Self-guided walk at Hubbard Museum of the American West, Ruidoso Downs, NM
N 33° 19.886 W 105° 35.792
13S E 444483 N 3688189
There are 8 stops along this self-guided walk, located at the Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Waymark Code: WMCZY9
Location: New Mexico, United States
Date Posted: 10/31/2011
Views: 13
There are 8 very prominent statues of horses, all larger than life, displayed as they race around a mounded hill alongside Hwy I-70, in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Each horse has its own interpretive sign that provides the history and importance of its breed and its past or current importance to man.
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Details from some of the interpretive signs:
The Thoroughbred Horse
Considered the aristocrat of horse racing, the Thoroughbred supports a multi-national racing industry. The term "thoroughbred" implies three hundred years of genetic uniformity which traces the sources of English stock to selected Arabian bloodlines. This master of the turf evolved in England long beofre other countries developed an appreciation for racing. Beyond the oval, Thoroughbreds are powerful contenders in jumping, dressage, and other show events. The physical ability, stamina, and courage of the Thoroughbred distinguish its refinded lines which, when introducted into other breeds, exert an unmistakable influence.
The American Quarter Horse.
The American Quarter Horse orignaed in colonial times and earned its name from his superiority in races of a quarter mile. Its reputation as cow horse was established long before the formation, in 1949, of the American Quarter Horse Association, the largest equine breed registry in the world. With more than three million registrants, the American Quarter Horse is the world's most popular breed. The speed, agility, and strength of Amercian Quarter Horses, combined with their exceptional intelligence, make them well-suited for every activity. The world's richest Amercan Quarter Horse race, the All American Futurity, is run at nearby Ruidoso Downs every Labor Day.
The American Paint Horse
The origins of the Paint Horse in North America can be traced to the two-toned horses introduced by the Spanish explorers. Some escaped to create herds of wild horses. Captured and gentled, they were cherished by the finest horsemen of the Wester frontier. Breeders gradually improved the conformation and athleticism of these horses, creating the modern American Paint Horse. While a colorful coat is essential to the identity of the breed, American Paint Horses hae strict bloodline requirements and a distinctive stock horse body type. An athletic conformation, natural intelligence, and a willing disposition make the American Paint Horse an ideal partner for all professional and backyard riding.
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Details of the artist & statues:
"Free Spirits at Noisy Water" Dave McGary 1995
These 8 bronze statues were created by Dave McGary and installed on a hill next to the Hubbard Museum of American History, in 1995, in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Titled "Free Spirits at Noisy Creek", the $1.5 million dollar grouping of horse statues includes a total of 8 horses, lead by a 2 ton Thoroughbred that is balanced on a single hoof as he races across the ground. In all, there are five horses that are balanced on just one leg, and one horse (the Paint mare) is completely airborne. Each horse weighs between 3,000-5,000 pounds.
Fee?: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Approximate Time to Finish: 1/2 hour
Addtional Website URL: [Web Link]
Brochure or Interpretive Signs: Interpretive Plaques/Signs
Rate the Walk: 
Wherigo Cartridge: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
A picture at the start of the Trail or Walk is greatly appreciated. Additional photos taken during the course of the walk would also be of great benefit.
If there does not appear to be a defined beginning to the trail or walk, pick a logical place (e.g. close to parking) or where information about the walk or trail can be gathered.