SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Monday, November 18 2019 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Alexa King: Time Stands Still in Sculpture

Alexa King with “Dan Patch”

By Shya Beth

Alexa King knows how to bring out the spirit of the horse through her sculptures. Carving out not only the shape of her subject but intimately detailing her sculpture with the personal nuances that make her subjects instantly recognizable, it’s no wonder that Alexa has been commissioned to portray some of America’s most iconic equine legends.

Alexa was born in 1952 in Muncie, Indiana, where she grew up with parents who encouraged her art career, developing an eye for form and dynamism. Her mother’s artistic talents bridged with her father’s construction and their move to the countryside of southern Indiana created a nurturing landscape for her to develop her artistic skills.

Alexa King’s sculpture of Barbaro in front of Churchill Downs.

Breeding horses and running her own farm gave Alexa her subject: before turning to art full time, she bred over 100 of her own horses, producing many champions and top show horses in their divisions. “Two of my proudest moments were when my stallion GTF Maker’s Mark, a Hackney horse, was accepted into the KWPN registry as a breeding stallion, and when GTF Beetlejuice, a half-Arabian half-Hackney, won multiple national championships,” she said.

Alexa also raced trotting ponies, winning world championships and Woman Driver of the Year awards. As a horsewoman herself, Alexa knows horses inside and out, and that transcends to her sculptural work. “I see a lot of artists copying what they think a horse looks like or how it interacts with a human being,” she said. “I’m not getting a visceral kick from these depictions. I think the problem may be that they’re not horsemen or -women but wildlife or animal artists. They don’t know a horse: They may see a horse but not feel a horse.”

“Roadster Pony”

Sculpting Legends

While studying studio art as a painting major at Ball State University, Alexa discovered the power of three dimensional forms in a life modeling class. Her first bronze casting was created when she moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, and three months later Alexa had her first solo art exhibition at the Morris Douglas Fine Arts and Phippen O’Brien Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona. This exhibit kickstarted her career and lead her into her path as a world renowned sculptor. Her first major commission was to create a series representing the Pony Express for Nelson Rockefeller Collections in New York City.

From there, Alexa’s career grew. Perhaps her most famous work of art is the Barbaro Memorial that stands preeminent at Churchill Downs, a larger-than-life bronze of the legendary Thoroughbred who won the 2006 Kentucky Derby by six-and-a-half lengths. Alexa was chosen out of 100 artists by the selection panel, including Roy and Gretchen Jackson, Barbaro’s owners and breeders, of Lael Stables. Her clay miniature of the future monument captivated the panel. Usually, these types of projects take two to three years to complete. Alexa had six months. “I did the enlargement myself and all the modeling of the work. I wasn’t stressed by the time limits. I knew this piece would have to be sculpted one step at a time. And each step would allow me to go to the next.”

“Two-Year-Old Fine Harness”

The first issue was studio space. Her studio was then located in Wisconsin, and much too small. After no luck finding a studio large enough, Alexa measured her garage. It had no heat or air conditioning and only one small window, but it was just large enough to fit the sculpture in progress. “I couldn’t get away from the model to look at it from all angles. I basically had to lean on my maquette to insure that the enlargement was correct and the model reflected the smaller version.” Alexa explained.

A little over two years after Barbaro’s death, Alexa, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, friends and fans of Barbaro gathered at Churchill Downs to celebrate his life and legacy. “It was a moment I will never forget,” Alexa said.

As legendary as Barbaro was, Alexa’s representation of him lives up to his memory. Created so that the 1,500 pound sculpture has all four feet off the ground with the only support being a single horizontal bronze rail, this monument gives off an impression that Barbaro and his jockey, Edgar Prado, are suspended in time and space. However, this isn’t just a tribute to this famed racehorse — it’s also the first time an equine statue of this size and scope has been created with all four of the horse’s hooves off the ground, a show of true artistic and architectural mastery.

“King”

Barbaro and countless other horses live on, forever frozen in time by the crafting hands of Alexa King. Each sculpture tells a story of an animal, whether a living legend or a past beloved companion. When gazing at Alexa’s statues and sculptures, time stands still.

For more information, visit alexakingfineart.com

Art Of The Horse is the world’s first equine art platform, established in 2014 by Shya Beth. With weekly articles featuring up-and-coming as well as world-renowned artists, art exhibitions and art news, Art Of The Horse is the premier source for all things equine art. Visit artofthehorse.net.

All images courtesy of Alexa King

“Saddlebred Princess”

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: Alexa King, art, sculpture, shya beth

What you can read next

Linda Luster: Art and Horses and Back Again
Educating the Public About Wild American Mustangs 
Unbridled With Harold Chopping

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
❗️George Williams column❗️ The FEI World ❗️George Williams column❗️
The FEI World Cup Final in Omaha is coming up quickly. That means that it’s starting to heat 
up as the end of the qualifying period for both the Western European League (WEL) and the 
North American League (NAL) nears. I started to write this column before the Amsterdam CDI- W, and I was using the FEI Ranking List from January 15 as a reference. As I sit down to finish 
my column, I’m now looking at the results from Amsterdam. While the list of the top contenders 
for the WEL hasn’t changed, they’re definitely moving around on the ranking list. The WEL has 
three more legs, as they’re referred to: Neumünster February 16–19, Goteborg February 23–26, 
and ’s-Hertogenbosch March 9–12, and they could change things dramatically.
Looking at the top 12 athletes from the WEL as they were ranked on January 15, there are five 
from Germany, three from the Netherlands and one each from Great Britain, Denmark

➡️Read Georges's full column by clicking the link in our bio, and never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine 🦄 

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #love #cheval #showjumping #horselife #photography #nature #pferde #horseofinstagram #caballo #riding #horsebackriding #pferdeliebe #caballos #horsepower #horsephotography #instagram #Sidelinesmagazine
Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Gre Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Great American $300,000 Grand Prix at HITS Ocala!! 🏆🥇

Crowds filled the stands at the HITS Ocala Grand Prix Ring on Sunday afternoon to watch the world’s top athletes compete in the Great American $300,000 Grand Prix. The day concluded with a thrilling five-horse jump-off featuring athletes 
representing four countries. In the end, it was Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) and Ivaro N who produced the only double clear effort of the day, claiming one of the biggest wins of her career. Scott Keach (AUS) and Noble De La Chapelle earned the second-place prize with the fastest 4-fault jump-off, while Aaron Vale (USA) and Obi Wan placed third as the day’s pathfinders.

“I'm still on cloud nine, I still can't believe it – I’ve used up all my luck for the year,” smiled Goldman-Smolen after her win. “I've been knocking on the door a long time in these bigger classes. I am so proud of my horse – he gave every ounce of effort.”

Sunday’s Great American $300,000 Grand Prix marked the conclusion of the 2023 HITS Ocala circuit. HITS CCO Joe Norick concluded, “We are so excited about the new HITS, with 2023 as the launch. New footing, many new arenas here, and a lot of our facilities across America are getting a lot of love and new footing. Our partnerships with Worldly Martin and others across America including our footing leader Bart Poles overseeing our operations – it really makes a big difference for us. Today is about Ocala and these three riders sitting next to me who supported us this entire winter. We want to be a proud destination for our exhibitors and our friends. We know we have to provide them a beautiful showplace to work from that's horseman friendly, and that's our go goal. 

Congratulations to all of the riders, horses, owners, and groom who participated in this prestigious class!!! 🎉
📸 @esi_photography 
#horseshow #horses #horse #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #horselove #horsestagram #instagram #showjumping #equestrianlife #equine  #horsebackriding #dressage #horselife #pony #of #horserider #horseshoe #horsemanship #horseshowlife #riding #instahorse #horseaddict #horseofinstagram #sidelinesmagazine
It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is. It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is...

 ✨PF'S DIAMO BLUE✨
Diarado-Diamant de Semilly- Chacco Blue
17.0hh, Oldenburg International Hunter Derby/ Jumper Stallion
An outstanding Pedigree- Chacco Blue and Diamant de Semilly
WBFSH/ Rolex top ranking Jumping Sires 2017 thru 2022
Standing at Ryan Pedigo Sport Horses, in California

For more information, you can contact 
🖥Ryanpedigosporthorses.com
🖥Ryan.p.f@hotmail.com
☎️(714) 357-2714

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

@ryanpedigosporthorsespf_

#stallion #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #equine #dressage #pferd #equestrianlife #mare #hengst #horseriding #instahorse #cheval #pferde #equinephotography #horselove #dressagehorse #pony #horselover #caballo #foal #quarterhorse #aqha #arabianhorse #sidelinesmagazine
Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses—in a way, she was born into her career. She grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where her parents ran a farm. Her mother taught, and her father had a jump business and then created one of the first horse show software programs: Ryegate Show Services, Inc.

Riding all her life, Annette spent many years as a groom and loved it, but knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do as a career. After she finished college, Annette’s father recruited her to help process entries at Ryegate. Since her father, Lloyd Longenecker, founded it in 1981, Ryegate has provided show management and office staff for some of the largest shows in the country. Now, Annette has taken over from her father and directed the company as it focuses on managing memberships and rankings for organizations such as the North American League, WIHS Championships and Equitation, Rolex/USEF Computer Ranking and National Medal Series (THIS NCM and Ariat NAM). Ryegate also provides scoring software for use with video walls, and production teams for hunter and jumper shows.

“Besides running Ryegate Show Services and its various organizations, I can be found in the show office, running a scoreboard or judging jumpers at most shows,” Annette said. “I love getting to wear a few different hats at the show.”

When she’s not busy at a show, Annette lives in Annville, Pennsylvania, with her “fur-baby,” Maggie Mae, and enjoys spending time with her many godchildren. Though she doesn’t currently own any horses, Annette rides when she can at Rolling Acres Farm with Patty Foster, Ashley Foster-Worthington and Mary Lisa Leffler.

Read this month unbridled with Annette Longenecker by clicking the link in our bio. Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine! 🦄
📸Photo by Sheryl Sutherby

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #love #cheval #showjumping #horselife #photography #nature #pferde #horseofinstagram #caballo #riding #horsebackriding #pferdeliebe #caballos #horsepower #horsephotography #instagram #Sidelinesmagazine
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Andrea Price Valenzuela - Price & Co. Real Estate




    REALTOR, GRI, SRES / Price & Co. Real Estate 2015-2017 SMDRA Diamon Circle Club Member CELL: 303-956-9691 OFFICE: 303-955-5571 andrea@pricecohomes.com RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL / EQUESTRIAN

    [Read more]

  • ASUNCIÓN VALLEY FARM
    Show Jumpers, Sales, Boarding & Retirement Lori 805-610-3045 • Templeton, CA 93465 info@asuncionvalleyeq.com www.asuncionvalleyeq.com Trainer Alex Azevedo Show Jumpers, Sales, Boarding & Retirement

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island
  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • 2023 Upperville Colt & Horse Show Presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Returns for 170th Year on June 5-11
  • Will Coleman Retains Yanmar America CCI4*-S Lead in Dramatic Show Jumping at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International
  • First edition of the World Sport Horse Sales was a hit with $410.000 for the most expensive horse

Category

Recent Posts

  • April 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Building a Bond With a New Horse

    By Margie Sugarman I just bought a new horse. I...
  • Developing Healthy Relationships With Your Barnmates

    By Rob Jacobs The purpose of this month’s colum...
  • The Value of Self-Coaching

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp The sport of eventing is ...
  • Unbridled With Annette Longenecker

    By Britney Grover  Annette Longenecker wasn’t j...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!