As a young child, Jean could usually be found in one of two places: On the back of a pony, or drawing pictures. These two passions drove her to pursue an education in equestrian skills at Humber College, and later earn a degree at the Ontario College of Art, specializing in illustration. Upon graduating from OCA, Jean set out upon a free-lance career. Her illustrations for ads and editorial articles have appeared in many equine-related publications over the years. Painting, and portraiture has also played a part in her career. In 1998 Jean attended a demonstration by trainer Monty Roberts, author of national bestseller, The Man Who Listens to Horses. With sketchbook in hand, Jean’s work caught Monty’s attention. He invited her to submit artwork for a proposed ‘how-to” book . That led to a voluminous project of intense study, and practice. The result , 140 step-by-step drawings illustrating Monty’s training techniques. From My Hands to Yours was published in 2000, and has sold over 50,000 copies world wide. In 2000, one of Jean’s oil paintings, Shoeing for Speed, won an award of Special Excellence in the annual Harness Tracks of America art show and auction. In 2004 Jean was invited to assist in the creation of a life-sized bronze portrait of equine Canadian Olympic athlete, Big Ben, and his rider Ian Millar. Ben’s groom, related, that she recognized the horse’s ears, while the partially covered bronze was being lifted from the flatbed trailer, for installation. Jean presently illustrates a regular column, The Life of Dr. Riley in Horse Illustrated each month. Her illustrations also accompany training articles by Quarter Horse Journal’s field editor, Christine Hamilton, co-written with various trainers, Gil Galleon, Al Dunning, and Lynn Palm, among others. Books Illustrated: From My Hands to Yours by Monty Roberts published by Pat & Monty Roberts Inc. Horse Showing for Kids by Cheryl Kimball published by Storey Publishing Horse Illustrated Simple Solutions Fitting Tack by Toni McAllister published by BowTie Press Horse Illustrated Simple Solutions Grooming by Elizabeth Moyer published by BowTie Press Horse Illustrated Simple Solutions Trailering by Micaela Myers published by BowTie Press My Friend Fergus by Jean Abernethy, published by Kelley and Company Jean is a member of the Equine Art Guild, and American Horse Publications

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