In Memory of Gracias A Ti

This piece was meant to be a thank you gift to my college horseback riding trainer. But I confess I’ve held onto it because of being so pleased with the final result. It has become all the more special as Gracias, the horse the painting portrays, passed away in a tragic accident. My trainer rescued Gracias from the kill-pen at a horse auction and took her on as her personal project horse. Gracias at first was known for her extremely spicey attitude and for regularly rearing with a rider on her. My trainer, Melissa Fox though saw past this and patiently developed Gracias into an incredible eventing horse. I personally did my first ever cross country schooling on her and am forever grateful for all the chances Melissa gave me to ride this special creature.

I have included below both the final piece and the photo the piece was based on.