Picture: The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal

The "Dogwood Horse" was unveiled on Monday.

Donated by the Dogwood Foundation and standing about 15.1 hands, the horse is a depiction of the Orren Mixer painting that has been featured in AQHA advertising and promotion since 1968. The bronze sculpture of this famous horse will welcome visitors as they enter the facility when the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum reopens on June 9.

California sculptor Mehl Lawson created the 3-D version of the Dogwood Horse.

"We are honored to receive such a beautiful and significant piece of work in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame," said AQHA Executive Vice President Bill Brewer.

"This bronze will welcome visitors and is a great addition to the other beautiful bronzes at the museum. I especially want to thank the Dogwood Foundation for their continued generosity."

The Dogwood Foundation was established on June 21, 1994, by Dorothy Scott Merrill, and is administered exclusively for religious, charitable, educational and scientific purposes.

Dorothy Scott Merrill was born into the Gerber family almost 80 years ago. During her lifetime, the Gerber Products Company grew to be a nationally recognized company. In June 1994 Gerber Products Company merged with Sandoz Limited. Dorothy Scott Merrill then used certain shares of Gerber Products Company stock to fund the Dogwood Foundation.

Dorothy Scott Merrill died in September 2000. Her four children, Danielle, Kyle, Holly and Frank, continue the work of their mother by granting funds to various organizations to promote charitable or educational projects. One of the projects has been to donate funds to the American Quarter Horse Foundation.