A Brush with Greatness
Celebrating Practical Horseman's 50th Anniversary Through Art and Giving
Artist Larissa Ann paints a saddle to celebrate Practical Horseman’s 50th Anniversary
Opportunity Knocks
Do you believe in serendipity? I had never thought about it much, but after this year, I'm convinced it's real.
If you've been following my art journey, you might know that I was fortunate enough to be the artist in residence during the 2023 Carolina International CCI & HT competition. I painted Will Coleman and Dondante live during the show, with visitors and competitors stopping by to watch my progress throughout the event. One such visitor would change the trajectory of my path forever.
Artist Larissa Ann painting Will Coleman riding Dondante during the 2023 Carolina International CCI & HT
A Fortunate Meeting
As a veteran Carolina Horse Park Painted Ponies artist (check out my blog posts about "Reckless" and "Liberty"), I've been lucky enough to meet several other artists in our community. It's an amazingly supportive group, and I love connecting with painters who both inspire and support me. One of these artists knew of a special project taking place, and the organizers were in need of an additional painter.
I sent an email after a full day painting in the Carolina Club, skeptical about my chances of being involved with a project so prestigious. The next day I came home to an email from the organizers, asking where to ship a Tad Coffin saddle so I could paint it. Can you imagine?
Practical Horseman, a publication I grew up reading as an avid young rider, decided to put on an amazing project to benefit charity in honor of their 50th anniversary. Each saddle provided by Redwood Tack would be painted by an artist and then signed by a top rider before being auctioned to benefit charities, including a children's hospital and A Home for Every Horse. I asked which rider I'd be painting, and you can imagine my surprise when I was paired with Will Coleman - the rider I'd been painting at the Carolina International!
The Start of Something Big
I eagerly researched and sketched ideas for Will's saddle and collaborated with the Practical Horseman team before I started painting the beautiful leather. The design features classic Kentucky scenery on one side as a tribute to the Kentucky Three Day Event where the saddles would be auctioned, and Virginia fox hunting images around Will Coleman and his mount Timmy on the other panel. His family is still involved in the sport of fox hunting, and I wanted the saddle to tell some of Will's story. The seat features cardinals, which are a symbol for both Virginia and Kentucky; they are also believed by many to be a sign of good luck.
After a month of daily painting and painstakingly adding finishing touches, the saddle was finally ready to embark on its journey to the Kentucky Horse Park. There, it would join the ranks of other incredible artworks, all united in Practical Horseman’s mission to support those in need. I couldn’t wait for everyone to see the finished saddle! Wrapped in a soft fleece cover and surrounded by padding, I sent the meticulously painted tack on its way to Kentucky in the hopes it would make Practical Horseman and Will Coleman proud.
An Unexpected Plot Twist
Several days later, I saw the project organizer's name pop up on my phone. I answered the call, hoping for a positive reaction to the design. "I don't know how to tell you this," she started, "but UPS lost the saddle in the mail." My heart sank, but in the military, you learn to laugh when things go wrong. "That makes sense," I chuckled, "this week has been hell already." After offering condolences, she offered an opportunity I couldn't refuse: "Do you want to come to Kentucky and paint another one?"
I had already submitted the vacation days at work in the hopes I could attend the event, so my answer was a resounding "YES"! A few minutes later I arrived at home, only to discover a large box that looked suspiciously like the one I had shipped the week before. Sure enough, the painted saddle was inside! Overjoyed to have it back but nervous I wouldn't be able to go to Kentucky, I called the organizers back to give them the news. "We'd still love to have you come," they said, "see you in a few days."
With about 48 hours to prep, I realized that with all of the commotion about the lost saddle, I'd forgotten to ask who the one I'd paint in Kentucky was for. Thinking it might be an extra or something, I was absolutely excited and overwhelmed when they told me I'd be painting multiple Olympic rider Boyd Martin's Stubben saddle. We overnighted some paints to the hotel I'd be staying at, and I hurriedly sketched and planned so I could hit the ground running when I reached Kentucky.
The whole experience of painting Will Coleman's saddle was an emotional rollercoaster, proof that incredible opportunities can come when you least expect them. I'm so thankful for all of the twists and turns my journey with this project took, and I can't wait to share my experience painting Boyd Martin’s saddle live in Kentucky.
Bringing Art to Life at Your Event
If you're interested in having live painting at your facility or event, please don't hesitate to contact me via email at hello@larissaann.com. I'd love to collaborate with you and create a beautiful, memorable experience!
