My husband and I were driving through the valley at the base ofthe Tetons when I realized what a beautiful scene was in the foreground. We stopped and I was able to get a series of photos and sketches. This scene was one of my favorites because it hada sense of majesty and peace. There were both horses and mules grazing with wildflowers in abundance.

"Tetons" 18" x 24" oil ©2015 Deborah Rae Nelson
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Rock and Roll shown by Dick Edder, owned by Elizabeth Edder of Colorado Springs, CO. I have watched Rock and Roll compete in Pueblo at the Colorado State Fair, and Denver at the Stock Show.

In times gone by, heavy work around ranches was done through the brute pulling power of these muscular horses. Communities created competitions as part of their local festivals to see whose team could pull the most weight. Horse pulling matches often became a main attraction during festivals in ranching communities. Some teams of horses can pull as much as 5 tons; 10,000 pounds.

"Rock 'n' Roll" 24” x 18” oil ©2006 Deborah Rae Nelson
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These dapple grays headed out for work to pull the 103rd Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days hay wagon and junior got to tag along. This pint-sized paint draft colt became one of the stars when he was included in the parade festivities. Many of the foals of the working drafts are herded together in a holding corral--their day care center for the day. They neigh in high-pitch squealsand kick up their heels, displaying their protest at being separated from Mom.

"And Baby Makes Three" 24” x 36” oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
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Horses' decorations can be as simple as ribbons and plaiting or as elaborate as ear coverings and medallions. Braiding the mane and tail of a horse is an important part of its decoration, requiring skill and patience on the part of both parties to get it all in place. Braiding styles vary not only from country to country but also among breeds. Sometimes styles are related to function, depending on whether a horse is hitched to a wagon or presented "in hand." This is "Bob," a black Percheron from the Willow Springs Ranch in Monument, Colorado. I have heard his owner admit that he is her "favorite" among all their stable.

“Bob” 24" x 36" oil ©2000 Deborah Rae Nelson
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Of all the heavy horses the Percheron is probably the most lively and dynamic breed, qualities which are further enhanced by a particularly friendly disposition. This breed hails from the Le Perche region in France. This particular pair is "Hoffa" and "Cleat" from the Willow Springs Ranch in Monument, Colorado. Surprisingly, Hoffa, on the left, strikes the classic pose; he is usually theclown of the group.

"Black Tie Affair" 24” x 36” oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
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This leggy young Thoroughbred colt was turned out with his mother and other mares and foals on a ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. If his nose wasn't down nibbling the tender new spring grass, it was in my camera lens or over my sketch book. He was a scamp, more interested in what I was up to than playing with his pasture friends.

"Making Ends Meet” 36” x 24” oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
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A group of riding friends and I spent a weekend in Fraser, Colorado with our horses. At dawn on Saturday morning I caught this beautiful image of Gary Wilson's Tennessee Walker gelding, PK, warming up in the arena before heading out on trail. He "thundered" just past me, hooves pounding, and I caught a seriesphotos I was able to reference for this painting. It was a rare and fleeting moment when the lighting was perfect and the moment memorable.

"Morning Thunder" 24" x 30" oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
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The American Belgians are often taller and not as heavy as their European ancestors. They are predominately chestnut in color with blond manes and tails. This pair was maneuvering an obstacle course competition at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. What a sight and sound they make as they move through the course, harness chains ringing and hooves pounding.

"Rarin' to Go" 24" x 30" oil ©1999 Deborah Rae Nelson
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This image was captured on a very crisp snowy day in Castle Rock, Colorado. Snow was actually falling at the time and lucky for me I had my camera along when these two began to frolic and romp in the winter pasture. The horses belong to two of my riding friends. The black one is Toma and the chestnut is King. They were steadfast pasture companions and King was what the name implies, "The King."

Paintings for Sale

Paintings for Sale