Middle-row Jumper Spare - Duke
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Carver: Doug Warren
Size: 42" chest to rump
Status: painting
Sponsor: The Warren Family
Since concept, Duke has been a Warren family affair.
Having grown up farming during the Depression near Wetaskiwin, both Doug's father (Bruce) and his twin brother (Douglas) were familiar with horses. Together they enlisted in the RCAF in WWII where, as Spitfire pilots, they were referred to as Duke I and Duke II respectively. Wanting to honour the fact that both men were recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Doug decided to carve, paint and sponsor a horse named Duke in their memory.
With Lauren Baker's help, Doug has designed a horse that is full of symbols commemorating the brothers' activities. Duke's shield features a cross that is reminiscent of the pattern found on the DFC. The crest on the chest piece replicates the insignia of one of the squadrons that the twins flew in. The blanket banding has been painted in Air Force colours, while the designs appearing on Duke's saddle and harness are typical of leatherwork, one of the many hobbies of the brothers.
Duke has received the loving touch of Mary, Doug's wife, along with that of Marika and Michelle, their daughters. The girls have helped their dad carve Duke, while Mary has been the carving angel (sander) on the project. Lauren has been "adopted" by the family to ensure that the paint job is spectacular.