Hubbard Museum of the American West

Hubbard Museum of the American West Review

The museum houses the Anne C. Stradling Collection of more than 10,000 artworks and objects related to the horse—paintings, drawings, and bronzes by master artists; saddles from Mexico, China, and the Pony Express; carriages and wagons; a horse-drawn grain thresher; and clothing worn by Native Americans and cowboys. The Racehorse Hall of Fame celebrates accomplished horses and jockeys and screens rare and contemporary video footage. Activities at the children's interactive center include pony rides, horse demonstrations, and puzzles. In front of the museum is a dramatic bronze sculpture by Dave McGary of eight galloping horses—Free Spirits at Noisy Water. Aside from being beautiful, the monument represents a minor feat of engineering, since of the eight horses only nine hooves actually touch the ground. An indoor children's exhibit offers kids the chance to climb and touch an adobe home, a tepee, a wagon, as well as lots of other hands-on activities.