Art and Donna at Full Gallop Farm H.T. in August 2010 - 1st place open prelim. Photo by Mark Lehner (Hoofclix).
It is with a heavy heart that we report Donna Miller’s ArdCeltic Art has passed away. The 10-year-old Connemara stallion competed successfully through the CCI two-star level, most recently finishing 3rd at the Poplar Place CIC** in September and winning the open intermediate division at Kentucky Classique in August. Art impressed all who watched him compete with his eager gallop, springboard jump and eternally pricked pony ears. In addition to his many successes in the sport of eventing, he possessed a larger-than-life presence on the flat and competed through 4th level dressage with scores near 70%. Art stood at stud at Hidden Creek Horses in Alpharetta, Ga., and has produced several promising offspring, the oldest of which will be turning 5 in 2014.
Devon Brown has been one of Art’s biggest supporters throughout his eventing career, from riding him at his first beginner novice competition to taking him for a spin at the intermediate level years later. She posted on her Facebook page,
I’ll never forget the first ride I had on the little furry pony. The way he would run up to you from the very back of the pasture screaming for you the whole way. Or how he would take off in a gallop around the ring just for the fun of it while you rode him laughing uncontrollably. These memories I will cherish forever. He touched every person’s heart who met him and instantly became part of his fan club. I am grateful I got to ride him and experience his talent and love for the sport, he was one of a kind.
Art and Donna competing at Kentucky Classique in August:
EN extends our deepest condolences to all of Donna, Devon and Art’s many friends and fans. Readers are invited to leave their sympathies on Art’s Facebook page here. Go ArdCeltic Art.
