The Parkey

"The Parkey" is an 11" x 14" colored pencil on sanded paper. This piece honors Kim Parkey, a very talented bit maker and friend, as well as my young friend Danli Valdez's handy and athletic gelding, "Louie". Mr Parkey has been building bits for over 30 years and the one featured in this piece is exceptionally beautiful. It features a 2 1/2" silver concho with overlaid sterling silver flowers. It has 7" cheek pieces with fine silver inlayed stripes and a ported mouthpiece with a cricket. 

"MC Bet Time", aka "Louie", has qualified three times for the NHSRA finals and won a performance there. He and Danli have also competed at the World's Greatest Non Pro competition, World's Greatest Cowgirl, and he was 2025 NRCHA Level 1 Non Pro Champion, as well as 2026 AQHA Reserve Cowhorse World Champion. Danli has owned him since he was a five year old and I'm sure we will see more of this dynamic duo!

I was lucky to get photo references for this piece at the 2026 Art of the Cowgirl event where Danli was competing and Mr Parkey was featured as the master artist in bit making for the year. The background was pulled from photos that I took a few years ago when I visited the JO- in southwestern New Mexico where Danli was raised.

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”

Psalms 37:3 NIV