Welfare Adoption Horse Magpie, detailing his bird namesake across the sculpture and celebrating his showing achievements at the Traditional of the Year Show. Magpie is sponsored by Westgate Laboratories. Jennifer Bell said:

“I chose Magpie as my hero; he’s cute with great looks, and a bit cheeky, but the thing that got me was his amazing recovery and potential for the future, going from an emaciated and thoroughly neglected youngster to a successful appearance at TOYS. It made me think how many incredible, even world-class horses and ponies never achieve what they could because of the ignorance of their owners. What a waste. Magpie is one of the lucky ones, and is going from strength to strength. A REALLY lucky pony, who still trusts people despite what he’s gone through.”

Badminton Horse Trials Media Director Julian Seaman is also a fashion designer and took part in the trail through painting abandoned Shetland, Blossom, giving her a fantastic floral print which is guaranteed to make an impact. Blossom is sponsored by Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy. Julian Seaman said:

“I have been a supporter of World Horse Welfare for many years, having been part of a road show, been a guest speaker at the AGM, and participated in two previous artistic promotions with the charity. As a former international Three Day Event rider and amateur jockey I have always admired the charity’s robust views on well-run equestrian sport. As a fashion print designer I fancied a floral horse, and by chance was allocated Blossom as my pony – a happy coincidence!”

Abandoned foal, Huckleberry, has already made a TV appearance on BBC Countryfile but he’s now set to be centre stage at Badminton thanks to the artwork of artist, Trudy Redfern. Sponsored by Mr Adam Reynolds and Mrs Suzanne Dando Reynolds, Huckleberry features a stunning double-sided design representing Huckleberry’s difficult start in life and now the new beginning he has thanks to World Horse Welfare. Trudy Redfern said:

“It is fantastic to help like-minded people like World Horse Welfare in some small way as gratitude for the wonderful work they do. I chose Huckleberry as my subject because I was reading about him on the train to London on the same day I was asked to participate. As the first case taken by World Horse Welfare under new legislation he hopefully represents a new dawn of welfare awareness.”

Horses Inside Out founder, Gillian Higgins, has visualised the plight of horses travelled long distance to slaughter with her detailed interpretation of a poor unnamed mare seen collapsed during her arduous journey across Europe. The Unnamed Invisible Horse is supported by Amalgam Modelmaking which has also created the fibreglass sculptures on behalf of World Horse Welfare from the original maquette sculpted by Judy Boyt. Gillian Higgins said:

“The message we want to send to horse owners everywhere is that understanding anatomy, improves performance and reduces the risk of injury. Because this aim is so compatible with World Horse Welfare’s mission of working realistically and compassionately for a world where every horse is treated with respect, compassion and understanding – I thought for the good of the horse I wanted to be involved with the Invisible Horse Trail.”

Equestrian sculptor and portrait artist, Amy Goodman, has brought to life the haunting story of Macy and her young foal found frozen and starving in the middle of winter, with a contrasting design showing Macy before and after her rescue and rehabilitation. Macy is kindly sponsored by Haygain and will be located next to the World Horse Welfare Garden Gates fence at Badminton. Amy Goodman said:

“When I saw the video of Macy at death’s door, with hypothermia lying in the snow, frozen, with her foal standing near her, I couldn’t help but cry and be touched by their story. To see her months later in amazing health, happily grazing in a field shows the truly dedicated and incredible work of those involved with World Horse Welfare. I love the idea of the public finding and interacting with the different horses as part of this special Invisible Horse Trail at the Badminton Horse Trials. As different artists and creatives are involved with this I am looking forward to seeing the varied designs. I am proud to be a part of it.”

All the artists and designers involved in the Invisible Horse Trail have very kindly given their time and creativity free of charge.

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.