"Stable" History:
Mystic Meadows originally began in the historic village of Mystic, Connecticut. In 1994, my birthday brought the arrival of Breyer's model of the famous Chincoteague pony mare, Misty and her chestnut pinto filly Stormy. The third model in my stable was the first model I bought on my own: the Traditional Man O' War for $25 when I was 13.
You may remember us from our original internet home on Angelfire in the late 1990s.
Back then, I was heavily involved in S/D lists, a project that I haven't done in recent years.
In August 1999, I held my first (and to date, my only) photo show. It was wonderful to see so many beautiful models and set-ups, but I found that indecisive me had a very difficult time judging!
After a few slow years of collecting during and immediately after college, I discovered the joys of live showing and made some wonderful connections in the Region 10 community. For a few years I showed in the Intermediate division at an annual show in Vermont, competing in both halter and performance classes. One of my proudest moments was when my Limerick "Dream of Dublin" won Reserve Champion in Intermediate Performance. He competed in classes including hunter hack, hunter under saddle, gymkhana (stepping stones) and medieval costume. The tack for the medieval set-up was all made by me using genuine leather and buckles from Rio Rondo.
Since transitioning to the Open Division in 2011, I have been competing in Halter classes only, mostly for my sanity. :) Having Lyme, I also find it much easier to handle - even so, I often find it a challenge not to miss any classes or get horses in the pony pound. Thankfully other showers have been really understanding.
I especially enjoy showing horses that I have painted. There is no greater feeling in the hobby, to me at least, then receiving a rosette for workmanship on a horse I created. It is validation to me that I'm meant to be painting.
In
2011, my best friend Sharon Mossy's love for resins corrupted me, and I
soon found myself with my first resins: a Peter Stone Santa Fe and a Kilimanjaro. Since then, it seems the resins are breeding as the number keeps growing!
My collection now numbers way over 200 models, including OF plastic, OF china, OF resin, customs and artist resins. The "stable" is currently based in northern Vermont.
It all started in mid-2011, when I began experimenting with pastels at a Vermont model horse get-together. Talented equine artist Mindy Berg graciously let me try her pastels with encouragement and gentle guidance. My first project was a G1 Morgan mare in silver dapple. Almost immediately I became enthralled with this "new" medium and haven't looked back since! Named "Love At First Sight," that first horse has gone on to earn over 17 NAN cards, several Championship rosettes in competitive Region X open classes and even a NAN Top Ten Workmanship in 2013!
To my utter surprise and immense delight, two of my Breyer customs won awards at my model debut at the North American Nationals. At July 2012's NAN I only had 4 models proxied, and two came home with awards: a Reserve National Champion title for "MMS Stargazer" and Top Ten for Breed AND Top Ten in Workmanship for "MMS Love's First Kiss." Success was repeated in 2013, with 9 NAN Top Ten's rosettes!
The response to my first customs was so encouraging, in 2013 I opened up my books for a limited number of commissions for the very first time.
I feel absolutely blessed and honored that horses I create are enjoyed by others. Thank you to all my friends and hobby buddies for encouraging me!
About the Artist:
I derive great pleasure from writing, drawing, painting and photography. No matter my medium, the beloved subjects that arise most often are horses, rabbits and the natural environment. You can view my canvas paintings and photography at: www.natureheartstudio.com
In 2004 I graduated with Departmental Honors from the University of Vermont with a BA in English and minor in Animal Sciences.
I am the willing slave to two amazing house rabbits, Squirrel and Solstice. The joy they share with me is boundless.
Having suffered from Lyme disease since 2002, I strive to bring greater awareness to this challenging illness. I thank God for the gift of art, allowing me to have a purpose that hopefully touches others' hearts with beauty.
All site content and photographs copyright Karen J. Lloyd unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction or use is illegal without express written consent.