The sculpture began as an idea, an image of a young horse running fast through life . Ideally it would represent life joy strength playfulness and a million other characteristics of Isabel.

The objective was to make a physical expression of youth and energy without it being static or frozen as so many statues are. The concept began with a metaphorical horse running through tall grass as an expression of life running through time. As the work on the maquette progressed, the sculpture changed from a horse running to a one just starting to canter, picking up its hooves and lurching forward into life! With a playful cavorting character, the horse possesses the same dark eyes as Isabel. 

The sculpture itself was entirely made from forged steel on a blacksmith’s anvil, referring to protective armor and paying homage to Isabel’s fondness for her pony’s blacksmith. A mold was made directly from the steel sculpture, then a bronze casting which could be installed outdoors. The memorial stands at Lee Academy in Lynden, Ontario, as a lasting tribute to a young girl whose life was cut short.