Sunday, February 20, 2011

The Buckskin Gelding

Growing up on a farm means spending a lot of time caring for animals. They like to eat most days and there were a lot of them to tend. As a treat, or in recognition of all our hard work, sometimes our father would give us more animals to care for and tend.
One year my father brought home a buckskin stallion for my brother. He had fine lines and was a wonderful example of the breed. My brother named him "Muggs". He would look into the horse's face and say, "...look at that mug". I think the name may have originated  from a character in a Dick Tracy Comic Book. 
One weekend  the four of them, my father, my brother, Muggs and the bay mare that my father rode went on a trail ride in the Crandall Hills. Muggs was completely unmanageable around the mares and way too much horse for my older brother or any man. I believe Muggs's fate was sealed the moment he tried to mount Bennie Carlson's mare while Bennie was still in the saddle.
The following day my father gelded Muggs. I remember my brother being quite upset about the incident and I guess Muggs was less than pleased. Things change.  I think my brother may have lost interest in Muggs that day.  I remember riding Muggs more than I can remember my brother riding the buckskin.  My brother  moved on to girls and muscle cars. Muggs  became my horse, I could catch him in the middle of the pasture and take a shoe lace out of my tennis shoe and ride him until it was time to again, feed the animals.
I found this buckskin on a backstreet in Wanchese.
Oil on canvas 12"X16"

6 comments:

Howard Douglas said...

I have never been amazed by the painting of an animal before. This is sheer class!

Autumn Leaves said...

Love the story of your brother and his horse, Muggs. That you were able to ride him as you did is so cool. This is a wonderful piece, Rick!

Debbie said...

Nice touch - both the painting AND the story....

I am Tyler Nilson said...

I like that the stories are back!

Anonymous said...

Very nice job. Love the sense of movement both in tail and posture.

Unknown said...

This horses tail is in virtual motion as he glides on to the next bite, his near hind poised. So nice to be out to pasture!

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