Metal and Driftwood Sculpture
Created by Bill Ryder and Julie Ryder
in Helena, Montana
Driftwood and metal horse sculpture stand six foot high. Sculpted from local Montana driftwood and rusty metal this unique horse features glass eyes created especially for Ryder Horses by glass artist Mary Harris.
Mane and tail are bass piano strings. The horse was created from old harmonicas, saxophones, a french horn, a trumpet, a model-T car horn, xylophones, drums, trombones, clarinets, a Jew's harp, bells, cymbals and other musical instruments.
Children as well as adults auditioned on the cymbals, xylophones and drums until the museum staff confiscated the drumsticks when the Musical Horse was displayed at the Holter Museum.
Children as well as adults auditioned on the cymbals, xylophones and drums until the museum staff confiscated the drumsticks when the Musical Horse was displayed at the Holter Museum.
Stainless Steel Mare and Colt
These horses will never rust.
These horses will never rust.
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We created this nine foot driftwood and metal elk in the summer of 2015. You can view this sculpture at Johnson's Nursery located at 5935 McHugh Lane, corner of Sierra Road in Helena, Montana.
Bill Ryder on Rusty
Driftwood sculptures are constructed from wood gathered in the wild places where beavers, woodpeckers, flowing water and wildfires sculpt the contours.
This fully covered metal horse was donated to Eagle Mount. She has become a landmark at Valley Veterinary Hospital on Montana Avenue in Helena, Montana
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Driftwood and metal horse and colt
Driftwood sculptures are constructed from wood gathered in the wild places where beavers, woodpeckers, flowing water and wildfires sculpt the contours.
My Friend Flicka
Myrna Loy Horse
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Full size stainless steel horse was created from 35-mm movie film, a lamp housing, film reels and platters, a projector motor and two video cameras for eyes.
Created for a fund raiser, you can view this horse outside the Myrna Loy Center at Ewing and Breckenridge in Helena, Montana. |
STAINLESS STEEL MIXED MEDIA 18" HORSE
Star Fish Horse
MIXED MEDIA HORSES
Dragonfly Horse
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China Horse
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Wild West Steampunk Horse
This silver mare and colt was donated to the Florence Crittendon for the annual Paint the Town Pink in 2012. The purchaser generously supported the great work being done there.
Mare and Colt Horses
Mare and Colt Horses
STEAMPUNK
Turquoise Horse
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Sewing Horse
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Typewriter Mane Horse
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HORSES... HORSES... HORSES
Welded from trim pieces, the overall design appears like a quilt .
Each piece of metal mirrors the reflected scenery.
Polished, non-rusting, stainless steel horse stands over five feet tall.
The smaller horse balanced on the back is 23 inches high.
Created by Bill Ryder in the winter of 2014. Inspired by Julie's endless supply
of quilt fabric.
Each piece of metal mirrors the reflected scenery.
Polished, non-rusting, stainless steel horse stands over five feet tall.
The smaller horse balanced on the back is 23 inches high.
Created by Bill Ryder in the winter of 2014. Inspired by Julie's endless supply
of quilt fabric.
Broken dishes recycled to create a
14" high ceramic and metal and horse. |
Reflection Horse is 22 inches high.
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Shiny Chrome Horse
Grazing Rusty Horse
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Proud Rust Horse
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Julie created a stainless steel chrome display horse filled with one of a kind earrings and old treasures from estate sales. Designed with removable parts, the horse becomes a display holder for necklaces, bracelet and earrings.
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Rusted metal, iridescent ceramic shards and brass wire glisten.
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Patchwork horse was donated to a local non-profit.
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Steampunk Bird created exclusively from old typewriter parts and pieces.
SHIFT and RETURN typewriter keys adorn the bird's back.
SHIFT and RETURN typewriter keys adorn the bird's back.
Silver Wire Horse
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Abstract Horse
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SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH AT JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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See yourself reflected in a three horse art instillation at Jefferson School on Broadway and South Dakota, two blocks from the Capitol in Helena, Montana.
The best compliment we have ever received was the collective "aaahhh"
from over 200 children when their horses were unveiled on graduation
day in May, 2014.
The best compliment we have ever received was the collective "aaahhh"
from over 200 children when their horses were unveiled on graduation
day in May, 2014.
Rearing Horse with Stainless Mane and Tail
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This is the same horse before and after rusting the body. The contrasting stainless steel mane, tail and hooves will never rust.
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Contact Bill Ryder in Helena, Montana at:
406-439-2717
montanabill08@gmail.com
Bill's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/bill.ryder.923
Metal horses typically cost from $3.00 to $3,000.
Driftwood and metal sculptures range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Call or email for a quote on a special horse just for you.
We work from photographs, drawings or composite images of your ideal horse to create a personalized custom horse. We can even brand it.
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Delivery and installation are included in the price if installed within the Helena, Montana area. We can arrange to personally deliver and install or crate and ship to most other places.
This was my 2014 donation to Florence Crittendon.
2014 was the Year of the Horse in the Chinese calendar system so I had to make a mare and colt for the auction which supports young mothers and their babies.
2014 was the Year of the Horse in the Chinese calendar system so I had to make a mare and colt for the auction which supports young mothers and their babies.
2014 Spring Art Gala donation to Jefferson Elementary School here in Helena Montana. The Gala features performance art, kid's creations and local artists to raise funds for art and music supplies and program.
Bollywood Horse donated to the Tibetan Children's Educational Foundation in 2014.
Kids Create Metal Horses
A True Story About Kids, Horses and Art
Kids at Jim Darcy Elementary School SACC were totally engaged in creating a Steampunk Metal Horse.
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Everyone gave a thumbs up rating for their horse. The kids practiced by bending aluminum wire into snakes, hearts, abstract art and imaginative pieces.
In the classic story the horse carried the boy away to his next adventure. In our true story the boy carried the horse to the welding shop.
They removed all the duct tape, and then welded the face, inset the selected marbles, joined the forks, fencing wire, bicycle chain, tools, engine parts and other metal treasures to a frame. 
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The Steampunk Horse along with the Fourth Grade Coffee Horse was auctioned at the Jim Darcy Holiday Bazaar. The Bazaar is an annual event to raise money for technology access in grade school.
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In 2015 the SACC kids at Jim Darcy Elementary created a larger and far more complex horse that was auctioned off at their Bazaar.
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Paint Horse
"I have been working with metal most of my life. The last fourteen years I have been exploring the energy of representing the Spirit of the Horse in metal.
Julie and I seek out rusty farm metal or use new metal. With our torch and welders
we create art that comes to life," Bill Ryder
Polished Metal
The mare is about nine feet tall. These were an extra special birthday present.
Notice the ribbon around their necks. She thought she was getting only flowers.
Notice the ribbon around their necks. She thought she was getting only flowers.
Rodeo Bull
Rodeo Bull is strong enough to ride and many a cowboy has tried his luck. He is eight feet from nose to rump.
You can find is the bull at the Connoco station on Highway 12 East in Helena, Montana.
The eyes light up golden red after dark.
You can find is the bull at the Connoco station on Highway 12 East in Helena, Montana.
The eyes light up golden red after dark.
Simply Expressed
Simple curved lines express the powerful nature of a horse. Bill uses various metal material to make horses such as found objects, new metal, wire made from a variety of metals and 1/4 inch rod. Sizes range from less than a foot tall to bigger than life size.
