[Small Change]

I don't know how many of you remember, but in April of 2010, I lost my wonderful, wonderful little homebred Connemara/TB to colic. He was a spectacular little horse - he kept up with the big horses in the hunter ring, was my pocket pony, and taught me such an incredible amount about managing a foal, bringing along a young horse, and developing a hunter. I miss him tremendously and will take any opportunity to gush to anyone who might ask about him.

I talked about getting a portrait done of him "some day," both when he was alive and after he died. I was worried about picking the right artist and the right picture, but meant to tackle it eventually. Last night, my family got together for my birthday and presented me with this - Small Change.

I cried when I opened it, as the incredible Gina Hawkshaw captured him perfectly! He's now safely back in his wrapping, awaiting a date with the framing shop before I find him the perfect spot in my home. I can't thank my Dad enough for masterminding the project, Gina for her spectacular work, and the rest of my family for the parts they played in giving me a wonderful, perfect birthday gift. I keep pulling his painting out to peek at, as it's just so perfect.

[trubandloki]

What a lovely portrait!

[Satin Filly]

That's beautiful!!

[Renn/aissance]

What a gorgeous portrait!

[jen-s]

Absolutely lovely.

[meboss84]

Wow. Gorgeous.

[risky business]

Beautiful! What a lovely way to remember him.

[PaintPony]

That's AWESOME!

My mother is an artist and has done lots of painting for friends of mine that are amazing over the years. I lost my heart horse 7 years ago and had been asking her about a painting for years.

I had pretty much given up on it, but last Xmas after we had opened all of our gifts my mom brought in a HUGE portrait of the two of us together.

I seriously cried for almost an hour!

[LaurieB]

What a wonderful gift and rememberance.

[BAC]

What a wonderful birthday gift. The portrait is beautifully done, he is so handsome and has such a kind, intelligent face.

[ParadoxFarm]

That is awesome. What a great gift to someone whose horse meant so much. I am teary eyed. It really is a beautiful portrait!

[AlterHalter123]

Absolutely stunning! Wow!

[Kryswyn]

That's one beautiful pony and a gorgeous portrait. Good on your family for "gettin' it done"!

[Polydor]

Wow! Beautiful work for a gorgeous boy. I thought it was a photo at first glance.

P.

[Indy]

That's absolutely gorgeous! It looks like a photo.

[Small Change]

Thank you very much everyone! I absolutely adore the portrait - it's almost hard to believe it's so nice!

[*Southwinds*]

Beautifully done!! It looks so real. What a great way to honor him. I had one done too of my horse and it's one of my most prized possessions. You will enjoy it for years to come!

[SquishTheBunny]

Beautiful, its nice to be able to look at that painting daily and think of boy.

[pdq]

Stunning! What a lovely present!