Dan's Papers - May 8, 2009 -

A call to this week's cover artist Melissa Hornung always brings surprises. Recently, we found her in Palm Beach waiting to engage in a scrimmage for polo. If we had called her later in the summer, she would have been in the Hamptons or Saratoga, New York, working on the two things she loves best: polo and painting.

No matter what Hornung is doing, however, she clearly enjoys a love of life that fuels her curiosity and passion about making things better in the world. She's also committed to making herself better.

Regarding her paintings, the cover is a good example of another quality close to Hornung's heart: the idea of freedom that the young girl feels as she runs through the grass.

Q: What are you doing in Palm Beach? The last time we spoke, you were at home attending to your horses.

A: I found Nirvana in Palm Beach; actually it's Wellington which is near there. Nowhere in the world can you get what Wellington offers. It's the passport to the world as far as polo goes. I have met some of the most educated and interesting people here. They have become my friends.

Q: So your life is much different now that you're spending seven or eight months in Florida and then going to New York state in the summer. When you're in Wellington, what's a typical day like?

A: Let me tell you about a typical Sunday which is really fun. I paint everyday, that's constant. Then I go to brunch at the International Polo Club. I also play croquet; from the courts we can see the polo pre-games. At 3 p.m. there are the big polo finals from the week. I get a chance to talk to some of the greats involved in polo.

Q: Like who? I don't know much about polo, but I respect people who play.

A: There's Nacho Figuerres, who's in the Hamptons a lot, and Neil Hirst from Bridgehampton. The whole polo world comes here, people from Australia, Great Britain, Argentina.

Q: Why specifically are you there, besides the obvious appealing life style?

A: I came to learn how to play polo better; my trainer is Maurico Devient who runs Meadowbrook Polo Field. I also love to be a part of the polo culture.

Q: There's something about the culture that does afford freedom. Your cover is about that theme. Where did you get the idea for it?

A: It was a photograph I saw, and I did my own interpretation of it. It struck an emotion with me. Anyone can feel this freedom. It reminds us of who we are. The image is also about spring, when we see fresh flowers and life coming back. It inspires excitement.

Q: It's obvious that polo also inspires excitement in you, and it's certainly emotional. What else attracts you to polo?

A: I have absolute respect and admiration for polo. And also the connection between the animals and their riders. People have a perception that polo is only for rich people. But that's not true. For example in Argentina, children are born with a mallet. They play it on their bikes instead of on horses.

Q: Like kids in New York used to play stick ball, eh?

A: Right. You have to be hard-working, passionate and love horses to play polo. And you don't have to be a rider. You can enjoy watching. It's thrilling to hear the thundering hoofs of the horses, to see good sportsmanship, to see people take care of each other.

Q: Quite frankly, I'm not sure I would like watching. It's so dangerous. I shiver to think about it.

A: Yes. It is dangerous when a 1,200-pound horse can flip over on you. But it's worth it. Connecting to your horse makes you aware of your whole body. Your horse listens to you; when you squeeze his right side, he turns left. Horses also make you a better person.

Q: How does connecting to your horse make you a better painter?

A: When I'm happy, I paint better.