A MOVING story of an abandoned thoroughbred called Fern has been brought to life in a new campaign backed by Swindon-based Olympic gold medallist eventer Sir Mark Todd.
As part of the World Horse Welfare’s Invisible Horse Trail celebrated artist Michelle McCullagh received the assistance of the famous rider as the finishing touches were made to a sculpture that is due to take centre stage at Badminton next month.
The trail will feature 14 uniquely designed and hand painted horse sculptures, each one with their own story to tell.
Featuring a silver fern leaf design in homage to Sir Mark’s home country, New Zealand, the horse sculpture features several stunning portraits inspired by Fern’s face – partially hidden beneath the leaves.
Kindly sponsored by the Mark Todd Collection, the beautiful horse sculpture has been partially painted by Sir Mark Todd himself and given the addition of his signature across one hoof.
The story of abandoned thoroughbred Fern who was rescued by World Horse Welfare, inspired Michelle’s unique design.
She said: “I really wanted to bring Fern’s story to life in a sensitive and emotive way, whilst creating something that visualises the Invisible Horse theme and pays tribute to Sir Mark’s New Zealand roots.
"Fern’s face is not immediately visible beneath the leaves and I hope the sculpture will encourage people to spend a little while longer looking at the sculpture and thinking about all of the horses who are so in need of World Horse Welfare’s help and may not always be immediately visible.”
Sir Mark Todd said: “World Horse Welfare is a fantastic charity so I am very pleased The Mark Todd Collection is supporting the Invisible Horse Trail and delighted personally to be involved.
“As competitors, one of the most paramount things is our horses’ welfare and whilst our own horses are pretty much pampered athletes, we’re also very aware that not all horses get such a good deal and a lot of horses in many spheres don’t get treated how they should.
“The Invisible Horse Trail is a great initiative to bring the plight of these horses into the spotlight and I think following the trail will make a fun addition to any visit to Badminton whilst learning more about World Horse Welfare’s work and supporting them in any way they can.”
Sir Mark Todd is among the most celebrated New Zealand sportsmen, with two Olympic gold medals and numerous other honours. He was named to compete in six successive Olympic Games, has competed at Badminton Horse Trials for 36 years winning the iconic trophy four times and was named FEI Event Rider of the 20th Century by the International Equestrian Federation in 2000.
Sir Mark Todd and Michelle McCullagh paint the horse sculpture
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.
All the artists and designers involved in the Invisible Horse Trail have very kindly given their time and creativity free of charge.
The Invisible Horse Sculpture Trail will be exhibited at The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials from May 4 until May 8.
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