Neglected horse immortalised by sculpture

A neglected Thoroughbred has been immortalised as a life-size wood sculpture, which is touring the UK.

Sad history

Dexter was bred at a racing yard and now helps people learn how to ride at Anglesey Riding Centre in North Wales.

“Dexter has an incredibly sad history following years of neglect, and it’s heart-warming to see him re-created so wonderfully by Simon,” said John Knock, who owns the centre.

“A lady from Dolgellau rescued him and brought him back to health and he became a part of the team here at the centre a few years ago.

The wooden sculpture has already been displayed at Bolesworth International, Woodfest and The Big Art Show Shrewsbury, and he has spent the month of August at the Sculpture in the Sanctuary exhibition in Southwell, Nottinghamshire.

‘Lot of emotion’

Dexter mark II took its creator Simon O’Rourke more than 60 hours to create.

“There was a lot of emotion involved in creating this piece because of Dexter’s back story,” said the award-winning sculptor. “I wanted to find a horse that I liked the look of and could clearly see the muscle structure. Dexter fitted the bill perfectly.

“It’s fitting that the model will spend August in Southwell, which is home to Southwell Racecourse, as Dexter was actually born at a racing yard.”