The New Painted Pony Exclusive for Dillard's is a Tribute to Today’s Horse Show Events

There is so much history behind today’s horse show events. Much more than the artist Janee Hughes realized when she began her research for “Grand Prix,” the new ceramic Painted Pony available exclusively through Dillard's Department Stores everywhere, and on their website. Click Here

Janee says she had a general idea that dressage began as military exercises, for example, and the jumping classes began when people started competing to see who had the best horse for hunting in English countryside. But she was surprised to learn that people didn’t begin prizing horses that jumped well until farmers’ fields were all fenced and there was no other way to ride cross country.

Traditions that began centuries ago resulted in horses that were bred for specific purposes, and today we have the results in beautiful horses that can do their job superbly, even if the original purpose for their performance has been left in the past.

With this background in mind, we asked Janee to tell the story behind her terrific new Painted Pony, "Grand Prix."

"Grand Prix"
Janee Hughes

Grand Prix
by Janee Hughes

"This beautifully turned-out gray horse is one of the elite performers of the horse show world.  His mane and tail are painstakingly braided in the traditional formal style of British fox hunters.  He wears the championship ribbon awarded to the top horse in today’s competition.  He is the picture of regal equine grace and power.  Pictured on one side is a colorful fox-hunting scene, with horses and riders following hounds over fences.  On the other side are representatives of three modern international horse competitions--dressage, show-jumping, and eventing.

Today’s top equestrian events have a long history behind them.  Horses were used for hunting ever since people first learned to ride them, but there wasn’t much need for an ability to jump until about 300 years ago, when the Inclosure Acts in England caused open land to be fenced. Much of the forest and large game was gone by then, but horses were still used to hunt foxes.  With fences and stone walls enclosing fields, the horses had to be able to jump.  Horse breeders began producing horses that were sought for their jumping talent, and that led to jumping competitions.

From ancient times horses were also used in warfare.  Ancient Greeks developed training methods which made horses supple and obedient, so that a rider could easily control his mount with one hand while using his other hand to fight.  These training methods, with centuries of modifications, became what is today known as “dressage.”

Today, both traditions are combined in modern horse show events.  International competitions include dressage, show jumping and three-day eventing, which includes a demanding cross country ride over all kinds of jumps, as well as dressage and show jumping.  The highest level in international dressage competition is called “Grand Prix”, or “Great Prize.”  The same name is given to the highest level of show jumping.  After years of training and hard work, only the very best horses and riders reach the level of Grand Prix!"

Remember, “Grand Prix” is only available through Dillard's Department Stores. So visit the Dillard's near you. Or, visit their website – www.dillards.com – and type Painted Ponies in their search feature.