Bleu Horses of Three Forks Montana
Bleu Horses of Three Forks Montana
I love when we find some random, awesome something. And this definitely fits that.
When we drove to the lake to boondock last week, we passed this hillside with some horses on it. As we got closer, we realized they were sculptures, and not real horses. Of course, when we are pulling the house turning around or stopping is often impossible. When we left the lake, and headed to Three Forks to the RV park, we passed them again. We realized they were very close to were we would be staying, so we went back the next day when we could just drive the truck. Prior to going, I did a quick internet search to see if there was any information about the sculpture herd.
Jim Dolan is the sculptor who created this herd of 39 steel horses. Jim is a resident of Bozeman, and has been a sculptor for many years. He had the idea of creating the horses, as a gift to Montana, but ran into difficulty finding a piece of land for the herd. He stopped in Wheat Montana one day and began talking to the owner. (By the way…if you find yourself in this part of Montana, GO to Wheat Montana) The owner agreed right then and there that Jim’s herd needed to be on a hillside that Wheat Montana owned. It’s next to Highway 287, so very visible for lots of traffic.
They were so fun to see and photograph. Their manes and tails are created from sisal rope, so they blow around if there is a breeze. The horses are full size, and some have movable heads and necks. Everyone of them is different, and has it’s own personality.
I took a lot of photos, you know me, why take 3 photos when you can take 50. Plus, who knows if we will come this way again.
This gives you an idea how big they are.
And they are so funky, I needed to do at least one photo with a funky edit, and texture.
We went back Tuesday evening because I wanted some shots with the sun going down,and there were cool clouds too. That evening there was a nice breeze, the manes were flowing, and the heads that were made to move, were moving. It was awesome.
More information, and photos can be found at the website, Bleu Horses of Montana. I would like to thank Jim Dolan for his gift of art. I hope that a lot of people take the time to stop and appreciate the gift, and admire the artwork.
Oh Mary, if only you could see my face….if only you could hear the tone of my HEART. You know how I feel about your photography, but I have to say that for ME, these are my favorites. Well ya know me…I am a hippophile, and any horse art just captures me, and your photos of these magnificent steel beasts are THE BEST. I went to their site and their photos are nice, but YOU had drama into your captures. Awesome work, and yes, taking scores of photos especially in a place you may never see again is a GOOD idea. Lovely. Just magnificent. Anita
Anita, you would have loved this. especially the evening we went back and the wind was making their heads move, and manes sway. It was awesome. And thanks so much for the wonderful compliments on the photos. It was a very fun subject to shoot.
Hello, cool sculptures! Wonderful series of images. Happy Thursday!
What amazing art! I love that photo with the sun shining through. I have been offline remodeling the lake house. But read your posts. The boo docking go bad struck a cord with me… When I was little we boo docked and was on a nest of rattlesnakes. I will never forget that!
But thank you so much for sharing this art… And your photos made it even more beautiful!
Auto correct… I am on my iPad … Boondocking!!!!!
They were amazing, so fun to see them. And a bed of snakes…Yikes! Lol I figured you meant boondocking. Gotta love auto correct.
These are so cool! What a fantastic find.
Great photos, thanks so much for sharing Mary!
I was so glad we went, twice. It was a must see for sure.
What awesome sculptures! I absolutely love them as well as your photos. What a wonderful thing for the sculptor to do, what a heartfelt gift and tribute to these beautiful animals. The idea of the flowing manes and moveable heads is brilliant. I’m awestruck. The last photo really gives us a good feel for the overall installment, it really does look like a real herd!
I was awestruck too, walking among them was just awesome. And the sculptor was incredibly generous. So much time involved with these.
Oh I would imagine that under various weather conditions, these sculptures come alive! I’d love to see their rope manes gesticulate in the wind!!!!
Beautiful sculptures and beautiful shots!
Those are amazing! What a great idea for such an open space!
OMG!!!! These are amazing. And what a beautiful legacy for everyone involved. WOW!!!! Thank you for sharing Mary. These make me want to dance!
I’m glad you loved them, I loved them too.
That is SO COOL. I can just imagine driving along and all of the sudden spotting them. I hope this helps you to like Montana just a bit more? :)
It has renewed my faith in Montana, that’s for sure.
They’re awesome! Great photos!
Amazing photos of incredible sculptures!
WOW!!! I’ve never seen anything like that, even in photos, before now. Your photos of these sculptures are awesome beyond words! I’d venture to guess you’ve finally found something that has made this roadtrip worthwhile up to this point. Maybe it has even given you a new appreciation for Montana?
Thanks so much. I enjoyed photographing them, they are pretty dang awesome. And yes, they did give me a new appreciation for Montana. It’s all about location, location.
lovely beautiful spiritual are just a few of the words that come to mind.
there was one photo that was a side view with the horses head turned toward the camera. it’s eye seem to hold such depth and realism. it caught up my breath.
how i envy your walk among them.
thank you so much for the gift of sharing them.
Comments like this make my day. I’m so glad when my readers experience what I did when photographing something. Thanks for visiting, and commenting.
Awesome spot and shots!
Nina