Millennium Holy Dog
The Blue Rider - Minot, ND
16"x 22", Acrylic
2000

Composed during a major historical advancement into the new Millennium, and major changes in the artist's life. This composition is designed with First Nation icons and vibrant "Expressionism" style to reflect the progression of a traditional people to a contemporary evolution in time. This Piece is owned by the renown Expressionist Walter Piehl Jr. and resides in the Blue Rider in Minot ND with other Artist's work such as the late Fritz Scholder.  Walter's mentorship and approach to design was a inspirational model for Black Pinto Horse to expand in color and style.

Goes Ahead, a Crow Scout that served with the Seventh Cavalry during the Battle of Little Big Horn, in June, 1876, was born in 1852 along, what the French fur traders refer to as the Flat river(commonly known today as the Platte River, as the Crow were fleeing the small pox epidemics).

In the depiction of this piece, the overall design is reminiscent of traditional Crow imagery.  12 orange stripes denote his first coups on an enemy tribe at the tender age of 12. The 2 blue/white rectangles symbolize the 2 enemy horses that were taken on the raid.  4 triangles represent the 4 directions and the two larger triangles are heaven and earth. The red and white paint Horse is decorated in celebratory regalia to signify that he was the first to return from the raid as a Man (Warrior) that gained honor among his people.

I am dancing to the voice of my father, Thunder
10" x 15", Oil and Acrylic on canvas
2009

Spring time is the rebirth of life to Mother Earth and to all living beings. In many First Nation traditions, the sound of thunder signals the beginning of spring and the sound of life returning.  Lighting is the visual power of life sent from the heavens. Four flowers blooming with blue backgrounds represent the sacredness of the four stages of life and the holiness of the heavens and the life of mankind.As decorated horses are associated with a Warrior’s honor, bravery, accomplishments and divine protective powers, a Warrioir too celebrates life and the powers that bring life.

Make Inquiries with Blackfeet Heritage Gallery, 406.338.5661 , Browning MT

Crow Moon Pony
8" x 12", Oil on canvas
2009
*private collector, Nixa MO

Crow moon pony represents a tribute to the last full moon of the end of winter before the beginning of spring; the reentering of life back to mother earth. A melting blanket of white, uncovers mother earth and releases her from her sleep, and the sound of cawing crows during this season annunciates the planting season for Native American plains tribes. The Dancing pony symbolizes the celebratory beginning of the return of life to mother earth. The background is designed with traditional crow or Apsáalooke tribal designs and colors. The Crow nation call themselves, Apsáalooke which means "children of the large-beaked bird." White men later misinterpreted the word as "Crow," a name given to them by their neighboring tribe, the Hidatsa.

"Spotted Elk Pony" 
Oil on canvas with beadwork and elks teeth
2008
*private collector, Indiannapolis IN   

A part of the Calling of the Ponies series, Spotted Elk Pony demonstrates the renaissance concept of diagonal line usage and the ascension to divine grace. This usage collaborates European renaissance technique and Native American natural symbol, the Elk, a source of subsistence to the tribes. The Elk nation much like the buffalo is revered by the native American plains tribes and is also honored as a gift from the creator. As the spring brings life to the world after a long winters nap, the Elk herds bring new life among their nation.  These newborn elk are spotted and their presence represents new life, innocence and the hope for future generations.

"Borrowing Nez Perce Ponies"  
20" x 10 ", oil and acrylic on canvas 
2008
private collector, Three Forks MT

Hundreds of years prior to the birth of the United States flag, The Eagle staff a revered symbol waved proudly among the plains tribes and represented Indigenous tribal people.

On July 4, 1960, the United States 50 star Flag became the official symbol a newly established country by executive order of President Eisenhower.

The Bald Eagle is a symbol that has been revered by the Indigenous tribes for hundreds of years and is now a symbol of the United States.  “The bald eagle was chosen June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the United States of America, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on this continent.”

Today, many tribal nations have designed and adopted cloth flags to represent their nations, although the eagle staff is the symbol that is recognized and unifies all indigenous nations today.

"War Shield and Many Colored Horses"
7" X 14",  Mixed Medium; Oil, acrylic, wood and rawhide
2008
private collector, Sheridan WY

This piece is inspired by the pictographic depiction of horses of many colors. These sacred animals have played a significant role in the protection and survival of the tribal nations. Accounts of horses giving their very lives and protecting their masters/friends by enemies, wounded buffalo or the horses themselves, traveling hundred of miles home in unknown territory, wounded, to find its home with the people.

"Entering a Journey"
18" x 24", Mixed Medium; acrylic, oil and beads on pre-stretched canvas
*private collector, Sheridan WY     

“Entering a Journey” was composed in Southwestern Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes as part of an art project with several area high schools. This piece was designed to demonstrate to participants the coming of age and stepping into ones own space in the world. The decorated painted pony is stepping into a constructed journey of color, vision, truth, choice. The overall composition of the three beaded rectangles, painted horse, four squares and Eagle feather are reference to symbolic techniques of Renaissance painters and the usage of diagonal lines and levels of achievement in life.

"Head of the Heard, Lead Pony"16" x 30", Mixed Medium; Oil, beads, quilled medicine wheel     

The theme of this piece was to communicate to my audience the very intimate change of life or “Rites of Passage” of a young man to adulthood as he takes his place among his people. Directly centered is the Medicine wheel with outreaching designed beadwork connecting both the light of the heavens and mystery of the night.

The undecorated pony represents the innocence of the child and the eagle feather above symbolizes the beginning of the passage (spiritual naming).  An eagle staff signifies the beginning acts of selflessness rather than selfishness, among his people. The decorated pony represents the change into manhood.  Reins and feather denotes that his path is controlled by the one truth.

"Soldier Pony, I'm the only one who came home"
10" X 12",  Mixed Medium; Oil, acrylic, wood and rawhide   
*private collector, Browning MT       

The Sacred Dog (Horse) was a trusted companion to the Native American/First Nation tribes and more speciffically their Scouts and warriors. The bond between them was so intimate and personal that it was reveered as a spiritual partnership. This partnership is spoken of  in the Arikara "Bears Trail Song";" I'm the only one who came home" this songs pays tribute to one of two survivors of the Battle of Little Big Horn.

"Young Hawk Ponies"
26" x 31",  Mixed Medium; Oil, elks teeth, quill work medicine wheel and beaded feathers

Congress took what some saw as the final step on June 2, 1924 and granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States.” The granting of citizenship was not a response to some universal petition by American Indian groups. Rather, it was a move by the federal government to absorb Indians into the mainstream of American life. No doubt Indian participation in World War I accelerated the granting of citizenship to all Indians, but it seems more likely to have been the logical extension and culmination of the assimilation policy. After all, Native Americans had demonstrated their ability to assimilate into the general military society. There were no segregated Indian units as there were for African Americans. Some members of the white society declared that the Indians had successfully passed the assimilation test during wartime, and thus they deserved the rewards of citizenship.”(Nebraska Studies.org)

"Red Earth Ponies"
16" x 30 ", Mixed Medium; Oil, quill work medicine wheel and beads

These four xaapa´hat-Bay Horses are traveling on a green path which represents growth on earth and in the heavens. Seven hoof prints acknowledge the 6 directions and the seventh, being the human nations. A red hand print represents to understanding of the divine presence and the gift of the sacred dog to the people. Two spirit lights symbolize the male and female relationship joined t to insure the future of the upcoming generations. The quill work medicine wheel hosts the powers of all directions and four color nations that exists in the world.

"First Woman, A Flower Among Many"
12" x 16", Mixed Medium; Oil and beads

Tiger lilies are flowers that grew wild among many flowers in the Dakota plains where we lived and were a special gift given to her when I returned from my travels on horseback.

The first women are very special individuals that stand out first among all the other flowers. The white horse is from our Great-Grandfather "Yellow Bird" ,He was a member of the Ghost Society and keeper of a horse medicine bundle. I was told that he would send a white horse to protect us from harm.
 
This work also is a tribute to my sister Nelrene the first born of our family and one of the very special individuals that inspired and encouraged me to create art; I love you both so very much. Do your best and set the example for the rest to follow.

Make inquiries with Blackfeet Heritage Gallery, (406) 338.5661

"Three Rivers Horse Trade"   *private collector, Sheridan WY
14" x 20", Oil

Trading goods and horses among tribes of the upper Missouri was many times contingent on the relationship between the tribes. More commonly war parties attacked enemy villages and settlements in the hope of attaining goods and horses. These raids also served as rites of passage for young men to groom them as future protectors of the villages and families as well as leadership among the tribe.  This piece, Three Rivers Horse Trade depicts the exception of warring tribes, instead this is a time of peace. The converging of these three water ways to the one truth, represented by the feather is where this trade of the Holy dog takes place.

Make inquiries with the Underbrush Gallery, (701) 235.2228

A piece collaborated by Black Pinto Horse and wife Emily.

"Four Dance Ponies"
20" X 28", Mixed Media; Oil, quill work medicine wheel and horsehair
*private collector, Austria 

Composed above the four ponies are 6 adorned eagle feathers attached to multi-colored Medicine Wheel, together they represent the “Chief that sits Above” an Arikara translation for our creator, six feathers denotes the direction; North, East, South, West, Heavenly direction, Mother Earth. The medicine wheel symbolizes the four nations of man and the center of the Universe.  Eight squares are divided to both sides of the composition to demonstrate that both heavenly bodies are present - blue squares, as well as enlightenment – yellow squares.

Spotted Horse Trail
12" X 20", Oil
*private collector, Pelican Rapids, MN

Enlightenment
21" X 36", Mixed; Oil, Quill Work and Horsehair
*private collector, Minot, ND

This piece is designed to portray the journey and ascension of one’s internal self to enlightenment, much like the symbolism used by artists of the High Renaissance Era. These renaissance artists utilized diagonal composed subjects to demonstrate the ascension of man to god. Enlightenment used images, colors, symbols and mixed media similar to that of the Calling of the Ponies Series,This collaboration of media demonstrates the ascension of the inner self/outer self represented by two Buckskin paint horses that are on a journey to enlightenment. These two paint horses travel in the direction of a single feather and the medicine wheel which represent the one truth, and all that reside within (the universe). Red is the blood of all living beings, blue is the heavenly body that exists in all of life, white is the purity and yellow is enlightenment. 

Elk Soldier Ponies
32" x 26", Mixed; Oils, Acrylics, and Simulated Elk Teeth

Night Thunder Pony
29" x 32", Mixed; Oils, Horse Hair, and Beadwork
*private collector Lawrence, KS

Night Thunder Pony uses blues to demonstrate a heavenly presence during a journey at night. The journey trail is enlightened by Grandmother Moon.  A lone Yellow horse references the horse that raced the Buffalo and saved the people and restored the order of man. The Arikara tradition of the Yellow Horse comes from the south direction and the thunder beings and our past relations come from the Southeast. Four medallions with horse hair commemorate the Holy Dog Nation.

Grandma's Quill Ponies
20" x 24", Oils
*private collector, Australia

Grandma’s quill ponies signify a window in time that recognizes the compassion, wisdom and patience of our Grand Mothers. The window of time reflects the traditional application of quillwork used to adorn the garments of the First Nation plains tribes. A skill passed on from the Grandmothers to the young women that entailed traditional teachings of life and esthetic beauty in its creation. One feather represents the one truth that exists in all of life. Four vertical squares signify the transition of the ever changing blood of the people the two red horses are the acknowledgement of companionship. Four Blue lines are a signature that the Artist was in the center of the four directions (universe) during the time of this creation.

This piece is a tribute to Wolf Trail, the artist’s father and the sacred horse bundles. Wolf Trail’s favorite horses were Blue Roan horses. Seven virtues depicted as Blue Roan war ponies are dispatched from the lodge of “The Chief that sits above”. Love, Compassion, Courage, Honor, Resiliency, Wisdom, and Faith.

Night Raid
34 1/4 " x 40"
Mixed; Oils, Beadwork, and Horse Hair

The large red stripe across the middle represents the bloodstream of humanity. These seven virtues are on a journey in the cover of darkness to bring their gifts to the (sáhniŝ) people. The Northern lights in each square are the spirits from the past that are lighting the way for the horses. Six faint feathers are symmetrically placed around the shield; these feathers are symbolic of the subtle life presence of the six directions.  The ribbons hanging from the feathers represent the male and the female.  The shield is marked with the hand print of the “Holy Father” (atíAx waaRUxti). The beaded horsehair coming from the hand print is the insignia of the Sacred Dog (the Horse Nation).

Make inquiries with Blackfeet Heritage Gallery, (406) 338.5661

The ascension of seven Red ponies arrive in the wake of the morning, from the sacred Chief Mountain. These ponies are bearing the gift of song to the people fasting and in prayer. The words echo, “Chief Mountain you are the Red Thunder, pray for your children”.

Red Thunder Ponies 
20” x 36 3/16”, Oils

The seven Red ponies are marked for battle outlined with black to display the great mystery. The circle around the eyes are to see the enemy in battle, four coups marks on the face are the markings of the four directions, Lighting on the legs are the markings of the Red Thunders. The one blue feather represents the one truth sent from the heavens.  This piece is in honor of those who sacrifice for the sake of the people.

Make inquiries with the Underbrush Gallery, (701) 235.2228

The Lodge or House of the Whistles, This is the Arikara translation for the Sundance Ceremony.“ The Arikara claim that this was a hard dance, for they had to dance four days and nights without eating or drinking.  Strikes Enemy (Arikara) danced this dance several times,” Murie. The Ceremony consisted of fasting, prayer, dancing and sacrifice for the benefit of the People. This depiction by Black Pinto Horse is of six horses (sacred dog) on a journey to the Lodge of the Whistles; each of them having unique parts to represent the people. The lead purple paint horse has one Eagle feather from its mouth - the one Truth. The Second Black Pinto Horse with the Red hand print on the shoulder - Touch the Enemy and surrounded by mystery. The Third Green Paint Horse with the shield marked by the buffalo is the strength and protection – spiritual growth. The Fourth Blue Paint Horse with the four feathers and the sign of lightning – from heaven and the elements from all four directions.

The Journey to the Lodge of the Whistles
23" x 36" - Oils
*private collector Jamestown, ND

The Fifth Green Paint Horse with the spear and two Eagle feathers – symbolize justice of the two worlds.  The Sixth Blue Paint Horse is the pure nature of innocence. All six Horses are marked on the nose with the four directions and a circle around their eyes to better see the enemy. The Bluish/Green diagonal Eagle feather with the red hand print on it represents the unbalance ness of our society as spiritual based people. The hand print is the ownership to our own unbalanced status and the responsibility to change this through prayer and sacrifice. The Tree of life represents both the enemy of this ceremony as well as the past, present and future nations. The Four Squares represent the directions and the small white dots are the pure nature of these directions. Spirit lights of the relatives that have passed on, shine on a biomorphic background of chaos as they pity us in this life.

Mahalo Ponies
16" x 20", Oils
Private Collector - Devils Lake ND

Mahalo means thank you in Hawaiian and this piece is a tribute to "Iwa La Ni" (Bird of Heaven), a Hawaiian bird from heaven bringing comfort, encouragement, and prayers to share with the children of this land. Each flower represents a specific angel that guides her. The other three ponies are traveling companions. Two feathers are that of growth and calmness. The colored squares are the transition from the mystery of the past to the growth of purity.

The Partnership
16” X 30”
Mixed Media; oils, embroidery floss
Lake Region State College, Devils Lake ND

This work is from the “Calling of the Ponies” Series, and it conveys the joining of two very different lives on the same spiritual journey working with children during a time of chaos. The biomorphic application of complementary Blues with Yellows portrays the concentrated conflict within the journey. Four Horses bring about change and introduce Hope. Black Pinto Horse is surrounded in the circle of life. The two feathers represents both Emily and Monte and the joining of lives on the same path in the center of creator's universe represented by the Medicine Wheel. Small spirit lights in the composition are relatives arriving at a time of need.

Calling of the Ponies  
16” X 31”, Oils
*Four Bears Casino & Lodge in ND

The spirit lights represent our relatives from the past that are also a part of the prayer- they are asking Creator to have pity on their grandchild or child.  The background is am orphic representing the ever-changing life struggle and goodness.  The circle is symbolic of grandmother moon, the host of compassion.  The two feathers represent the two lives; one of the contemporary world and the other of traditional.  They also represent the man and the woman.  The four stripes signify the artist was centered within the four directions during the making and the completion of this piece.

Rough Rider Ponies II
24" X 30", Mixed Media; Oils, Bells
*Private Collector, Devils Lake ND

Crow Horse Woman
16” X 30”, Mixed Media; oils, bells, and cowry shells
2004
*Private Collector - Montana

Crow Horse Woman “Calling of the Ponies” Series, a tribute to the Crow horseman and the women that made them great.

Other works available for Sale: