Listening to Horses

About the Book

Here are some true life stories that I have lived and will share in these pages. Most of these stories happen in the world of horses and in the midst of them. My passion for these incredible creatures is so strong that it will carry me as far as the United States. I never learned how to ride a horse. It came naturally and was certainly an easier lesson than my first steps in life.

About the Author

Célou Bonnet grew up surrounded by the beauty of Provence. Born in Carpentras, France, Célou’ s earliest memories are of the scent of lavender, thyme and rosemary, the warmth of the sun and the unbridled love of her family. When Célou was a teenager, she fell in love for the fi rst time with an Arabian horse name Gitan. She became an expert rider and later moved to Chantilly, near Paris, to work with thoroughbred racehorses. In 1978 Célou immigrate to the USA, New York with the racing stable she was working in France, Mr. Daniel Wildenstein and the trainer Angel Penna. In 1981, Célou moved to California to work for famed thoroughbred racehorse trainer Charlie Whittingham. She continued to ride horses, however, it was her move to Fallbrook in 1984 when she fi nally realized her artistic destiny, to create sculpture in bronze. She learned the technique of working with bronze at a foundry in Escondido then in Fallbrook. In 1999 Célou was honored with the distinction of “Artist of the Year” by the Fallbrook Association. Th ought her long and varied life, art and horses seemed forever linked in the heart of Célou. It was my love of horses that brought me to the United States in 1978. Prior to that time, I had always been interested in art and sculpting, but my passion for horses was always my fi rst priority. Th en when the thoroughbred racing stable that I worked for moved to the United States, I was given the opportunity to accompany my beloved horses. It was here in America that I fi nally understood the true meaning of freedom. Th ere are more opportunities and fewer barriers for women in United States than in Europe. Upon my arrival, I was encouraged to apply for my trainer’s license and pursue a career in art something that would have been impossible for me to do while living in France. I love the country of my birth and visit my family and friends often, but I have made the United States my home and I choose to celebrate this choice with my artwork. Every experience I have had in my life is refl ected in my artwork. Th e beauty and mobility of the countless horses I have worked with, the country of my birth and the country I adopted as an adult all meld together to create an experience that is evident in my sculptures. I work in bronze because there is tremendous life and strength in this medium not unlike the tremendous life and strength of the horses I’ve ridden. For years, I communicated to horses through the subtle gesture of my hand. Now I am using my hands to communicate through my artwork.