20 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group WWhat started with approximately 30 painted horses has grown to almost 75 since Leadership Wichita Falls (LWF) started the project in 2007. Every year, The LWF Adult Leadership program runs from January to May, where cohorts learn about the community and then conclude the program by participating in a class project that is designed to benefit Wichita Falls. The 2007 project became the start of The Mane Event, where artists submitted their horse design for approval and if approved, the artist received a stipend to purchase supplies. The artists then donated their time and talent to the project. That first year featured an unveiling event where many of the horses were purchased by local businesses and nonprofit organizations and the project ended up raising almost $150,000. Funds were then donated to Patsy’s House, Faith Mission, and Downtown Development. One of the businesses that purchased a horse modified it into a Pegasus. Red River Harley Davidson’s Pegasus is entitled Wings of Freedom. The artist Ross Lampshire designed it with early Harley Davidson riders from the 1940s on one side and a more contemporary rider on the other side, all under the wings of an eagle painted on the underside of the Pegasus. It is rearing and looks like it is flying over a fence. He also painted Wild Horses at Smith’s Gardentown. It features wild horses painted on its chest and belly. “I based it on the idea of wild horses running through the sage brush, like a herd of untamed stallions running through the hills to capture the free spirit of horses," said Lampshire. Some of the painted horses serve as memorials, honoring loved ones who have passed. Family member Roby Christie shared the significance of one such tribute, “Horses Rebirth and Things to Come were painted by the late Jack Stevens. The seven butterflies on the mare represent the seven family members that tragically passed away in a plane crash in Kentucky. The horse was painted in their honor.” These heartfelt tributes ensure that their legacy lives on forever. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the art from the painted fiberglass horses that adorn our city. ART with a Mane Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | Photos by RB PHOTOGRAPHY
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