Frequently Asked Questions

How did the event get started?

In the summer of 2002 a group of individuals began meeting to come up with a new fund raising idea for the hospital. One of the individuals had been in Chicago and seen their CowParade event. The public art concept had been catching on around the country and it seemed to be a perfect fit for our community.

Why were colts picked in 2002?

Colts are "baby" horses and, because the hospital is a children's hospital, they seemed to be a perfect fit. In addition, CHMCA boasts the only therapy pony in the United States, Petie the Pony, who actually comes into the hospital to visit patients in their rooms. Petie is serving as our official Chairhorse for the event.

What were the colts made from?

Each colt stands about 4 feet high and is 4 feet long from nose to tail. They are made of fiberglass coated with a gesso finish - to allow the artists a canvas on which to begin their work. Each colt weighs about 45 pounds.

The rearing stallion is 10 feet tall and weighs over 200 pounds. The thoroughbred is 6 feet tall and 8 feet long, weighing in at 140 pounds.

Where did they come from?

A company, Prewitt Fiberglass Animals (www.fiberglassanimals.com), located in Gibbon, Nebraska, manufactured the colts. They were shipped in batches over the winter on a flatbed trailer. Quite a sight cruising down the interstates! They were stabled at the hospital until delivered to the artists.

How many colts were there?

There are 83 colts that were decorated plus one rearing stallion and one thoroughbred.

Who received colts to decorate?

Sponsors of the colts had several choices: they could have an artist/s of their choosing decorate a colt; pick from a list of interested artists who had contacted us; or choose a school or youth organization who had expressed interest in participating.

How were the colts designed and decorated?

There were very few "rules" made. This was to encourage artists to be as creative as they wanted to be. The only stipulations were that designs could not be political, sexual or religious in nature. Beyond that, virtually anything went. Artists were requested to submit their design ideas to the committee along with their colt's name - to help ensure each colt would be unique.

Artists were reporting the use of tiles, beads, glass, paint, metals, feathers, fabric...Some even altered their colt.

Where did the proceeds from the events go?

All proceeds from events held in conjunction with the project went go to the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders and The Heart Center. Funds will be used by the centers for the direct benefit of patients and their families.

The 2005 event benefits the C.A.R.E. (Children At Risk Evaluation) Center and the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

How are the proceeds raised?

In addition to sponsorship, which essentially covers the direct costs of the colts, shipping, supplies, etc., the auction, events and sales of Horse merchandise are the main sources of revenue.

Where were the colts displayed?

Please refer to the locator map on this website. Locations were chosen by the sponsor or the committee. Some colts were placed inside due to their delicate nature.

What is public art?

In 1998, Zurich, Switzerland held the first recorded event using cows. This idea was brought to Chicago and in June 1999, CowParade was born on the streets of the city with 300 cows on display. Since then, many other cities have created events using icons such as guitars, pigs, buffalo, fish, alligators and elephants.

The diversity of the artists involved - from grade schoolers to world-renowned artists - makes this event unique to the culture and diversity of a community.