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Tuesday, January 31 2017 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Linda Luster: Art and Horses and Back Again

Linda Luster — with her artwork at the Washington International Horse Show

By Alexis Rappaport

Linda Luster is fortunate enough to do what many only dream of: make a living combining her two greatest passions, horses and art. Linda’s beautiful, intricate paintings show off her artistic abilities and express her unmatched passion for the equestrian sport.

She began her riding career as a child in Hampton, Virginia, where she took lessons at the local military base. While Linda adored going to visit and ride the horses, she was also entertaining a different passion: art. Her parents recognized her unique artistic ability and contacted artist Jack Clifton. She began art lessons in his open studio every Saturday morning, a relationship which lasted from third grade through high school graduation.

“Taylor and Ledo”

In 1973, Linda earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting and printmaking from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and later a degree in commercial photography from Cape Fear Tech. But the academic world proved unfulfilling for her.

“I wasn’t really enamored with the college art program,” Linda remembered. “So I went in search of something I missed — horses.”

Back In The Saddle

As she was finishing her senior year of college, an advertisement to exercise horses at a nearby barn was posted, and Linda answered. She soon began riding and exercising the field hunters there. The job proved life-changing, as Linda’s life partner and true love, Doug, happened to be working at the same horse farm that year. After graduation, they married and settled in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Linda began working for Elizabeth Tate at Hollyholm Farm while her husband was working on completing a master’s degree. Before having to relocate to Raleigh, Linda purchased her first horse and trained with well-known trainer Danny Robertshaw.

“Zoey Long Dwight”

In Raleigh, where she was hired as an archeological photographer and illustrator, Linda bought an event horse. While riding with Nanci Lindroth of Southern Pines, she was able to work with many members of the USET who were wintering there. Through eventing, Linda found her niche in the riding discipline: dressage.

Linda riding her horse Double Helix

Horses Full-Time

To support her riding, Linda began a portrait business and in 1982, landed her first three covers on the Chronicle of the Horse magazine. But when Doug finished his Ph.D. and the couple moved to Maryland, Linda found a job as a groom and rider working with Selle Français dressage horses for Dressage Investment Associates, under the ownership of Dr. and Mrs. Paul Corso. Linda’s painting took a back seat for over two decades.

The Corsos built Willowlake Farm in Mount Airy, and Linda moved with the horses to become the trainer/instructor and farm manager. While at Willowlake, Linda’s experience and equestrian education blossomed through the training of Pam Goodrich and clinics with notables including Nicole Uphoffe, Steffen Peters, Betsy Steiner, Robert Dover and Gunner Ostergaard.

Linda became an accomplished FEI dressage rider, earning her USDF silver medal. Linda trained and rode many wonderful horses at Willowlake, but the one that stands out was a Dutch Warmblood, Caballero or “Cabby,” who belonged to her best friend, Jane Saunders. “He was the most influential horse in my life,” said Linda. “He taught me to be patient and listen.”

“Chance”

The horse was very difficult to ride and train but was loved by everyone in the community and taught many of her students to ride at a higher level. “Right to the end, this horse came out every day and did his job without complaining. He was a very special horse to me,” continued Linda. Cabby eventually died at age 32 on Linda’s farm in Rocky Ridge, where he’s buried.

Also during her time at Willowlake, Linda had the opportunity to travel to Europe and purchase horses for her clients and a few for herself. Double-Helix, whom she still owns, was a horse she bought in Sweden by the sire May-Sharif. Although a difficult horse in his temperament, Linda loved him. “Helix got me through my midlife crisis and my husband calls him the big dog.”

“Zen Horse 1”

Painting Again

Eventually Willowlake was sold and Linda settled with her husband at her Rocky Ridge facility, where she restored an old home and built her own studio. It was here she was able to reconnect to her paint and brushes.

“The painting really took off and I eventually stopped training horses all together,” she said. Linda started to paint full time around 2003 due to her success with her art, and she has never stopped.

Over the years, her work has gained notoriety, including being selected to be on the cover of The Chronicle of the Horse magazine 20 times. She was also hired by the Chronicle to do a big project for the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, which included eight original oil paintings, posters, covers, and a silk scarf. In 2009, she was commissioned to paint the winner of the Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird.

“Rachel Kennedy’s Jumpers”

Linda’s pieces sell very well at horse shows all over the country. In fact, during the Wellington Equestrian Festival this past year, Linda sold every single piece of original art she brought to Florida.

“Zen Horse Reflection”

One painting will remain with Linda forever. She readily admits her painting entitled “Zen Horse 1” holds a special place in her heart. The painting was on the cover of the Chronicle and won an an international art show. In fact, this painting is so special that it was the inspiration for a scarf designed and sold for the benefit of the Equestrian Aid Foundation.

There’s no question Linda is both a well-accomplished equestrian and artist. When she reflects back on her life thus far, she feels extremely lucky and grateful. “I look back with no regrets,” she said. “I’ve met some wonderful people and some great horses. I wouldn’t change anything.”

For more information, visit lindalusterstudio.com.

Photos courtesy of Linda Luster

 

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Tagged under: alexis rappaport, art, fine art, Linda Luster

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Hello April!!! 🌻🌷 This month's edition of Si Hello April!!! 🌻🌷
This month's edition of Sidelines is our eventing edition and it will not disappoint! Of the many things happening this month one of the most exciting things coming up is Sidelines will be at The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event held in Lexington KY 🤩

This month's issue of Sidelines features the beautiful and talented Liz Halliday-Sharp and her never-give-up attitude!!

Of the many lessons that Elisabeth “Liz” Halliday-Sharp learned from her father, resilience was perhaps the most important. Liz’s innate ability to overcome adversity has served her well in her quest to become one of the top event riders in the world. Through the highs and lows of a career with horses, Liz’s “can do” attitude has helped propel her through both triumph and defeat. 

Liz, who has won more events globally during the past three years than any other rider in her discipline, continues to set records—with her sights set firmly on the 2024 Olympic Games.

This is truly a can't miss article! Read more in the link in our bio! 

Never miss a moment with Sidelines by following all our social media and subscribing to get your own edition of Sidelines, the magazine for horse people about horse people 🦄

📸Portraits by Melissa Fuller

#olympics #tokyo #sports #tokyoolympics #sport #india #olympicgames #athlete #olympic #figureskating #athletics #horses #fitness  #training #usa #goldmedal  #motivation #athletes #teamusa #skating  #champion #love #sidelinesmagazine
Sports Psychology column🐎 By Margie Sugarman I Sports Psychology column🐎
By Margie Sugarman

I just bought a new horse. I think he’s amazing, but I miss the feeling of just “clicking” with my old horse. I know that it takes time to grow that connection, but do you have any tips that can help me be confident and in tune with my new horse in the short term?

You kick off your sneakers and realize that there’s a big hole in the sole of one shoe. Well, you’ve had them for quite a while and have worn them everywhere, from hiking to riding. They’ve served you well but it’s time for new ones. (It’s time to move on to a new horse.) You turn on your computer and order a new pair. You wait in anticipation. You’re excited, they’re cool looking. (He’s pretty!)

Upon arrival, you quickly open the box and slip your feet in. They’re great sneakers, but they aren’t as comfortable as the pair they’re replacing. They don’t bend as well—the sole is stiff. They don’t feel as comfortable—they have to be broken in. They don’t fit like the others did—the old ones were so well molded to your feet. (He’s a new ride, a different ride. He needs some suppling work.)

Of utmost importance in the human/horse relationship (especially the ones with the strongest bonds) is the horse looking to their owner as the leader and respecting their personal space. This important dynamic comes from groundwork—no matter what discipline you’re involved in. Just as it is with friendships, there needs to be respect. Respect is developed when one is on the ground and not mounted.

The things you do might seem small, but if done consistently and in a positive way, the results are huge. The confidence and trust you develop between the two of you will carry your relationship to wherever you want it to go.

To read Margies full column click the link in our bio! Never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine 🦄

Photo by Ali Kelman

#psychology #mentalhealth #love #therapy #mentalhealthawareness #anxiety #motivation #psychologist #selfcare #mindfulness #selflove #life #mentalhealthmatters  #mindset #wellness #meditation #inspiration #mind #Sidelinesmagazine
Breeding season is underway at Iron Spring Farm! W Breeding season is underway at Iron Spring Farm! We're proud to offer exceptional modern Sporthorse stallions, with wonderful temperaments and quality gaits to North American breeders.
 
Among our stallions are Cum Laude and Kaiman. Cum Laude (Apache x Weltmeyer) is a winning FEI horse and sire of quality dressage horses, breed show champions, and offspring scoring 9.0s on gaits.
 
Kaiman (Dark Pleasure x Gribaldi) earned high scores at his stallion testing and in the young horse classes. He's also the sire of a Licensed Oldenburg stallion. Kaiman's first North American foal crop is arriving now and they are gorgeous!
 
If you're looking for top international bloodlines please check out our 2023 stallion collection, now available fresh, frozen, and by the dose.

Among our stallions are Cum Laude and Kaiman. Cum Laude (Apache x Weltmeyer) is a winning FEI horse and sire of quality dressage horses, breed show champions, and offspring scoring 9.0s on gaits.

Breeding season is underway at Iron Spring Farm! We're proud to offer exceptional modern Sporthorse stallions, with wonderful temperaments and quality gaits to North American breeders.

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❗️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 
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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 
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Looking at the top 12 athletes from the WEL as they were ranked on January 15, there are five 
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➡️Read Georges's full column by clicking the link in our bio, and never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine 🦄 

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