A collaboration between an artist and a Lake District stables will raise money for its vital work.
Calvert Stables, near Keswick, provides accessible riding and trap driving for residential and community riders.
Over the past six months, Cumbrian-based artist Victoria Knipe, known professionally as VK Oils, has worked with The Lake District Calvert Trust to create a collection of paintings inspired by the stables’ horses.
The paintings have been turned into the Hearts and Hooves collection – greeting cards, miniature prints, limited edition prints and even a range of hoodies.
Victoria said: “I’ve always admired the incredible work The Lake District Calvert Trust does and I wanted to give something back.
“The bond between these horses and the people they help is truly inspiring — it’s been a joy to bring that to life as a painting. This collaboration is a chance for people to take home a piece of meaningful art while supporting a cause that touches so many lives.”
A percentage of every sale will go straight back to The Lake District Calvert Trust, helping to care for the horses and support the staff who make have a daily impact on so many.
The funds raised from this artistic endeavour will help support a wide range of the charity’s activities — from pony clubs to tea and trot sessions, pony mindfulness sessions to carriage driving weekends.
Lou Hogan, stables manager, said: “We were blown away when Victoria approached us with her idea for Hearts and Hooves.
“We’re extremely lucky that the work of the Lake District Calvert Trust inspires so many people to give their time, expertise and hard-earned pennies to support out work.
“Victoria is no exception – we’re very much hoping that this unique collaboration will be a hit with our supporters both near and far, she’s caught the ponies’ personalities beautifully in her art and there are some lovely stocking fillers in there!”
The collection is available to purchase online and in person.
The cards, prints and hoodies will be available to buy at Calvert Lakes and Calvert Stables, Lowes Court Gallery in Egremont, Gather Ennerdale and online at vkoils.com
Calvert Stables is a British Horse Society and Riding for the Disabled Association approved riding establishment.
