High above the Columbia River on a windswept plateau across from Vantage, Wash., 18 life-size horses made of weathered steel, gallop to freedom. Their manes flow in the wind. Silhouetted against a misty grey sky the lead horse appears to leap into space in this awesome sculpture created by Washington artist, David Govedare.

This work of art titled Grandfather Cuts Loose the Horses is designed to last 1,000 years and will be 250 feet by 36 feet when finished. A wire basket from which the horses are released is yet to be added. The sculpture is the artist rendition commemorating the Great Spirit's gift of horses on the planet.

I first read about Govedare's creation in the Discovery Magazine about four years ago.

Once a year we drive to Seattle and during our next trip after reading the story we stopped in Vantage for a large cinnamon roll and coffee and, to locate the horses. At that time 14 horses were in place.

We scanned the bare hills beyond the vast space of the Columbia River gorge and located the horses. From where we stood they were mere dots on the horizon.

A new road recently been opened to the base of the hill where the horses gallop to freedom. This is well marked on I-90. During the preliminary construction there was no access to this project.

Last summer, on a grey damp day we drove to the new viewing area.

A strong howling wind swirled the rain about us. But this was something I wanted to see at a closer range.

I marveled at the enormity of the horses and colts and the dedication of the artist who created such beauty.

If I had walked up one of the two main trails on the face of the steep hill it would have been possible to touch the horses. But I visualized being swept into the air to join the lead horse in flight.

Western Art Association in Ellensberg, Wash., is the umbrella organization for the Thundering Hooves Project. Organizations, businesses, school children and arts councils have donated generously to David Govedares monumental sculpture to ensure a lasting legacy for the future.