In the summer of 1989, Mr. Colson conceived the notion to make a group of medieval armored horses of much larger scale than previously done. Research was made at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The medieval armor section at the Museum provided a rich resource of visual information that was the beginning of a group of large (3 to 4 feet high) armored horses. 

 

The ARMORED HORSE was accepted and sold at the acclaimed international FLETCHER CHALLENGE competition in New Zealand, in June,1994.  Executed by Frank Colson, this unique, one of a kind, work was constructed with a combination of slab and wheel thrown clay parts.  The exterior surfaces were brushed and sprayed with a solution of red iron oxide.  The work was then fired in a large roll-in kiln to mature the clay and set the oxide into the body.  Afterwards, this work received an application of "Rottenstone" rubbing compound ( a grey volcanic ash powder) which was hand rubbed onto the surfaces.

 

In 1995 the Orlando Art in Public Places committee selected  a 2nd edition of this horse for installation and dedication of the new city hall. No further additions were ever made. It is permanently displayed in front of the mayor's office.