one down, four to go Pies erects first Wild Horse of Plains prototype
The first of five life-size wild horse statues constructed by Kenton Pies of Plains was placed on Montana Rail Link property south of MTWest Dentist on Highway 200 last Friday. Pies had help from Andy Gonzales in constructing the pinto. (Lisa Larson/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Kenton Pies
It’s an ongoing, five-step process for Kenton Pies, whose Wild Horses of Plains project has cleared the first hurdle.
Over several years, Pies planned to do a sculpture of the “Wild Horses of Plains.” While compiling a list of 42-plus interested locals who thought this sculpture would be a very good addition to the Plains landscape, he got the approval of the mayor, City Council and Montana Rail Link. The railroad owns the property upon which the horses will reside.
Over a period of eight months and 300 hours Kenton built a prototype of a life-size horse out of steel — covered with expanded sheet metal to start the herd. The group of wild horses will be installed in the greenway across from the old Plains Elementary School, now the MTWest Dentist business.
The first pinto was erected Friday, Dec. 7, and Pies explained the process.
“The town (of Plains) took a three-foot culvert and filled it with concrete. They dug a hole and planted it for me,” Pies explained. “I had to drill the bolt holes (for attachment of the pedestal). He’s (the pinto) out there permanently.”
Now Pies is seeking financial support for the second of the five wild horses to be built.
“The biggest problem is raising enough money to buy some sheet metal,” Pies said. “A friend (unnamed) built all five pedestals. I already had the pipe.” It was donated by another local supporter. “It was really good for me, that saved me about three grand ($3,000).” Andy Gonzales is working hand-in-hand with Pies by doing the needed welding.
“If I can get him (Gonzales) to take over a horse and just guide him through it, that would be real handy,” Pies said.
Over the first 14 months of the Wild Horses of Plains project, Bill Curry assisted Pies with building the first pinto. “We worked on it almost every week,” he said.
Pies is hoping to get some sheet metal by donation. He’s diligently working on establishing a non-profit so the second stage can continue with adequate funding that would be tax deductible.
Pies wants to donate the eventual five-horse “herd” to the Town of Plains. In the meantime, the town’s insurance covers the first pinto as it greets folk driving through downtown Plains.
So Pies is working on creating a “region of art” in Sanders County, and can use more financial support to make that happen with the completion of the Wild Horses of Plains.
For more information, contact Pies at 406-826-7788.