Art on the Hoof at Blenheim Palace

The 14-year-old chestnut roan is the mane attraction in the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site’s new Stables Exhibition where he is making regular weekend appearances throughout the August holidays.

The picture-perfect pony holds the paintbrush in his mouth and creates his abstract art on canvasses supplied by owner Charlotte Marshall who also runs pony therapy sessions for primary school children.

Teddy’s artistic career began in 2019 when Charlotte was contacted by a student at Oxford Brooke’s University who was looking to see whether she could teach a horse to paint.

“Teddy has always been a very quick learner with a very sweet nature and he thrives on one-on-one attention,” said Charlotte.

“He was holding the paint brush by the end of the first session and ended up completing four portraits that were exhibited at the university,” she added.

Teddy is one of 14 hardy native ponies which live together in a mixed herd at Charlotte’s Pony Pursuits stables.

“Pony Pursuits was founded in 2008 with the aim of changing the stereotype that horse riding is a sport exclusively for the more privileged members of society,” said Charlotte.

“We make horse riding accessible for all regardless of age, experience or ability to pay. We also provide alternative pony therapy to local children with special educational needs.

“The interaction with the ponies is therapeutic in many ways and equines are very intuitive to individual mood and needs.

“Clients quickly build reciprocal relationships with the ponies and Teddy is one of the children’s favourites,” she added.

It is hoped the artworks Teddy completes during his residency at Blenheim will go on public display and help raise money for local animal-welfare charities.

Opened this year, the Stables Exhibition is an immersive and interactive experience in the Palace’s historic stable block showcasing the importance of horses at Blenheim through the centuries.

For more information and to book go to www.blenheimpalace.com