Navajo Legend Inspires Horse Art of a Different Color Road to the Horse Chooses Henry Patton as Official 2010 Artist

While artists across the country submitted samples of their work in hopes of becoming the Road to the Horse 2010 cover artist, it was “a horse of a different color” that caught the eye of Road to the Horse owner and producer Tootie Bland. Artist Henry Patton’s “Blue Horse” series, based on a Navajo legend, will include an original painting created for Road to the Horse and will be presented to the Road to the Horse Champion at the event in Murfreesboro, TN on March 6-7, 2010.

“A Navajo legend tells when the skies are blue and clear, Johano-ai, the sun god, is riding his favorite, strongest and most valuable horse – the blue horse. From this came the idea of a blue horse in every pasture, barn, show and anywhere horses hang out when the skies are blue and clear. For me, the blue horse signifies what is great about horses. They are hope, wisdom, gentleness and beauty all rolled into one. Blue horses have that feeling of a day with blue skies, clearness, and a bright future for all animals,” says Patton.

A former professional photographer and graphic designer, Patton uses his previous experiences to capture horses in a more modern, abstract and colorful way with a combination of watercolor, acrylics and oils.

“All of the entries this year were just outstanding and having to limit myself to one is like eating only one piece of chocolate. I do want to thank everyone and congratulate them all on the outstanding entries,” says Bland. “The Blue Horses of Henry Patton are simply fascinating, beautiful and inspiring and I am thrilled to have this talented artist and his Blue Horses represent the essences of Road to the Horse this year.”

To learn more about Henry Patton and his “Blue Horse” collection, visit www.bluehorseart.com. To buy your Road to the Horse 2010 tickets today, visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call 877-772-5425.

About Henry Patton

Henry Patton is the artist and owner of Laughing Wolf Studio, named for his affection and admiration of wolves. In addition to being a equine artist, he is dedicated to the rehabilitation, release and return of wildlife to their natural habitat as well as his work with the Horse Rescue, Relief and Retirement Fund, Inc.

Patton’s paintings have been featured in art galleries across the nation, on Stirrups Clothing Co. apparel, and at several equine charity events. Living north of Atlanta, GA, Patton resides with his two dogs, Clementine and Wishbone, both mixed breed rescues. To learn more about Henry Patton, visit www.laughingwolf.com.

Road to the Horse

Road to the Horse is unlike any other event in the equine or entertainment industry. It is “the original colt starting challenge”. The two-day sold out event matches three of the country’s best horse trainers and clinicians of today against one another as they train unbroken colts to ride in just a few short hours in front of a packed live audience and television cameras. By combining education, edge-of-your-seat suspense, entertainment and the love of the horse, Road to the Horse has been responsible for solidifying the position of today’s horsemanship heroes and launching the careers of tomorrow’s hottest new stars. In the process, the event itself has become a catalyst for the advancement of natural horsemanship. Hosted by Rick Lamb, of RFD-TV’s The Horse Show with Rick Lamb, spectators are guaranteed not only to have a good time, but also to walk away with training knowledge that will improve their relationship with horses.

Road to the Horse is proud to partner with many outstanding companies across the equine industry including Road to the Horse presenting sponsor, Western Horseman, along with Nutrena, Quarter Horse News, Horses Magazine, Martin Saddlery, John’s Ariat Country, Rockin’ J Horse Stalls, Horsecity.com, WW Livestock, Hoofbeats Magazine, Horse South Magazine and Horsemen’s Roundup. For sponsorship opportunities and more information on the 2010 Road to the Horse visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325-736-5000.