The Art Museum at the University of Kentucky will stage an exhibition on the horse in American Art to coincide with the World Equestrian Games in 2010.
It says the exhibition, entitled Hoofbeats and Heartbeats, will be the first significant exhibition to critically examine the role of the horse in American art, history and culture.
More than 50 paintings and sculptures from museums across the country will be assembled to reflect four themes: The horse as a symbol of the hero, as an emblem of freedom, the horse at work, and the horse in people's hearts.
It will be accompanied by a 100-page scholarly catalogue with 50 colour reproductions and contributions by prominent art historians.
The museum said horses have played a crucial role in building the United States. They have carried generals into battle, forged the trail of westward expansion, hustled for cowboys, and sprinted under jockeys for cheering fans.
"As such, horses become a meaningful part of American cultural identity symbolising heroism, wildness, hard work, and prosperity," the museum said.
"In art, the image of the horse reflects many larger political, cultural, and philosophical concerns of American society.
"This exhibition seeks to survey both the image of the horse in American art and how it reflects aspects of the nation's development."
Exhibition sponsors to date include The Friends of the Art Museum, The Keeneland Foundation, The Marquard Foundation, Wimbledon Farm, and University of Kentucky Healthcare.
The exhibition will run from August 22 to November 21.
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