Wellington, FL – September 29 - The 122nd National Horse Show & Family Festival introduces “The Horse: In and Out,” an art fair exhibited during this year’s annual competition. The National Horse Show will be held from November 30-December 4 at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington Florida. An equestrian tradition since 1883, this competition showcases top hunter, jumper, and dressage competitors at their highest levels and hosts a number of activities for families and spectators.

The annual poster of the National Horse Show depicts a man in a top hat jumping over a post and rail fence. This year the NHS Official Artist, Heidi Osgood-Metcalf, will recreate that poster with her artistic excellence. She will also design party invitations with a similar theme. Her artwork will be on display at “The Horse: In and Out,” along with a number of other successful artists’ work.

All Osgood-Metcalf originals will be auctioned off during the “Jumping Under the Stars” Black Tie Gala in the Diamond Horse Shoe Club on Friday, December 2, 2005.

Heidi Birath, an artist and horsewoman who resides in Wellington, FL, will exhibit her graphite portraits in the art fair. Birath’s collection includes images of the equestrian disciplines of polo, hunter, jumper, and dressage. She also has a keen eye for renaissance artwork after studying art and art history abroad in Italy.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the National Horse Show,” commented Birth. “It’s extremely exciting for the show to have a gallery on the grounds and to be supporting the artists.”

Other featured artists at “The Horse: In and Out” will include Ellen Gavin and Ellen King.

PHOTO CREDIT: A piece by Ellen King, a featured artist at “The Horse: In and Out”