Jack and Tillie Tuls of San Jacinto, California, are proud of their new Monaco Royale, spec'ed out with livability in mind. The Tuls love to attend horse driving events called marathons. Jack and Tillie are very serious about their hobby, Friesian horses. Jack and Tillie, and their noble horses, a draft type, come from the Netherlands. The Friesians are most known as the choice mount of knights in shining armor. The purebred Friesian was reintroduced to North America in 1974. Select individuals, like Jack and Tillie, work to promote this fine breed. Jack and Tillie imported a star-quality stud horse from the Netherlands. Today, "Jildert" is one of thirteen qualified breeding stallions in the United States. Now proven with many first-quality colts on the ground, "Jildert" has qualified as a sire, which will ensure the continuation of this magnificent breed.
Jack and Tillie wanted high-quality airbrushed murals of their beloved Friesians on their new Monaco coach. They learned that a true understanding of the horse is the result of a lifetime of interest in these animals, and these were the qualities they were seeking in an artist. Tillie determined that the artist Letterfly was exactly what they sought. The horse is his favorite subject. The Tuls did not want to wait to visit the artist on their upcoming road trip, so they selected, instead, to fly the artist to their home over the holidays. This agreed with Dave's schedule, because this came before his annual sojourn to River Ranch, Florida, where Letterfly is Resident Artist every January, February and March.
All went well. Tillie picked Dave up at the airport with the news that Jack was delayed with the coach. This was the perfect opportunity to become acquainted with their horses. Tillie hooked a team of young Friesians to a cart, then Dave drove "two in hand" in the exercise area. That session complete, she saddled up her breeding stallion "Jildert" for Dave to ride. He was delighted. An afternoon of light dressage is the perfect way to set the mood for the magnificent masterpieces to come. Tillie now realized that her chosen artist was also a horseman with twenty-five years of experience with his own horses.
That evening, while waiting for Jack, Dave reviewed their many photographs displaying these animals in various activities which showed their versatility, including their roles in the making of the Disney Movie "Tall Tales" which starred Patrick Swayze. For this reason, David knew that he wanted to capture their favorite Friesian activities on the new coach. Letterfly decided that a mare, with her head held high, trotting along behind an animated youngster, would be the perfect image for one side of the coach.
Tillie decided that Jack's classy "Four in Hand" team pulling an elegant coach of an era gone by, would be perfect for the other side of the motor home.
For the back of the coach, they chose an image from "Tall Tales" which showed the raring horse of Pecos Bill against a picturesque Colorado view. The name "Friesian" would be lettered in the center, and "World's Finest Horse" would go in script underneath.
When Jack returned, he enthusiastically approved Tillie's decisions. Letterfly started work the next morning. Over the next several days, the creation of these beautiful artworks consumed his attention while he poured 110% of his being into this latest magnum opus. As each depiction slowly unfolded, Jack and Tillie realized that their majestic Monaco was going to exhibit beautiful renderings of their favorite animals. They were delighted to know that these artistic treasures would allow everyone on the open road to experience the enchantment of the Friesian.
