But he’s not IN the equestrian world, and hasn’t been for a good few years. He doesn’t ride, own, compete, teach, or volunteer at his local equestrian events. The only thing he’s got is his fantastical rage journal, which he oddly chose to publish.
Which he would turn around into more ‘evidence’ that the horse world is corrupt, can’t handle ‘the truth’, bullies for freezing him out and will no one recognize his genius before he cuts off his ear and gives it to the great-great-granddaughter of Gabrielle Berlatier.
I did not see him at Dressage at Devon this evening. Granted, I only took one tour through the vendors but I missed him if he was there. So sorry because I really wanted to see that T-shirt.
No idea, but SW (Nick’s bestest buddy) of Dressage Hub made Heather a target. This is a search of “Heather Blitz Dressage”. 6 of the first 8 results in videos are by DH/SW, and are denigrating Heather. Paragon was singled out as “lame”, every other horse apparently just hates her.
I loved the way the blue in the trees was used for the people’s clothing as well. And the brush strokes for the woman’s hair were so thick and heavy - like it was paint used as plaster for 3D. I’m not doing it justice or explaining it well.
I have just realized I am a Grand Prix Dressage Master trainer too! And all along, I’ve been thinking I was just a lowly 2nd level amateur. I found these old pics of my stallion doing the airs…both levade and a courbette! That gives me the credentials to give clinics all over the world now!!! Yay!
But back to Van Gogh. Years ago, my sister and I finally made it to the Metropolitan Museum of Art… we split up at the front door and agreed to meet there in 3 hours. I wandered around with my inner art history geekness on full alert. Every corner I came around was like seeing an old friend again. I once did an Art History paper (kind of like a dissection) on Rosa Bonheur’s “The Horse Fair” - but was not prepared for how BIG it actually was - an entire wall… about 8’ x 16’… I was amazed.
There was a Van Gogh of irises that got my attention. I got closer and closer, lost in the thick glossy brush strokes, the overlapping swirls of colors - and an actual brush hair stuck in there after all these years… when a security guard tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to back up.
Getting verycloselikethat was very wrong but what can I say - I was caught up in the moment. The guard just smiled at me and said that people did that all the time.
We met at the front desk after our designated 3 hours… agreed to have a pricey lunch there (sitting at the feet of a Rodin) and then resume our explorations for more hours…