SCAD Equestrian Magazine Vol. 3

SCAD Equestrian MAGAZINE

VOLUME 3

Horse of the Quarter: Wally Alumni:

Kristin Stine

Meet the

Staff

Cady Voyer

Hannah Claire Allgood

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, Head Photographer, Social Media

MG Taylor

Copy Editor, Editorial Staff, Design

Assistant Editor, Head Copy Editor

Bella Peek

Editorial Staff

Kaelin Fuld Editorial Staff

Alex Doucet

Ally Bitgood

Hannah Satterlund

Cicely Rhodin

Ian Arnoldy

Jennie Rivera

Caroline Pavlov

Nikki Cramer

Tess Mroczka

Editorial Staff

Columnist

Assistant Photographer

Editorial Staff

Copy Editor

Assistant Photographer

Editorial Staff

Copy Editor

Graphic Designer

Editor’s Letter When I first thought of this magazine, I wasn’t sure whether it would happen. Like many of my ideas in the past, I thought I might get incredibly excited, but be let down by finding out the idea probably wouldn’t work. It was a little scary. Here I had this idea, something I thought was cool and that a lot of people would like. But what if others didn’t like it as much as I did? What if I couldn’t get anyone to help me? I decided to push past these thoughts and just go with it. I made lists of ideas.

I approached friends and people I didn’t know that would later become great ones. Not all friends were interested, but they were supportive, and those I didn’t know very well became my greatest allies. The more people I recruited onto my team the more confident I grew, and the more I realized that this magazine could happen. It was slow going at first. There were roadblocks and speedbumps.

It started out with just a few articles posted at a time and more and more plans for the actual magazine. We didn’t know when or how the magazine would happen, but we were determined to not let it fall away. Before we knew it, and against the odds of an insane quarter that was interrupted by a hurricane, we had our first issue! Despite almost no knowledge in graphic design or InDesign, we were able to put together those digital pages. You can imagine the immense sense of pride we all had, to finally see our project come to its highest point at the time. It honestly was one of the happiest moments of my life. This magazine wasn’t just a side hobby for me and many others on my team.

It helped me discover what I wanted to do with my life. It became an obsession. I would find myself thinking of new articles to write instead of thinking about an art history paper topic. I’d be working on design ideas rather than some other project. It truly became my passion.

This magazine was the pinnacle of my SCAD career. I came to an art and design school for photography, switched to equestrian studies and was still able to do something creative. I helped build a new creative outlet for those looking for one. But it wouldn’t have happened without everyone who helped me along the way. Kieran Paulsen became not only a good friend but my assistant editor, and thankfully he knew actual writing rules to help teach me and the others. He was the real designer of our first issue, bringing it to life. Giana Terranova lent a hand in photography, allowing us to use her beautiful photos. The original team consisted of them, Meghan French who designed our logo, Alex Doucet, Cicely Rhodin and Hannah Claire Allgood. Since then it grew to include nine more members, including an actual graphic designer! More and more people approached me to be a part of it and started to see how incredible it was. The meeting we had for this issue was the biggest meeting I have ever held. It was almost overwhelming, but so incredibly exciting. It gave me such great hope for the future of this publication. And I know I am leaving it in good hands. I’m happy to announce that it will be headed by Hannah Claire, a dear friend and incredibly intelligent, reliable, and creative human being. I know it will thrive with her holding the reins.

I also want to thank professor Kelly Theisen, coach Ashley Henry and equestrian studies program director Eddie Federwisch. Without them this project wouldn’t have had the guidance, support and approval it needed. I want to thank all the readers as well. Hearing feedback and knowing you have enjoyed it has made all this hard work worth it. I hope you enjoy the issue, which is the final issue I had the pleasure of working on. This last quarter was incredibly bittersweet, and definitely one of my hardest, but so fulfilling as well. I can’t wait to read future issues with you!

Table of Contents

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3

4

5-6

7-8

9

10

11

1-2

5-6

10

Horse of the Quarter

The American National Riding Commission Equitation Championships

The Breakthrough in Cancer Equines Needed

Goodbye Wally

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Making Your Mark Outside of the Box

ANRC

Morphogenesis

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Lexington, Kentucky

Franz Marc’s Blue Horse I

IHSA Nationals

Horse in Art

with SCAD Grad Kristin Stine

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9

Instruction Techniques and Theory

Conditioning Isn’t Just for the Horses

Instructions

The Fit Equestrian

Contact Us

Become Part of the SCAD Equestrian Magazine

Goodbye Wally Horse of the Quarter

By Cady Voyer & MG Taylor

The original plan for this “Horse of the Quarter” article was to feature one of the most beloved school horses at SCAD. To share with readers the love that professors and students had for a very special horse. This will do so, but in an unforeseen way.

Stonewall “Wally” Jackson, was a grey 18 hand Percheron Thoroughbred cross with lopsided ears and sass for days.

And on Monday May 22, 2017, he was laid to rest. He was the epitome of a perfect school horse, teaching a lesson to experienced and beginner riders alike. He could plod around with a small course, teach someone to sit in a dressage saddle and when the mood struck him, give advanced riders a run for their money. A jack of all trades doesn’t begin to cover Wally’s ability to teach whomever he met.

Non-Equestrians might not understand this, but certain horses know their job and can even be a teacher in their own right.

Though he was large, he was never truly intimidating or imposing. His big heart made up for his big attitude, and any display of grouchiness towards you was quickly forgiven the moment you saw his floppy ears and goofy face.

Sweet, stubborn, athletic and just generally an amazing 1

horse, Wally captured all our hearts and no words can describe just how much everyone here at SCAD Equestrian will miss him. In the short amount of time since his passing, there has been an incredible outpouring of tributes from past to current students to mourn this loss. Here are some of the words of many showing how much this horse was appreciated and loved. We all miss you Wally, stay happy and sassy in your green forever pastures.

You taught so many people so much, and now it’s time to rest easy sweet walrus.

— Caroline Pavlov

I never got to achieve munchkin status on you, but I was your horse show human plenty of times. Rest easy corn Wallace. May you eat all the green grass from the great field in the sky. ­— Jackie Gentile

You were the Best War Horse a girl could ask for.

— Hannah Claire Algood Rest In Peace Walrus.

Gonna miss those goofy ears.

— Nikki Cramer

Through his temper tantrums when a horse would pass his stall, his endless nibbles when I’d share a snack with him, his snoozes out his window, his cozy mid-morning naps, his silly faces when you’d walk by his stall, his messy kisses when I’d had a bad day and would sit under his window, his willing grace on the flat, and his excitement during a jump course, he was everything I could’ve asked for and more. I will never forget the amazing experiences we shared, and am so blessed to have had him in my life. You fought long and hard, special boy, but now you can finally rest. Rest easy, Wally. You’re in my heart, forever and always — Tess Maltagliati

To the biggest horse with an even bigger heart.

Rest easy Wally.

— Olivia Patsavas

Super sad to hear this big guy has passed away. He was actually one of my FIRST real horse photoshoots in 2014. Love ya Walrus, thanks for toting this five foot nothing girl around every once and a while!

— Giana Terranova

Every barn has a school master. A horse that raises the competence but also the confidence of every one that rides them. Wally was a horse like that. The outpouring of love from Scad Equestrian shows how special he was to each of us. The grumpy old man warmed so many hearts and he will be missed terribly.

Rest in peace sweet Wally.

— MG Taylor 2

Making Your Mark Outside of the Box with SCAD Grad Kristin Stine

By Kaelin Fuld

Kristin Stine graduated from SCAD in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Equestrian Studies. She now works with Noelle Floyd, a website and magazine that she says “connects riders and enthusiasts from around the world in a greater way with content that speaks to all aspects of the industry.”

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skills to mentors at SCAD such as Ashley Henry, Eddie Federwisch, and Rebecca Evans.

Stine was the first in her family to step into the equestrian world, adding, “My parents always say that my interest in horses came out of nowhere. No one in my family rode or was ever interested in horses but when I was five I said I wanted to ride.” Competing in the hunter and jumper rings throughout childhood and high school, she knew the equestrian world needed to play a role in her college career. Stine met head coach Ashley Henry at the College Preparatory Invitational in Wellington, FL during her junior year of high school. She “fell in love with what SCAD had to offer…There is so much more to our major than people perceive.”

As for getting involved with Noelle Floyd, Stine began as a major fan of the website’s creative direction and content. It was essentially her dream job, even though it was outside the box of common equestrian careers. When she saw Noelle Floyd was looking for interns, she bit the bullet and applied. Her six-month internship turned into a full time job as of December last year. When she is not on location at shows with the rest of the Noelle Floyd team, Stine is updating social media and assisting in any written pieces for the website and latest magazine issue. When asked if this is something she would like to be doing permanently, Stine says “The NF team brings so much experience, professionalism, and passion to the industry that it has inspired me to want to apply my skills to this facet of the industry long term.”

At SCAD, Stine not only majored in Equestrian Studies but was also named captain of the equestrian team. She was part of SCAD’s Novice ANRC Championship winning team in her senior year. Stine says serving as captain of the team “was a fantastic learning experience in my management, organization, and communication skills, all of which I still apply today in my responsibilities at Noelle Floyd.”

She also credits much of her growth and horsemanship

Stine says the most valuable thing she gained from her time here at SCAD was the people she met and the environment in which she was able to grow. She appreciates how “the school empowers you to stay committed and disciplined to the thing that some may have only deemed as a hobby when we were younger, like painting, riding, or sculpture. You could say SCAD encourages you to think outside the box and make your mark out of the box too.”

Instructions

By Bella Peak Not all riders are good teachers, so how can we teach people how to teach? By taking Instruction Techniques and Theory with Professor and Associate Chair, Kelly Theisen.

With Professor Theisen we learn how to instruct a student of any age in any situation. The most important aspect of teaching is sport psychology, or as Professor Theisen likes to call it, “mental training.” We have to learn how to communicate with people in every mental or physical situation with varying levels and styles of motivations. These motivations can be created or further developed by three different motivational climates in which an instructor can work: mastery, performance, and autonomy.

The mastery climate focuses mainly on learning. In this climate the instructor promotes value in the acquisition of skills, goal setting, personal improvement, and individual challenges. A good example of a mastery motivational climate would be talking to your student at the beginning of the show season and helping them set an achievable goal by the end of the show season. For instance, if your student is currently jumping a two foot three course comfortably, a good goal would be to move up to a two foot six or two foot nine course comfortably by the end of the show season.

Instructors should be careful about encouraging their students to set unreasonable goals.

in that situation. It may be as simple as, “how do you think Connor feels right now?” A statement like this would let the student know that something may be askew and could help them to reflect on what may be wrong and correct it themselves, while knowing that they have support and help from their instructor.

One of the many aspects of our job as equestrian instructors is to help students realize their goals without being unrealistic or condescending. This is challenging when there is an overwhelming amount of students whose emotions become amplified by the addition of an animal; however, the reward, whether a student’s first riding lesson or first Grand Prix, is certainly worth it. The epitome of success is coaching a student up to and beyond your own ability. Horseback riding is a humbling sport, and it is important to push your ego aside by putting your students and horses first.

The performance climate focuses on success through achievements and accomplishments. The instructor that teaches in this climate values superiority, excellence, and talent. This climate would be most appropriate in a college sport setting like IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association); however, it does not necessarily promote overall success at riding and an instructor should be careful to not focus too much on accomplishments in long-term settings.

The last mastery climate, and my personal favorite, is the autonomy climate. Autonomy mastery climate instructors are soft, warm, and fuzzy. This instructor focuses on personal goals, responsibility, and accountability in order for the student to become a self-determined learner. This instructor will put most of the goal-setting and care taking of the horse on the student by emphasizing self-reflection and helping them realize goals they may have. The instructor will prompt discussions with the student and in the process make them not only better students, but also better horse people. An example of autonomy is if a horse becomes lame during a lesson, or is afraid of a particular obstacle it would be up to the student, with the help of the instructor, to take into account what the horse may need

Top: Rider taking a victory gallop after placing second in a class.

Above: Professor and Associate Chair, Kelly Theisen.

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The American National Riding Commission Equitation Championships Sarah Gordon on Uno in the program ride. Photo taken by Caroline Pavlov

By Ally Bitgood “This national event is hosted by a different school every year, and every year a winner emerges. While SCAD riders have numerous ANRC wins under their belt, there is still a hint of anxiety that comes with every new rider chosen to represent the school. Both the National and Novice teams compete in four phases over the course of three days in order to get closer to the championship title.

This year we had nine riders representing SCAD, some of whom had ANRC experience, while others had their first chance to compete in the championship. The National team consisted of seniors Tatum Tetreau, Meredith Denny, Maddie Albano, and Kate Morrison, while the Novice team consisted of senior Mariel Cooper, juniors Sarah Gordon and Tess Mroczka, followed by sophomores Hannah Hlopak and Grace Crawford.

Before the big weekend, we asked both teams about how they were feeling going into the competition.

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Which of the phases are you most looking forward to?

“The derby phase is the phase I am most excited about. I love derbies and it’s what I’m best at!”

— Hannah Hlopak “I think I’m looking forward to the program ride because that’s the first portion of the horse show and will set the tone for the weekend.”

— Maddie Albano After a weekend full of great rides, we checked in with the riders again about their experiences throughout the competition.

Which phase was the most enjoyable?

“The most enjoyable phase for me ended up being the derby phase because it’s a fun phase out in the grass where

you get to put on your shadbelly and stock tie and show some brilliance.”

— Tatum Tatreau “I definitely found the derby phase the most enjoyable. Z was absolutely perfect and it definitely made for a great memory!”

— Meredith Denny “I thought that all the phases were really enjoyable for different reasons, but I think the derby phase was the best for Indy and I. He really showed off his athleticism and stamina and I couldn’t have been happier with our round!”

— Mariel Cooper

If you could pick your favorite moment from the show, which would you pick and why?

“Being able to compete with my best friends on a team and come together in the end to help each other win the national championship as seniors was pretty special!”

— Kate Morrison “My favorite moment was when the sprinklers came on in the indoor arena when Meredith and I were riding there.

I’ve never been so terrified on a horse, but looking back on it all I can do is laugh and smile!”

— Maddie Albano “My favorite moment was when all my friends ran up to me after I completed the derby phase as I received an 84.”

— Grace Crawford

Top: Tess Mroczka and Eli in the medal phase.

Above: Tatum Tatreau and Dito in the derby phase.

Team Results: Novice Team

National Team

Team Standings : Overall Team 1st 2nd Team Written Phase 1st Team Program Phase 1st Team Derby Phase 1st Team Medal Phase

Program Phase: Hannah Hlopak 1st Mariel Cooper 2nd Tess Mrockza 9th

Team Standings: Overall Team 1st 2nd Team Written Phase 1st Team Program Phase 1st Team Derby Phase 2nd Team Medal Phase

Program Phase: Tatum Tatreau 1st Meredith Denny 2nd Kate Morrison 9th Maddie Albano 10th

Individual Overall Standings: Hannah Hlopak 1st Grace Crawford 4th Mariel Cooper 5th Sarah Gordon 10th

Derby Phase : Grace Crawford 2nd Hannah Hlopak 3rd Mariel Cooper 6th Tess Mrockza 8th

Individual Overall Standings: Meredith Denny 1st Tatum Tatreau 2nd Maddie Albano 8th

Derby Phase: Tatum Tatreau 1st Meredith Denny 2nd

Individual Phase Standings: Written Phase Mariel Cooper 1st Tess Mrockza 2nd Sarah Gordon 10th

Medal Phase : Hannah Hlopak 1st Sarah Gordon 2nd Grace Crawford 10th

Individual Phase Standings: Written Phase Meredith Denny 3rd Tatum Tatreau 4th

Medal Phase: Maddie Albano 3rd Meredith Denny 5th

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IHSA Nationals Lexington, KY

By Cady Voyer

N

ot much can be said that already hasn’t. The SCAD Equestrian Team, once again, conquered the IHSA National Championship! It was a hard-fought battle. Many of us who went spent the entire week being incredibly anxious about what was to come. We were already backto-back champions, but could we do it again? We knew everyone else was watching, waiting to see. Through the pressure, our horses and riders went on to put on incredibly performances, some being the best of their collegiate riding careers. Teamwork and team spirit came to an alltime high. We all wanted us to succeed, and we all watched with bated breath as our riders pushed back against the incredibly tough competition. All teams came with their A-game, ready to challenge our championship reign. Their skills undoubtedly matched ours, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We called them on their dare and succeeded. The hard hours, days, weeks and months of training and pushing ourselves past our limits brought us to our third consecutive national championship title, making

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history for our team and school. It could not have been done without all the support from parents, friends, teammates, and coaches. While only a fraction of the team went to Kentucky, everyone else was still there with us in spirit.

And while not everyone who went competed, the rest of us were there to give pep talks and keep our horses happy and ready to perform their absolute best, no matter who was on their backs. To say the SCAD Equestrian Team is proud of this accomplishment is an understatement. No words can really describe the feeling of elatedness that everyone on this team feels. For seniors, it was a culmination of so much hard work, and the best way to end their college careers. For underclassmen, it was an event that gives them hope and incredible goals for the future.

To read further on all individual accomplishments, go to this link http://savannah.scadathletics.com/news/2017/5/7/ equestrian-wins-third-straight-ihsa-collegiate-cup-national-championship.aspx?path=equestrian. Congratulations SCAD Equestrian!

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THE FIT FIT EQUESTRIAN EQUESTRIAN THE Conditioning Isn’t Just for the Horses

By Hannah Claire Allgood

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n 2012 the United States saw a shift. “Strong is the New Skinny”, “Sweat Now, Shine Later”, and “Commit to be Fit” saturated health magazines, television, and social media. People flooded the gyms, started monitoring their steps, and began to analyze their eating habits. Equestrians were no different; the irony is while equestrians do all of this for their equine partners, they neglect their own needs A dynamically developed workout program directly addresses both strength and flexibility. As the USHJA points out in their publication promoting the merits of riding, equestrians “must be strong, flexible and in balance to control a 1,500-pound animal and produce a quality performance.” It is no wonder that professionals and amateurs alike have begun to seek a fitness routine. Olympic Dressage Rider, Steffen Peters, who actively and publicly promotes rider fitness, often speaks on the improvements in alignment and endurance that he has felt since integrating a workout program into his daily routine. Peters’ regiment comes from BioRider Fitness, a fitness program specifically developed to address equestrian athletes’ needs. However, a workout plan does not have to be that specialized. Many riders, such as 4* Event Riders Michael Pollard and Lynn Symansky, have picked up Crossfit for its variety and ability to produce a dynamic athlete. Additionally, professional and amateur riders alike are able to apply the principles of Crossfit to their own horses’ schedule. It reminds riders to look for way of changing up their flatwork routines and to seek out more interesting schooling locations to fight boredom and respect any body soreness their horses may be enduring.

SCAD Equestrian Team during their weekly yoga class.

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These riders are not alone; most equestrians agree that fitness is important, but the task of forming a regiment can still seem daunting and even unattainable. Joining a gym, hiring a personal trainer or purchasing a fitness program are all great options. However, they aren’t always accessible or practical. Thankfully, due to the fitness craze that has swept the nation the resources available are endless. Below are some helpful steps to becoming the Fit Equestrian all horses deserve: • • • •

•

• • •

Sit down and list out what you want from a fitness regiment.

Are you feeling stiff and want to be looser in the saddle? Do you prefer cardio or weightlifting?

What are some obstacles you are experiencing in the saddle?

Does your left side get fatigued? Are you always leaning to the right? Does your horse always feel too heavy?

Research! Grab a book, read a few articles, talk to professionals and start experimenting.

Make a few mistakes but don’t give up. Just because you start working out doesn’t mean you are going to have it all figured out the first time you pick up a set of weights. Your regiment and routine is going to change and adapt as you figure it out.

Exercises that focus on the core (planking, bicycle crunches, and leg lifts), shoulders (rows, reverse flies, and presses), and glutes and quads (squats, lunges, and bridges) are all great starting points.

Consistency in moderation is better than minimalism in extremes. In other words 15-30 minutes of exercise 4-6 days a week is better than 2 hours 2 days a week.

Moderate and control your breathing and never let your core get sloppy.

Bring a friend, make a playlist, listen to a book, Make It FUN!

MORPHOGENESIS:

The Breakthrough in Cancer Equines Needed

By Alexandra Doucet Photos taken by Caroline Pavlov

The thought of cancer creates an overall feeling of unease.

Whether animals or people, the ability to work or even perform day-to-day tasks is incredibly difficult when faced with the terror of a cancerous attack of any type. What if that did not have to be the case? What if science could engineer a vaccine that could kill cancer cells while still allowing the recipient to keep up with their day job? It may not be as far-fetched as it seems.

As recently as 2014, a new vaccine entered clinical trials on equines to help reduce the impact of a common cancer type: melanoma. This disease mainly affects grey horses, with a shocking 70-80% of them contracting and showing clinical signs of some degree within their lifetime. A much smaller amount of other colored horses with dark skin contract the disease annually. Melanomas present themselves as tumors in dark skinned horses and are commonly benign. The problem occurs when the tumors metastasize, or spread, growing so large internally that they hinder vital organs from functioning properly (e.g. a tumor growing large enough to impede the digestive tract and cause severe and chronic colic).

The labs of Morphogenesis, Inc. are seeking to eradicate this common disease by battling it with their vaccine ImmuneFX™. This vaccine works like many common equine treatments (such as stem cells or platelet rich plasma) by incorporating the body’s own disease-fighting system into the vaccine. ImmuneFX™ takes the cancer cells from the horse’s body, adds a receptor in the lab, and injects the cells back into the body. The receptor acts as a neon sign,

signaling that the cancer cells are malignant foreigners and need to be destroyed.

ImmuneFX™ is similar to chemotherapy and radiation but is different in a few very important ways. The first, and foremost difference is the retention of area cells that are not cancerous. Notably, Due to its processing and the way it targets specific cells from the horse’s body, ImmuneFX™ keeps the important tissue and surrounding blood cells safe from harm.

Remarkably, one of the most exciting aspects of ImmuneFX™ is that it is absent of debilitating side effects.

With typical forms of cancer treatment, patients lose the ability to work and are kept on rest for the duration of the treatment. With this vaccine, horses are able to keep up with their daily work after being monitored for the first trial. Documented cases have had their vaccine one day and went to a clinic or were heavily schooled the next day, which is an absolute game changer for any type of high-level competition horse.

With the advances in technology and science, curing previously fatal diseases could be a snap. Cancer has proven to be the most difficult, but with new discoveries every day, the cure seems ever nearer. Over the last three years, scientists at Morphogenesis, Inc. have been working tirelessly to cure cancer in our beloved pets and hopefully this same medical technology can be applied to human in the near future For now, it will stay with the equines, helping cure cases of melanoma one grey, or bay, at a time.

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Horses in Art: Franz Marc’s Blue Horse I

By Cicely Rhodin

H

orses come in a variety of colors, from bay to perlino, skewbald to liver chestnut. As incredible as the range is, blue is not one of them (granted, there is a “blue roan”, but it is technically black and white hairs mixed together).

Franz Marc did not paint his horses as we see them, but rather in highly-saturated, unnatural colors that nonetheless cause the horse to come to life. Blue Horse I (1911) by Franz Marc is not a horse found in the natural world, but remains a genuine, romanticized depiction of the animal we all admire.

Franz Marc (1880-1916) was born in Munich, Germany. His love of horses began in 1899 when he served in the military and learned to ride. In 1900, Marc decided to study painting, a choice which would revolutionize the art world.

Marc’s art is considered under German Expressionism, of which there are two important groups: Die Brücke (The Bridge) and Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), the latter of which was formed by Franz Marc and Wassily Kandinsky.

Both groups fought against the Western art tradition, but while Die Brücke accomplished this through disturbing images, Der Blaue Reiter did so through abstraction and/or unnatural color.

Though Franz Marc included different subjects in his paintings, the horse stands out. His Blue Horse I is perhaps the most famous, showing a blue horse facing the viewer, head tilted to the side. He stands among variously colored hills and scattered plant forms. His body is geometric, in that circles and squares are easily discerned. He is a heavy horse, with thick, bulging muscles and substantially-boned legs, like those of a draft horse. The chest is wide, implying a large cavity for both heart and lungs that enable him to work efficiently.

What is most surprising about the horse is the definition of anatomy. Marc spent much of his time studying and teaching anatomy while not painting, and this is evident in Blue Horse I, as well as the related painting Blue Horse II (1911). Specifics of the equine anatomy are well-defined despite the simple and bold brushwork that makes Marc’s art so intense and interesting. The undulating forms of the horse’s knees (carpus) and hocks (tarsus) suggest the carpal and tarsal bones, similar to those in the human wrist. Mus-

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cle groups and natural wrinkles of the neck and armpit add to the semi-realistic representation of the horse.

The focus of Marc’s work, however, was the color. This came before anything else, even space. The hills that form the setting for the gentle creature are simple planes of color whose lines are created by the edge of the brushstroke.

The horse himself is not particularly grounded in this setting, but rather rests on top, as if cut from another painting and placed on this one. For Marc, this horse is a spiritual sign and directly related to Kandinsky’s famous written work: Concerning the Spiritual in Art (1910) in which color, particularly blue, is what best conveys spirituality.

Marc’s Blue Horse I looks calm, if not contemplative. His downward glance and pricked ear exemplify a gentle demeanor that combines elegantly with his encompassing dignity and importance. Yet, this powerful beast remains approachable and trustworthy. In Blue Horse II the horse is turned away from the viewer, but Marc preserves the contemplation of the first version. In this painting, we see an image that is familiar to us equestrians: a quiet horse interested in the world around him. Together, he and the viewer are lost in the fields of color stretching for miles beyond the canvas.

Franz Marc, Blue Horse I, 1911, oil on canvas (SCAD DID)

Franz Marc, Blue Horse II, 1911, oil on canvas (http://www.kunstkopie.de/a/ franz-marc/blaues-pferd-ii.html)

Become Part of SCAD Equestrian Magazine Did you like what you read? Do you want to write, design, photograph, or edit for us? Or just have an idea for a story you’d like to see?

SCAD Equestrian Magazine is looking for more staff members to fill writing, copy editing, photography, and visual design positions.

Applicants do not need to be an Equestrian Studies major or minor to be considered, but they should be willing to learn some basics if they have no equine experience.

We publish an issue every quarter and post individual articles on SCAD District whenever possible. Staff members accept as much or little work as they can handle per quarter. To apply, please send your name, year, and major along with how you’d like to help out to:

SCADEqMag@gmail.com

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