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California Riding Magazine • September, 2010 Equine Designs by Paige Hill |
(1) After getting Skylar comfortable with the paint,
(2) Skylar smiling for the camera! Photo © Alicia Anthony Skylar is a dark, tall and handsome retiree who enjoys competing in hunter/jumper competition, and, most notably, creates striking abstract paintings. His quiet and peaceful nature has won many hearts while teaching adults and children the ropes in the jumping arena. The thing is, Skylar is a horse. This off-the-track Thoroughbred has, like many others in California, used his new found artistic expertise to help other ex-racehorses in need. After the Finish Line, a charity that raises funds that go to a variety of Thoroughbred rescues in California and nationwide, has a creative approach to raise money for their great cause, actual equine art!
(3) Skylar’s masterpiece at work. Photo © Alicia Anthony
(4) Almost done.... Photo © Alicia Anthony Called Equine Designs, Dawn Mellen works with retired racehorses and other equines to create paintings. The charity sends emergency funds to different racehorse rescues, and to care for special retirees as they make the transition from racehorse to show, pleasure, or companion horse. California Riding went out to Concord Equestrian Center at the Del Mar Horse Park to witness first hand the miracle of painting horses, and find out more about After the Finish Line and Equine Designs. We met with Dawn Mellen, President of After the Finish Line at the stables with a palette, canvas and a variety of paints in tow, and Skylar, our equine artist for the day. This 19-year old bay with the shine of good health, has lived the life that most ex-racehorses would dream of. He ended his race career at the age of 4, and since then has escorted both his young riders and adults in the arena in the low hunters, jumpers and equitation competition for 15 years. His owner Holly Richardson, and current rider Emily Mandel both sang his merits as a patient schoolmaster. He is the poster child for off the track Thoroughbreds. Mellen points out, “He is the prime example of what horses off the track can be when given a second chance. Everyone thinks they will be wild and crazy, when in fact they can adjust to a second career with ease.”
(5) Dawn wipes the paint off of Skylar’s lower lip after
(6) Dawn cuts off a small piece of Skylar’s tail to use on his finished paintings. Photo © Alicia Anthony So far this creative angle to raise funds for racehorses in need is proving to be very successful, as was evident in their art auction and fundraiser that took place August 5. The auction featured a number of masterpieces from various famous and retired race horses, like champion Turk O Man, who won over two million dollars in his career starts. Other human equine artists donated pictures to the auction, one of them famed racing artist Fred Stone, whose artwork brought in $4,500 when the gavel slammed down. All in all thousands of dollars were raised for emergency funds to go into the rehabilitation and care of ex-racers waiting to go on to their next chapter of life. The process behind an Equine Design is both fun for the horse and those watching. One onlooker asked Dawn, “How do you make a horse paint?” She smiled and petted Skylar. “A little bit of magic,” she replied. It is indeed magic what one former racehorse like Skylar is doing for others like himself.
(7) Dawn and Skylar showing off his works of art! Photo © Alicia Anthony The “art of horse painting” was a fun experience for all of those in attendance. First, Dawn introduces the horse to the palette and color plates in order to make him comfortable with the materials. She then goes over color choices with the owner or rider for the painting. Skylar’s mom decided pink and brown would be perfect for the bay gelding to start with. Mellen then puts the non-toxic children’s paint on the plate, and puts the paint under the horse’s lower lip. It is then completely up to the horse to move his head around on the canvas to create his masterpiece. While it took a while for Skylar to figure out what was wanted by moving his head to paint, the end result was a work of art that may grace his own stall or his owner’s home. Dawn points out, “Each horse is different. There are horses that I may need to work with for an hour before they get the hang of painting, others it takes seconds. Some are more enthusiastic than others. What is evident is that horses and owners everywhere can create lovely works of art while providing a helping hand and giving racehorses a second chance for a satisfying life after the racetrack full of the love and admiration they deserve.” Horse owners in Southern California can book an appointment with Dawn to have their very own Equine Designs painting from their own treasured equine.
For more information on donating to After the Finish Line or to learn more about Equine Designs visit www.afterthefinishline.org or contact
A finished Equine Design ready for framing -
A Fun Night of Fundraising After the Finish Line hosted their Annual Charity Fundraiser, A Tribute to the Majesty of Thoroughbreds, on Aug. 5th in Del Mar. The evening started with a reception and silent auction followed by a live auction, dinner, pledge session and speaker. After the Finish Line is a funding non-profit dedicated to saving, rehabilitating and caring for rescued Thoroughbred horses who can no longer race or breed. The funding that is awarded can be used to save horses at auctions, pay for surgery or medical expenses, provide hay and feed, pay boarding expenses, or transport a Thoroughbred to safety. These talented horses, if given the opportunity, can transition and excel in second careers such as hunter/jumpers, dressage, trail, therapy or companion horses. The fundraising event raised over $50,000 to help the Thoroughbreds. Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg served as the auctioneer and speaker. Guests included racetrack announcer Trevor Denman, jockeys, horse owners and trainers, racing fans, those who own ex-racers and those who care about the welfare of the horses. Dawn Mellen, President of After The Finish Line states, “We are extremely grateful for the donations to our live auction that included a seat at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Invitational Tournament, a day in a luxury suite at the Del Mar racetrack and artwork by Thoroughbred artist Fred Stone. “We hold our fundraiser during the Del Mar race meet to bring awareness to the issues faced by the Thoroughbred ex-racehorses. These horses may be too slow to win or they were injured while racing. With retraining and time off to heal their injuries they can be become someone’s best friend. They race for the enjoyment of the fans. Let’s give back a portion of our winning tickets to the Thoroughbreds who are not supported when their racing careers are over.” So far this year After the Finish Line has awarded over $40,000 to 25 rescue organizations, helping over 100 Thoroughbred ex-racehorses. Board members do not receive any compensation. Everyone is a volunteer. After the Finish Line is a voice for the Thoroughbred Press release provided by Dawn Mellen and Across the Finish Line.
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