Hearts and Hooves 2025

On Monday 27 October, an exciting collaboration between a Cumbrian artist and a leading accessible Keswick stables comes to fruition. Over the past six months, Cumbrian-based artist Victoria Knipe, known professionally as V.K Oils, has joined forces with The Lake District Calvert Trust to create a collection of paintings inspired by the wonderful horses of Calvert Stables.

These one-of-a-kind acrylic artworks capture the spirit, beauty, and character of the horses who bring so much joy to riders and visitors alike. The paintings have been turned into greeting cards, miniature prints, limited edition prints and even a range of cosy hoodies — all available for the community to enjoy.

Victoria commented:

“I’ve always admired the incredible work The Lake District Calvert Trust does and I wanted to give something back. The bond between these horses and the people they help is truly inspiring — it’s been a joy to bring that to life as a painting. This collaboration is a chance for people to take home a piece of meaningful art while supporting a cause that touches so many lives.”

A percentage of every sale will go straight back to The Lake District Calvert Trust, helping to care for the horses and support the staff who make have a daily impact on so many. The funds raised from this artistic endeavour will help support a wide range of the charity’s activities — from pony clubs to “Tea and Trot” sessions, Pony Mindfulness sessions to carriage driving weekends.

Lou Hogan, Manager for the Lake District Calvert Trust Stables commented:

“We were blown away when Victoria approached us with her idea for Hearts and Hooves. We’re extremely lucky that the work of the Lake District Calvert Trust inspires so many people to give their time, expertise and hard-earned pennies to support out work. Victoria is no exception – we’re very much hoping that this unique collaboration will be a hit with our supporters both near and far, she’s caught the ponies’ personalities beautifully in her art and there are some lovely stocking fillers in there!”

The Collection is available to purchase both online and in person. The cards, prints and hoodies will be available to buy in person at Calvert Lakes and Calvert Stables as well as Lowes Court Gallery, Gather Ennerdale and online at v.k.oils.com and Victoria’s Etsy shop - FeelingartywithVK.etsy.com

Calvert Stables is a British Horse Society and Riding for the Disabled Association approved riding establishment, the Calvert Stables team provide accessible riding and trap driving for residential and community riders and find that horses (and instructors) provide a little bit of magic for both guests and participants.

To learn more about the work of Calvert Stables, sponsor a pony online or volunteer your time, visit www.calvertstables.org.uk.