Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies

Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies is a sculpture installation featuring fifteen life-sized steel horses positioned in galloping poses along a clifftop above the Columbia River Gorge. The horses stand in a dramatic line on the ridge, creating a striking silhouette against the landscape and sky.

The sculpture was created by artist David Govedare between 1989 and 1990. It commemorates the location of Washington's final wild horse roundup, which took place in 1906.

The steel horses draw from a local indigenous legend about the Grandfather Spirit releasing wild ponies across the land as a symbol of freedom. Visitors experience how this story shapes the meaning of the ridge and connects the artwork to the region's heritage.

The sculpture is accessible from Exit 139 on Interstate 90, followed by a steep uphill hike of about one mile from the parking area. Visitors should wear proper hiking shoes and be cautious on the exposed ridgeline, especially in windy conditions.

The horses are made from weathering steel, a material that naturally oxidizes to develop a deep reddish-brown patina over time. This intentional process of rust formation becomes part of the artwork and helps the sculptures blend with the rocky landscape.