Jim Reno (1929-2008), "Cow Pony", bronze, 25 x 30.5 x 15"

Provenance: A Spring Branch, Texas collection

Jim Reno was a sculptor of western subjects, especially horses' unique personalities and realistic movements. Other themes for Reno were historical figures including Robert Justus Kleberg Jr., founder of the King Ranch; Comanche Indian leader Quanah Parker; and famed cattleman Charles Goodnight. His work "Dreams and Memories" was commissioned in honor of the Texas Sesquicentennial. Reno grew up in New Castle, Indiana, riding racehorses and polo ponies and developed a special affection for them. He showed early artistic talent and attended the John Herron Art Institute on a five-year scholarship. Beginning in the 1950s and 1960s, he was able make a living from sculpting when owners of champion horses began choosing him to do portraits. In 1973, Reno did the official bronze portrait for Penny Tweedy of Triple Crown winner Secretariat. The sculpture, titled Secretariat---31 Lengths, is in the permanent collection of the National Museum of Racing at Saratoga, New York, and was featured at the White House when President Ford hosted the Irish State Dinner. Other horse-race subjects include Mr. San Peppy, Dash-for-Cash, Spend-a-Buck and Doc O'Lena. Reno served six terms as president of the National Cutting Horse Association. The sculptor had a Kerrville ranch on which he raised cutting horses. In 2005, the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville held an exhibition of work by Reno that portrayed scenes of Texas history, modern ranch activities, rodeo contests and polo games.