We’re delighted to share a very special opportunity for art and horse lovers alike. This winter, an acclaimed equine artist is using her talent to make a real difference for rescued horses and ponies – and you can be part of it.
We’re delighted to share a very special opportunity for art and horse lovers alike. This winter, an acclaimed equine artist is using her talent to make a real difference for rescued horses and ponies – and you can be part of it.
Gloucestershire-based artist Emily Johnson has created a striking new oil painting titled ‘Esperanza’ (Spanish for ‘hope’). The painting captures the freedom, energy and grace of Andalusian and Spanish horses – the very qualities that make so many of us fall in love with horses in the first place.
In an incredibly generous act of compassion, Emily has pledged to donate half of the proceeds from the sale of ‘Esperanza’ to support The Mare and Foal Sanctuary. Her decision means that whoever wins the auction won’t just be taking home a beautiful piece of equine art. They’ll also be helping to fund the rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong care of vulnerable horses and ponies who need us most.
Horses have always been central to Emily’s life. ‘I got my first horse when I was 15, and I still have her 20 years later’ she says. ‘I went on to study equine science at Hartpury University, and my understanding of their anatomy and physiology has really helped in allowing me to capture their structure and movement accurately. Horses are just the most beautiful animals – elegant, powerful and strong – and that combination is endlessly inspiring.
‘As a professional artist, I’m used to the costs involved in showing and selling artwork. One late night, I was thinking about the piece, and it struck me: instead of sharing the profits with a gallery, why not share them with an equine charity? The idea gave me goosebumps – that half the proceeds from my painting could go towards saving horses’ lives! I started researching equine charities and was immediately drawn to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary. Their energy is so positive, and the team are true go-getters who are always thinking creatively about how to give their horses the best possible care. When I visited the Sanctuary’s Totnes site in Devon, I was so impressed by how professional, clean, and welcoming the Sanctuary was. It felt like the perfect fit.’
Dawn Vincent, our Director of Fundraising and Communications says she hopes the sale of the painting will aid in the charity’s mission to care for more than 550 rescued equines. ‘We’ve been lucky in the past to have been supported by some incredible artists and are so grateful for Emily’s generous offer. We all feel moved by the beauty of her art. Her deep connection with horses shines through in her paintings, and her support will certainly impact the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of horses in need.’
We’ve seen how spending time in nature with horses and ponies has incredible therapeutic benefits. We run ‘Wellness in Nature’ events (see our events page for details) and provide equine-assisted sessions for children, young people and adults who may find life challenging. Emily herself acknowledges the calming influence horses provide: ‘Horses are my therapy’ she says. ‘Spending time mucking out, grooming, or just being on the yard with other people is incredibly grounding. Horses have an amazing ability to read your emotions and reflect them back to you. There’s something so peaceful and calming about their presence, the sound of them chewing hay, the tactile nature of grooming, and caring for them – it all helps me feel more present, focused, and connected. It’s satisfying physically too, moving, working, and looking after such a vulnerable creature. Every time I leave the yard, I feel better than when I arrived. For me, horses are the ultimate mental and emotional reset.’
We’ve seen how spending time in nature with horses and ponies has incredible therapeutic benefits. We run ‘Wellness in Nature’ events (see our events page for details link) and provide equine-assisted sessions for children, young people and adults who may find life challenging. Emily herself acknowledges the calming influence horses provide: ‘Horses are my therapy’ she says. ‘Spending time mucking out, grooming, or just being on the yard with other people is incredibly grounding. Horses have an amazing ability to read your emotions and reflect them back to you. There’s something so peaceful and calming about their presence, the sound of them chewing hay, the tactile nature of grooming, and caring for them – it all helps me feel more present, focused, and connected. It’s satisfying physically too, moving, working, and looking after such a vulnerable creature. Every time I leave the yard, I feel better than when I arrived. For me, horses are the ultimate mental and emotional reset.’
The auction is expected to generate strong interest, with similar works from Emily’s collection previously selling for between £1,000 and £2,000.
How to take part in the auction
The online sealed bid auction is taking place on Emily’s website:
https://emilyjohnsonfineart.co.uk
Supporters can also see ‘Esperanza’ in person at:
The auction will close on 14 December, so we encourage anyone interested to place their bid soon.
