UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Founded in 1954, the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) is nestled on an inviting, six-acre campus in the heart of Middleburg. The collections highlight the rich heritage and tradition of country pursuits, including angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, foxhunting, flat racing, polo, coaching, and wildlife. The NSLM offers a wide variety of educational programs, exhibitions, and family activities throughout the year. Photo by Benjamin West.

A Brief Guide to the History of Animal Sculpture, December 2 @ 6 p.m.

Modeling Animal Gestures in Wax, December 11 @ 1 p.m. (Admission to these first two programs is free for members and $10 for nonmembers.) 50+ Years of Conservation with Goose Creek Association, March 24, 2022 @ 6 p.m.

Speed Fascinator Workshop with Master Milliner Jenny Pfanenstiel, April 7, 2022 @ 10 a.m.—1 p.m. (Ages 15+, limited availability, tickets close March 7. Members $175, Nonmembers $250)

Mad about Hats! A talk with Master Milliner Jenny Pfanenstiel, April 7, 2022 @ 6-7 p.m. (Members free, non-members $10)

Save the date for Dr. Douglas Tallamy. The author of bestselling books including Nature’s Best Hope and The Nature of Oaks will be doing a talk on making your landscape more sustainable on May 25, 2022. Thank you to Country Zest for co-sponsoring this event.

Email Info@nationalsporting.org for more information and to sign up to these programs.

EXHIBITIONS

2020 Hindsight: 40 Years of the American Academy of Equine Art, November 12, 2021–March 20, 2022, Museum

In Focus: Eve Prime Fout, November 12, 2021–March 21, 2022, Library

Museum 10th Anniversary Late Spring 2022-Fall 2022 Museum

Identity & Restraint: The Art of the Dog Collar, October 7, 2022–March 26, 2023 Museum

Her name is Ralla and our friends at the National Sporting Library & Museum arranged for her five-mile journey to the Middleburg Photo studio just up the road. The transport was done by Senior Collections Manager and Registrar Lauren Kraut and art handlers Alex Orfila and Gary Stout.

The sculpture is the work of Herbert Haseltine (American, 1877-1962) and was Harry Payne Whitney’s Champion Polo Pony, No. 2, 1910; bronze on marble base, 21 1/2 x 32 x 9 5/8 inches and was purchased with funds donated by Jacqueline B. Mars in 2018.

The Irish-bred chestnut mare Ralla was one of the top polo ponies of the day, despite being described as difficult to handle. With ears laid back and lip curled, Haseltine’s depiction of the horse reflects her reputation. Whitney (18721930), was captain of the Meadowbrook Polo Club team. Ralla was one of his favorites. He commissioned Haseltine to create the third-scale size sculpture of Ralla shortly after their victory in the 1909 Westchester Cup (now known as the International Polo Cup). More at: https://nslm.soutronglobal.net/Portal/Default/en-US/RecordView/ Index/20144