All the Pretty Horses
by Kim Mah
landmarks
If you've ever driven the I-90 between
Spokane and Seattle, you've likely looked up at
some point near the small town of Vantage,
Washington, and glimpsed a pack of wild horses
galloping across the hilltop. These graceful
beasts are, in fact, a series of 15 life-size metal
sculptures created by local sculptor David
Govedare and installed high above the highway
some 25 years ago. Naming the piece
"Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies," Govedare
had envisioned the mystical Grandfather Spirit
setting free the ponies and giving the world a
"Great Basket bearing the gift of life." Though the
artist's plan to add a massive steel basket to the
sculptures was never realized, it's made no
difference to the site's countless visitors. The
horses' quiet majesty, on their scenic perch above
the Columbia River Gorge, has compelled many
a road-tripper to detour just for the chance to
scramble up the hillside for a closer look.
View other works by the artist at
davidgovedare.com
38 W e s t W o r l d
>>
fA l l 2 0 1 4 Septemberlegs/Alamy/All Canada Photos
