Related Posts
Horses of Unbridled: ‘The Art of US’: Where photography meets purpose
By Susan Kayne
For Capital Region Independent Media
In the historic Hannay Community Room of Westerlo Public Library, a powerful narrative unfolds through the lens of photographer Ron Klein.
This exhibition, “The Art of US,” presents 16 masterfully crafted black-and-white photographs that capture the soul-stirring daily life at Unbridled Sanctuary, where every day writes a new chapter in the lives of rescued equines.
Opening Jan. 31, the exhibition represents a deeply personal journey for me as founder of Unbridled Sanctuary. These thoughtfully curated images bridge the gap between visual storytelling and our Sanctuary’s mission, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into a world where compassion meets purpose.
Ron’s journey with photography began in his teens with a simple Kodak contact printing set, kindling a lifelong passion for both the art and craft of image making. His first camera, a manual focus Pentax Spotmatic with one 50mm lens, accompanied him through Greece, Turkey and Italy during his medical studies. Today, his work represents a fascinating fusion of traditional and modern techniques, combining large-format film photography with digital printing to create distinctive hybrid images that bridge old and new approaches.
As curator of this exhibition, I’ve witnessed how perfectly Ron’s artistic vision aligns with our Sanctuary’s mission. His work captures the essence of what we do at Unbridled, from the cycle of youth to helping the most abused reclaim their dignity and health, to the poignant passing of our senior mule, Mabel, rescued at the age of 30. These images aren’t just photographs – they’re testimonies to the transformative power of compassion.
While 16 images can only capture fleeting moments in time, each photograph in this exhibition opens a door into the sacred rhythms of Sanctuary life, offering visitors a glimpse into the profound yet quiet magnitude of each day’s endless acts of care and compassion.
In “True Sanctuary,” LuLu, rests in complete tranquility, her trust evident in every line of her relaxed form. “Sanctuary’s Promise” captures the ethereal morning light filtering through barn windows, illuminating the gentle face of River Barrow, a rescued Thoroughbred, her eyes reflecting years of both hardship and hope.
Through Ron’s masterful use of light and shadow, each image tells a story of renewal and serves as a work of the heart. “Three Wise Hearts” presents a tender portrait of SnowFlake, a rescued donkey, and her daughters Eirlys and SnowBall, their faces aligned in curious harmony, speak to the family bonds honored at Unbridled. “Healing Hands” documents the intimate partnership between our dedicated blacksmiths and their patient charges, while “Arnie’s Vigil” captures a poignant moment of grief and remembrance, as a solitary white mule processes the loss of his beloved companion.
These moments, frozen in black and white, reveal both the quiet grace of our senior residents and their profound trust in their sanctuary home. Each frame illuminates the delicate balance of holding space — space for healing, for processing, for simply being. Through Ron’s lens, we witness the journey from past to present, from grief to healing, that defines the heart of Unbridled’s mission.
The decision to present these images in black and white was an intense and intentional artistic choice, allowing viewers to feel the pure emotion of each moment without the distraction of color. In this monochromatic world, we’re drawn into the intimate stillness of a sleeping horse finding peace, the contemplative solitude of three donkeys sharing quiet companionship, and the poignant vigil of a mule processing loss. Each image strips away the superficial to reveal the essence of Sanctuary life.
Ron’s technical mastery is evident in every frame, reflecting his journey from that first darkroom to his current work with large-format film and digital printing. Now retired and living in the upper Hudson Valley with his wife Gleda, Ron brings the same contemplative approach to photographing our Sanctuary as he does to capturing the open landscapes of the West that have long inspired him. His commitment to printing and matting each photograph by hand speaks to the care and attention that mirrors our own dedication to individual care at the Sanctuary.
The choice of Westerlo Library as our exhibition venue carries special significance. Since its dedication in 1986, this library has served as a cornerstone of community engagement and learning. Housed in the historic “Whitford Store” building, donated by Harold Bell in memory of his wife Helen, the library’s own story of transformation mirrors the journeys of our Sanctuary residents. Just as the building evolved from a general store to an ice cream parlor to a Model T showroom before becoming a haven for books and learning, our rescued equines find new purpose and meaning in their Sanctuary lives.
The exhibition timing in January 2025 marks both the library’s 38th year of service and a new chapter in our ongoing partnership with libraries in New York state. Through our signature community programs, we’ve discovered the extraordinary and transformative power of combining education with equine connection.
The Stable Classroom, our pioneering initiative, weaves together the authentic stories of our Sanctuary residents with art, academics and literacy to create a unique learning environment. When children and adults interact with our horses, donkeys, and mules — Arnie and Molly — through our programs like Canvas of Compassion and Read to the Rescues, they develop not just reading skills, but a profound understanding of what it means to view the world through another’s eyes.
The exhibition opening reception, scheduled for Jan. 31, from 5-7 p.m., in the Hannay Room of the Westerlo Public Library, located at 604 Route 143, Westerlo, NY 12193, promises to be more than just an art viewing. It will be a celebration of community, compassion, and the power of visual storytelling to inspire change.
All pieces will be offered for sale, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the horses, donkeys and mules in residence at the Sanctuary. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about our programs, meet some of our volunteers, and discover how they can become part of our mission.
As winter settles over Westerlo, these photographs remind us of the warmth found in acts of kindness and the beauty inherent in giving second chances. As one viewer, Joseph Zanchelli, beautifully observed, “Every photo reveals the tales, and the tales make visible the hearts, souls, struggles, love triumphs and stories that continue to be written at Unbridled.”
“The Art of US” serves as both documentation and inspiration – a reminder that every life has value, and every story deserves to be told. I invite our community to join us on Jan. 31, at Westerlo Public Library, to experience these powerful images firsthand and to become part of the ongoing story of compassion, literacy and hope that defines Unbridled Sanctuary.
To see more of Ron’s remarkable work, visitors are encouraged to explore his portfolio at ronkleinimages.com.
Susan Kayne is the founder and president of Unbridled Sanctuary, an equine rescue on the border of Albany County and Greenville.
Aging with Grace: Sharing the generational bridge
By Pat Larsen
For Capital Region Independent Media
Here we are, the generation called “Baby Boomers,” still walking this earth with our families, friends and kids known as the Gen Ys or Baby Boomer “Echos,” then followed by the Gen Xs, closely tailed by the Millennials and finally, the Gen Zs.
I kid you not. This is all a “thing.”
Generation names are based on when members of that particular generation became adults (ages 18-21).
Here’s more interesting details that you may not have been following: Generation Jones (aka Boomers) were young enough to have missed the draft into war. It’s literally staggering to try to properly label the birth year spans in each category. Please try if you thrive on those facts. I was quickly overwhelmed by the dates.
Is your head spinning now too? I just innocently thought this might be a fun topic to explore together. But alas, sharing this generational bridge is significant to the U.S. Census Bureau.
And we know that agency is definitely an important aspect of living here in this country for a whole host of economical reasons.
Let’s for argument’s sake just think about this topic similarly as our grandparents did, the Post Wars and or WWII generations.
What was important to my grandparents was most likely important to yours as well.
They were the immigrants who in most cases traveled from far-off places to find a better life here in the U.S.
From my limited vantage point as a kid living in Brooklyn in the 1950s, most ethnic groups would find refuge among families who arrived earlier than they. Traditions were similarly enticing to those who made their way to areas called Little Italy, Chinatown, the Bronx, Staten Island, Central Harlem and many of the small waterfront communities in Brooklyn, where they established networks of cultural, educational, economic and political support.
I was only aware that immigrants coming to the United States landed in New York at Ellis Island. Passengers, apparently, arrived at three different ports from 1855 to 1954.
These additional ports also included Castle Garden and Barge Office, as well as Ellis Island.
Ellis Island is a federally owned island in New York Harbor, situated within the U.S. between New Jersey and New York. It was the busiest immigrant inspection and processing station in the United States. It opened in January 1892.
My grandparents on both familial sides ALL arrived and entered this country through Ellis Island. I’ve actually had the opportunity to see the paperwork they carried through the gates.
I have lived in New York my entire life but never had the opportunity to actually visit Ellis Island and tour the grand Statue of Liberty.
However, I do recall one glorious occasion when I was sailing with my parents heading for the Jones Inlet on Long Island and there she was. Such an amazing sight to behold. I immediately thought about my grandparents and felt as though I was channeling their enormous joy to have landed in their new home.
The point of this column is simply to ask you to consider tapping into a memory that could actually include a story about your family’s immigration to this great land. Without their courage, this story may never have unfolded.
I think it’s an important piece of our history as the Baby Boomer generation to celebrate our stories while we still are present in this life. Maybe not every piece of the puzzle will be exact as we retell what we recall, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
Crossing the generational bridge may be the last gift we are able to give our family that helps us to remain relevant in the family storyline. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Pat Larsen lives, works and plays in Greene County. Contact Pat at 518-275-8686.
