Description

In the past my site was at fjordpony.com. You may have been there enjoying these ponies. Like everything, it is time to update and enhance my ponies so you all can enjoy more and more.   Thank you.

Here are the artists’ stories:

CRUSADER:
Artist: Christopher Paskert

The original Medieval War Horse breed is now extinct, but from written accounts we know it was a magnificently powerful creature. Big and strong enough to carry an armored knight into battle as well as its own protective plate-amour made of leather and steel, yet sensitive and agile, and trained to be responsive to leg pressure rather than reins, as a knight needed his hands to wield weapons and hold his shield. Trained also to literally fight alongside its rider, it was conditioned to endure the chaos and noise of battle, to lash out with teeth and hooves at other horses, and to trample men on the ground.

HOMAGE TO THE BEAR PAW:
Artist: Cheryl A. Harris

The Battle of Bear Paw was the final engagement of the Nez Perce War of 1877. Following a 1,200-mile running battle from Western Idaho into Montana, the U.S. Army finally managed to corner the Nez Perce tribe, who were led by Chief Joseph and whose surrender speech famously ended with the words “From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever.” Known for their distinctively spotted horses, the Nez Perce were assured they would be allowed to keep their prized herd of nearly a thousand mounts, but it was a promise that was broken. It wouldn’t be until 1937 that the tribe initiated a selective breeding program that brought the Appaloosa back to life.

PEACEKEEPER:
Artist: Lorna Matsuda

We all know someone with a heart of gold who would do anything for friends and family. Someone who puts others first when times are tough, shows kindness and love and is always there for you in times of need. “Peacekeeper” is an equine tribute to these very special people who prove time and again that angels do indeed walk this earth.

GOLDEN JEWEL:
Artist: Maria Ryan

“Golden Jewel Pony” was conceived as a stunning way to both honor and share, with the modern world, various Native American traditions.  One such tradition encompasses wearing unique, distinctive, handcrafted jewelry made of precious metals and adorned with turquoise and authentic gemstones. The designs, strongly influenced by spiritual beliefs and tribal legends, were not simply decorative, they served as a wearable bank that depicted social class within a tribe.

PINTADO PASADO (Painted Past):
Artist: Kelly Kurtz

Spanish for “Painted Past,” “Pintado Pasado” honors the early history of the American Paint Horse that first reached the shores of America in 1519. When the Spanish Conquistadors sailed to the new world they brought different horse breeds with them. A diary kept on one of the voyages describes a horse with “four white stockings” mating with “a dark roan horse with white patches on his side.” They turned out to be the Adam and Eve of the American Paint Horse, a breed that was treasured and believed to be sacred, among Native Americans..

TATANKA SKA (White Buffalo):
Artist: Crystal Snow

The coats of buffalo are traditionally brown, so when a white buffalo is born, according to Plains Indians tribal lore, it is a sacred sign of good times to come. The horse is another animal highly revered by Native Americans, so this artist felt a blending of the two would make a striking design that honored both the buffalo and the horse.  Adorned with accompanying symbols – circles around the eyes and nose to see and smell danger, lightning bolts for speed and nimble-footedness and a bear paw for strength – “Tatanka Ska” (Lakota for white buffalo) represents an icon of hope and positive transformation.

 

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