First book illustration!

I spent the past two days drawing some book illustrations, and here is a completed one: UC Ringmaster as a foal.

I didn't have a photo for reference, so I imagined what Ring must have looked like as a foal and I went from there. I gave him those famous upright ears (only a bit bigger because he's just a baby here and he needs to grow into them), and I made sure I drew that cute, friendly and inquisitive expression on his face. Oh, and straight, long legs---the legs of a future World Champion.

Oh my, this was fun.

I will post some illustrations here, but not all. You'll just have to wait for the book to see all of them. :-)

thoughts on illustrations....

....well, one thought, really: I need to start drawing!

I decided yesterday that I need to draw UC Ringmaster as a foal. I can't locate any photos of the Champ as a kid, so I think I will imagine what he must have looked like and go from there. The Assistant Barn Manager at the time, Bruce Walters, called him "the most beautiful foal he had ever seen."

See? It has to be done!

Also, I talked with a woman last night who saw UC Doc Daniels being born. She saw the future UConn herd stallion stand up and take his first wobbly steps! How cool is THAT?

The book continues to connect me with some really great people. Thank you all for your time and willingness to share your horse stories with me.

My interview notebook is getting full!

Abbott

Abbott was the first Morgan stallion to stand at UConn. He was a rich, dark chestnut with a snip and a star on his face. He had quite a handsome head and lively, soulful eye.
He began his stud career at UConn in 1931.

There is an amusing story about Abbott and Dr. Al Cowan....No spoilers! Let's just say that horses are expert humblers!

Dr. Al Cowan was the head of the Animal Science Department at UConn for over 30 years. He passed away in 2009.

I had the distinct pleasure of talking with him via telephone several times; he had so many great stories about the horses in his life. He was one of the men responsible for bringing UC Ringmaster into the world. He was also the man who named the two-time World Champion. He knew, even when Ringmaster was a newborn, that the red colt would dominate the show ring.

Al Cowan really knew his horses.

Here's to you, Dr. Cowan! Thanks for the great conversations. You are missed.

UC Toronado

I found him!

The magnificent, noble, fiery black stallion, UC Toronado, sired many beautiful get during his time at UConn. He possessed an other-worldly beauty: Wavy black mane, a forelock that swept his muzzle, large expressive eyes, muscle-creased neck---what a sight he was. I loved to visit him when he lived at UConn.

I clearly remember the awe I felt when I was in his majestic presence. He was a horse that could take your breath away.

His owner contacted me and now I can add Toronado to my growing list of UConn Morgans I am visiting when this snow melts.

Now gelded, he goes by the name "Gideon." And yes, he is a lucky girl's Dream Horse.

All horses deserve, at least once in their lives, to be loved by a little girl.
~Author Unknown

In honor of UC Toronado, "Gideon"--a tribute to the Black Stallion:

Delmaytion Desire

I received word today that top-producing UConn broodmare and beloved sweetheart, Delmaytion Desire, has passed away. She was 39 years old.

"Desire" was a beautiful chestnut girl with a golden mane and tail. She had gorgeous babies and she was a trusty UConn Drill Team mount for many years. She was adored.

Rest in peace, dear mare.

Chapters!

So, the Holiday and Ovation chapters are nearly done! YAY!

And ya know what?

ADJECTIVES are fun!

Describing a chestnut coat, for example. There are so many shades of this coppery tone--from a pale golden sand to a cherry red and everything in between. Finding the right words for this magnificent color is a blast! It really gets the ol' brain cells jumping around....(love it!)

Next up, I hope to start a chapter on the magnificent bay stallion, UC Doc Daniels.

More on UC Ovation and UC Holiday

I just had a wonderful chat with Julie Biron, a UConn alum who had the pleasure of working with UC Ovation as a yearling.

She also trained full siblings UC Holiday and the late UC Wilde Mark to drive as a pair. They must have looked like bookends--both had gleaming red chestnut coats and blazes that dripped down their faces. What a lovely sight they must have been!

It cannot be overstated just how smart and well-mannered the UConn-bred Morgans are. With each person I interview, I can hear the love and reverence for these horses as clear as day through the telephone line.

The UConn Morgan horses gave many a budding trainer a solid foundation. They also taught many riders how to have balance, patience and correct position. They gave many The Dream of having a horse of one's own.

Some alumni even sought out their favorite mare and took her home for a richly deserved retirement.

Many a horse crazy girl took riding lessons UConn, and some even taped pictures of their favorite mount in their high school lockers.

The UConn Morgan's violet-brown eyes can tell many stories of the students who cared for them and worked with them. They nestled in many hearts and no one has forgotten them.

The memories are fresh; the emotions are still on the surface. The love is there.

(image is a detail of "The Kind Mare," a charcoal drawing I did in 2009.)