Congratulations to Lorrie Abrams for winning a horse portrait

Pandemics sure pose a lot of challenges - but none that Little Britches Therapeutic Riding Program can't handle. Little Britches offers life changing services to expand and improve the physical and emotional well being of individuals with special needs by utilizing equine therapy. It often takes a flexible mind to make a difference in the lives of others, and even more so during a worldwide Pandemic. In order to keep their program going, they conducted a first ever Virtual/Online Auction to replace their traditional annual BBQ*!

Portraits by ShawnaLee donated a Portrait Gift Certificate and is proud to announce and Congratulate Lorrie Abrams for winning! Lorrie selected her horse, Willow, to be the subject of her portrait! "It will be my mare...Willow unfortunately is no longer alive but is one very close to my heart…. She was a very “spicy” one to ride but super kind and sweet and definitely was my partner. I’ve had many horses over the years but she was a special one for sure.... " LA

Willow's portrait is completely hand drawn by ShawnaLee in Rich Charcoals on warm artist's paper. "It was such a joy to create Willow's portrait! It brought me back to my many years of being absolutely horse crazy as a youth! Anyone who knew me back in the days will totally understand! I also really loved creating her portrait in Charcoals as I believe they accentuated her lovely alert expression. Such a gorgeous mare with such a smart and inquisitive nature!" SLWK

Lorrie shares: "Most people will remember Willow as a “spicy” Irish lass. She and I shared many adventures on the trails, though rivers, at the beach, horse trials, shows and hunter paces. But sadly my willing and trusted partner left too soon. Some call these special ones their “heart horses” or “Unicorns”. To me Willow was that and more, a best friend who could always make me smile. She will always be in my heart." LA

Lorrie shared one of her favorite poems in honor of Willow: "A great horse will change your life. The truly special ones define it..." - Author Unknown"

*The Boot & Britches Virtual Auction replaced their annual BBQ and was very successful thanks to generous auction item donors, sponsors and buyers! Like many 501(c)(3) organizations the pandemic hit hard. It made fundraising more difficult while adding new expenses to keep the program safe for their families. Tuitions were down but expenses for equine care and feeding still had to be met.

Little Britches Therapeutic Riding Program of Roxbury CT is designed to expand and improve the physical and emotional well being of individuals with special needs through equestrian based therapy to facilitate neural sensory integration; side effects include a positive development of self esteem, increased physical strength, and mental well being. Little Britches currently serves over 80 riders per week. Various disabilities served are including but not limited to autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, progressive developmental delay, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other processing delays.

Portraits by ShawnaLee offers quality portraiture of pets, horses, and children in traditional Charcoals, Graphite and Oils. She teaches art lessons through local organizations as well as privately through her art studio (via zoom these days!) and enjoys creating commissioned portraits throughout the year. Her work is included in numerous historical societies as well as a permanent installation at the Ridgefield Town Hall for her Portrait of Amy as part of the Ridgefield Suffrage Project Spearheaded by the world renowned artist, Suzanne Benton. This past summer ShawnaLee taught a Pandemic Portraiture Class with a Grant received from the FY20 CT Artist Respond awarded by DECD/CT Office of the Arts. ShawnaLee is a board member of the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists and is currently furthering her study of portraiture with Patricia Watwood.

For more information, visit www.shawnalee.com or "Like" and visit Facebook: "Portraits by ShawnaLee" Be sure to check out Events for information on upcoming happenings!