ourinda Bray of Running Horse Studio is restoring Sylvia. As a sidenote, she and John McKenzie (who carved Charlotte, Majestic and Georgette) made it possible for us to receive Georgette in time for Opening Day 2006.

At the close of the 2006 season, it was determined that Sylvia needed a makeover…structurally and cosmetically, so she was shipped to sunny California for the job. Stripping the paint revealed many clues as to her past. The last person to “restore” her had used auto paint and Bondo to fill in defects and also to cover up some beautiful, what is felt to be original, scroll work on her trappings. It is thought that her rear legs were altered and that they may have stretched out backward, like a leaping position. They may have been altered due to breakage or space constraints as that position would add significant length to the horse.

The ears had been repaired, fine anatomical features were sanded and the back of the saddle was altered… Looff saddles of that era had a bird head silhouette. Many of the jewels were later additions… most recent one placed were plastic, not glass. Also, noted was that the bridle had been heavily jeweled and then filled in. The white dots around the nose indicate that there was at one time, a jeweled strap over the nose. The only hint of original paint was under the cover of the saddle which reveal a dark grey or black body color. Someone had replaced the natural horsehair tail with the carved one. The current tail, a PTC style, is not original to the horse.

In February 2007, the corrections will begin. We are still discussing what should be done…but are inclined to leave her legs tucked, due to space constraints. We may possibly accent the scrollwork carvings and eliminate many of the jewels. Her ears will be recarved; the tail will be replaced with a natural one. I am hoping that the original noseband can be added back. Structurally, there are issues on the belly where the belly plate attaches…not surprising as the horse is old and has endured multiple floods. Those issues will be resolved.

The sketch depicts my ideas as far as the scrollwork, limited jewels and bird saddle. The ears and tail changes are not depicted on the sketch. Again, this is an ongoing conversation and decision making process. While we wish to preserve the look of a horse most people remember, we are also committed to preserving an antique Looff horse made before the memories of those of us left. A delicate balance indeed!

It has been suggested by many that we NOT put her back on the carousel once she is restored…just have her on display. While we are absolutely in favor of preservation, we also have to think about the many people who have ridden HER and would like to have their children and grandchildren sit on the same horse that they did.

If Sylvia had her way, I think she would be horrified NOT to have her place on the carousel. SO...if it is up to me, when she comes back, she will be one of the proud animals ON the carousel. However, as with the other original Carmel stander, Georgette the giraffe, Gruff the goat and Alec the greyhound…she will have a 60 pound weight limit. I think this best answers both arguments

Read more about Lourinda here.
View photos of the restoration here.