A muse inspires art as a guiding spirit. The word muse comes from Greek mythology, where the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne each presided over a particular art or science.
“Inspiration” is a synonym for muse.The equine spirit, physique, power, and beauty have inspired art since before there was written language.
In many cultures the horse has held a sacred place in art and literature.The horse is found in the earliest known art in the prehistoric cave paintings. It is depicted in Celtic carvings, Asian statuary of war and myth, and powerful paintings of the Renaissance.
The Morgan Horse as Muse for the Arts
The Morgan Horse, an original American breed, has acquired its own mystique and following over its more than 200 years. It has been an indelible part of American history, in farming, sport, transportation and war.
In its many roles the Morgan has captured the imagination of artists and writers.Through the Morgan Horse they have found their muse.
Artists Inspired by the Morgan Horse
One of those who has lived intimately with the Morgan muse is the talented artist Jeanne Mellin Herrick, who has become, deservedly, an icon in both the Morgan Horse world and wider art circles. Her muse has generated a living canvas of paintings and books as well as beautifully bred Morgan horses.
The Morgan muse first expanded Jeanne Mellin's artistic horizons when she acquired her first Morgan, her beloved mare Bonny. Since then, Jeanne Mellin Herrick's life has been a tapestry of beautiful Morgans and art.
Canadian painter Kindrie Grove (kindriegrove.com), whose paintings pulse with power, also credits the Morgan Horse as a muse for her talent. Although her art is not restricted to equine subjects, the Morgan muse can be seen in works such as her oil painting of a Morgan mare in harness. Entitled "Horsepower," the painting's image of a horse moving forward in harness nearly bursts from the canvas; here is a horse not in submission but in willing partnership, proud of her strength.
Kindrie Grove explains how Morgans inspire her: "Morgans, true foundation Morgans, are one of the classical images of the horse. Compact and with a proud bearing, they hearken back to the great baroque horses. Regardless of whether they are under saddle, harnessed or free to move on their own, Morgans and horses of their type have always touched something deep within me."
Betsey MacDonald is an accomplished equine artist who lives in Clayville, Rhode Island. Working in watercolors and oils, she captures her subjects with a luminous lifelike quality. Her work has graced the covers of Equine Affaire, Horsemen’s Yankee Pedlar, and posters for the United Nations, the Town of Westport, and the State of Massachusetts. She has also illustrated children’s books.
Betsey MacDonald claims that no horse moves her like a Morgan. She explains that it is Morgans' "energy and enthusiasm, their joie de'vivre that calls to me. Their presence radiates from their huge eyes, their little pointy ears, their proud head carriage and muscular necks, their naturally highly held tails, their big strides and their whole being. Looking at them actually will move me to tears."
Sarah Brander is a talented artist of Van Hornesville, New York, whose equine paintings and prints have gained an enthusiastic following. Sarah's girlhood was filled with horsemanship events and many private moments with her Morgan horse, April. Still owning and training Morgans today, Sarah credits the Morgan muse with life's inspiration. For Sarah, "life is art."
Writers Inspired by the Morgan Horse
Nancy J. Bailey, another accomplished artist, has written a series of books featuring the Morgan Horse in her home state of Michigan. These include Clifford of Drummond Island, Return to Manitou, and Clifford's Bay, An Island, A Dog and A Morgan Horse. In addition, there is Nancy's book of charcoal equine drawings, The Horses Who Inspired Me: Equine Art. For Nancy Bailey, Morgans are an "artist's dream;" in her word, everything about them shouts "character."
Award-winning writer, Ellen F. Feld of Massachusetts, has created a popular Morgan Horse Series of several acclaimed children's books. Each one realistically and delightfully depicts its Morgan Horse character and young partner.
Robert Frost, Vermont's Poet Laureate, heard the Morgan muse. Personally fond of Morgans, Frost immortalized a Morgan colt in his poem “The Runaway,” and in the poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” surely a Morgan was the “little horse” who gave “his harness bells a shake” and wondered why his owner was pausing in the dark woods so far from home.
These artists and writers are but a tiny sampling of those who hear the Morgan muse. The history, beauty and personality of the Morgan Horse continues to inspire those who come within its circle of light.
Great horses have energized human creative imagination over eons. The Morgan Horse stands proudly on its own pedestal as a powerful muse for the arts.
Linda Ashar - Linda C. Ashar is a lawyer, educator, horse breeder, freelance writer, and artist. Her 25-year law practice in Avon, Ohio, focuses on ...
