Art Meets Heart: Equestrian Talent Supports The Horse Trust

The Horse Trust is delighted to announce a successful and heartwarming collaboration with the Society of Equestrian Artists (SEA), who have raised an incredible £1,500 through their “Secret Postcards” fundraiser – an annual initiative where SEA members donate original postcard-sized artworks to support equine charities across the UK.

Each one-of-a-kind piece, created by some of the UK’s most talented equestrian artists, was sold for £50, with 30 artworks snapped up by supporters. Some were sold during events and others online – all in aid of horses, ponies and donkeys in our care.

As SEA Chair Julie Barrett shared:

Thank you to the generous members of the Society of Equestrian Artists (SEA), who donated postcard-sized paintings sold in aid of The Horse Trust. Sale of the Secret Postcards raised £1,500, which was presented to the charity on 12th May. On the day of the presentation, SEA members enjoyed a workshop, tutored by Jenny Bell, where they painted from life at The Horse Trust in Princes Risborough.

To thank SEA for their generosity, we invited 12 artists – including Julie and Jenny – for an exclusive workshop at our sanctuary in the Chiltern Hills. The group painted several of our much-loved residents from life, including Burnaby, a retired Household Cavalry horse; Buster, a gentle ex-RDA horse from Crosby; and Aquaba, one of our oldest residents at 31 years old.

Respecting their retirement, the horses roamed freely, grazing peacefully as the artists captured their unique personalities on paper. The group enjoyed a sunny morning painting on Sefton’s Lawn before dramatic hailstorms rolled in during the afternoon – luckily, Sefton’s Barn provided shelter until the weather passed.

Julie added;

Sefton’s Barn looked amazing, the horses were good models when the sun shone! We all enjoyed ourselves despite the storm, and everyone seems very keen to return next year.

Jeanette Allen, CEO of The Horse Trust, said:

We are incredibly grateful to the Society of Equestrian Artists for their generous support and the passion they bring to celebrating the beauty and individuality of our horses. Their wonderful Secret Postcards fundraiser not only raised vital funds for our work but also helped shine a light on the lives of the animals in our care. It was a real joy to welcome the artists to our Home of Rest for Horses in Buckinghamshire – watching them paint our residents with such consideration and respect was truly special. We’re so pleased this partnership has begun with such warmth and creativity, and we look forward to seeing it grow.

We are sincerely grateful to SEA for their generosity, creativity, and continued support, and we’re excited to see where this budding relationship may lead.

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