The American Indian's practice of horse painting began soon after Spanish conquistadors reintroduced the horse into America in the 16th century. Surviving artifacts and historic paintings reveal that Native peoples adorned their mounts with a deep sense of design and symbolism, finding use for paint, feathers, fringes, quills, beads, mirrors and other striking and mysterious articles.

Recognition of this uniquely American artform has been slow in coming, and prompted The Trail of Painted Ponies to initiate a national art competition titled "The Native Art of Horse Painting" that honored this overlooked and distinguished artistic legacy. Tribes across America were contacted, as well as prominent Native artists and non-Native artists whose aesthetic expressions were inspired by Native Culture.

Five hundred submissions were received, a distinguished panel of magazine editors and museum curators were consulted, and twenty finalists were given a Masterwork to paint. Masterworks are elegantly carved, marble-cast horse sculpture standing two-feet tall and weighing approximately 35 pounds.

Following exhibitions at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, and the International Museum of the Horse in Lexington, Kentucky, the Native Masterworks are being offered for sale to collectors or businesses who wish to add one of these extraordinary tributes to Native American artistry to their collections. Available Native Masterworks are presented below.

For more information, or inquiries, contact:
Rod Barker, President, The Trail of Painted Ponies
480 459-5700, Ext. 1# or rod@trailofpaintedponies.com