5 Horse Statues You Must See

Horses are beautiful and graceful animals that keep amazing us with their power, speed and elegance. They have been by our side since the very dawn of human civilization. Pulling heavy ploughs and carriages, taking soldiers to war and entertaining the public with incredible stunts, horses have proved to be our loyal companions while still retaining their wild, unbridled nature. Is it any wonder their image is so widely exploited in art? These awesome horse statues are sure to take your breath away!

• - The Condottiere Gattamelatta by Donatello, Padua

Although the statue is meant to commemorate condottiere Gattamelatta, the leader of the mercenaries in Renaissance, the horse definitely steals the show from its rider. Carved in bronze by the skillful hand of one of the world’s finest sculptors, it emanates calmness and power emphasizing similar qualities in the general that rises on its back.

• - Colleoni by Verrocchio, Venice

Portraying another Italian condottiere, this marvelous horse statue lives and breathes before your eyes. The rider and his horse seem to be moving; Colleoni twists and leans back in the saddle pushing the stirrups and the horse responds by making a step forward. The proportions and positions are captured with a great degree of realism giving us a glimpse of Colleoni’s grandeur.

• - The Quadriga of Victory by Johann Gottfried Schadow, Berlin

On top of the Brandenburg Gate, you can see a magnificent chariot drawn by four horses with the goddess of Victory in it. Carrying an olive wreath, she supposedly signifies might and peace. During Napoleon’s occupation of Berlin, the statue was seized and taken to Paris, but subsequently returned making it even more symbolic for Germany.

• - The Horse Tamers by Peter Clodt von Jurgensburg, St. Petersburg

This spectacular group of monuments showing untamed horses handled by their riders decorate four corners of the Anichkov Bridge. Tense, dramatic silhouettes, incredible dynamics and plasticity make these statues one of the most recognizable sights of the city. In this breathtaking confrontation of wild ferocity and unbending will, a new, powerful partnership is born.

• - Big Ben and Ian Miller, Perth, Ontario

The tribute to Canadian equestrian champion Ian Millar and his faithful horse Big Ben depicts the inseparable duo in full flight over a 5,5 foot jump. Big Ben has showed great sports results and won the hearts of all Canadians before he died just one year short of the second millennium. The statue is mounted on the bank of the Tay River, near Ian’s home and Ben’s resting place.