Brady Willette's Gorgeous "Crow War Pony-1" Framed Print will Take Your Breath Away. Answer a Few Quick Questions from Triple Crown, The Crown Jewel of Equine Nutrition and be Entered to Win!

When American Indians spotted the first Spanish explorers mounted on horseback in the year 1540, many where terrified. Assuming that man and horse were actually one creature, the appearance of these frightening "monsters," gave the Spaniards leverage to prevail during clashes. While a new sight for the Indians, horses actually originated in North America around 50 million years earlier, disappearing from the landscape in approximately 10,000 B.C., during an extended cooling-off period (along with many other large mammals).

Because horses had migrated to both Asia and Europe across the Bering Strait (which once connected Alaska and Siberia) they not only survived, but flourished. Many were domesticated by a variety of civilizations, including Europeans who sent expeditions to colonize the New World. Because of explorers such as Columbus, Coronado and Desoto, the horse was reintroduced to its native country during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Fast forward to the 1600-1700's, The Pueblo Indians, forced into servitude by the explorers, ultimately revolted, laying claim to the dispossessed Spaniards' property, including their horses. The Indians quickly became proficient in utilizing horses to hunt, completely revolutionizing their culture. Prior to using horses, American Indians had hunted buffalo on foot, using dogs as pack animals. This successful new partnership launched an era of independence, strength and wealth. Highly motivated, the Indians bred enormous herds, which came to be known as "Horse Nation."

Brady Willette Honors the History of Horse Nation, with His Elegant "War Pony" Series.

Brady Willette, a longtime commercial photographer, grew up fascinated by the skills of the Indian warriors and their remarkable relationships with their equine partners. Compelled to honor this extraordinary era through his art, Brady was fortunate to find a number of American Indian collaborators for his visionary "War Pony," series. Among them was a member of the Crow Tribe, Kennard Real Bird, one of the few American Indians who helped preserve the legacy of "on-body horse painting."

Decorated Paint Horse Being Prepped For Brady's War Pony Photo-Shoot.

Brady and Ken joined forces, hoping to create some uniquely evocative images. Ken, a renowned artist in his own right, who also raises bucking horses, decorated a pale palomino paint horse with historically significant yellow, blue and red markings. "Ken blew me away with the body painting on this paint gelding," Brady stated. "Just photographing the horse was fascinating. I had to be quick to capture its fire and intensity."

After the drive home, Brady finessed the selected photos that would eventually become known as "Crow War Pony-1." This process required several days of editing: removing backgrounds, combining elements of different shots and painting in new backgrounds. According to Brady, "This project was a lot bigger than me. I felt this driving force, pushing me towards something greater than myself. The finished product had to be genuinely moving, resonating with the War Pony's spirit of freedom. 30 years creating emotionally dynamic images for ad and design agencies gave me both the desire and ability to faithfully capture this vision." "Crow War Pony-1," is featured in the "A Song For the Horse Nation," exhibit currently running at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Brady's image is also featured as a banner announcing the exhibit. Crow War Pony-1 is one of two of Brady's images that are included in the Smithsonian's NMAI permanent collection.

Brady Willette's "Sioux War Pony-1." One of Several Images in the War Pony Series.

Win This Beautiful War Pony Print by Celebrated Photographer, Brady Willette. As one of a limited edition of framed prints, the "Crow War Pony-1," is valued at $1200.00 and sure to become a treasured heirloom. Don't miss out on this chance to win! To enter the contest, click here to fill out the brief questionnaire. We'll be accepting entries until Sept. 7th, 2012. We will announce the winner on Sept. 10th, 2012.

Enter to Win! Brady Willette's "Crow War Pony 1." One of 150 Limited Edition Prints in the Series.

The Long Running Exhibition "A Song for the Horse Nation-Horses in Native American Cultures," Remains On Display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. until January 7th, 2013.