Support Buddy's Memorial: A Sculpture for Deerfield

If you’ve ever driven past Martha Price’s house in Deerfield, you knew Buddy.

He was the big paint horse always standing at the fence in Martha’s yard. Rain or shine, he’d be there — just quietly watching, ears flicking, eyes soft. People waved to him — he was part of the neighborhood.

Buddy wasn’t just Martha’s horse. He was everyone’s. If you ever gave Buddy a carrot, brought him a surprise treat left on a fence post, or laughed at him mowing the front lawn; if you ever took his picture, or loved how he stood in the doorway looking for carrots, warming up by the woodstove, or just participating in the party; if Buddy brought joy and laughter to your life, we need your help.

When he passed away, it left a hole. Not just in Martha’s yard, but in the hearts of those that knew him.

And then, things got hard.

There was a lot of confusion and tension about where and how Buddy was laid to rest. You’d think, in a rural town like Deerfield, it would be simple to bury a beloved horse on his own land. But it wasn’t. There were questions, complaints, even threats that he’d have to be moved. It was heartbreaking — for Martha, for everyone who loved him.

After a long, stressful stretch, Buddy was able to stay where he belonged. He’s home now. He’s at peace.

And now, we want to create something lasting to honor him.

We’re raising funds to commission a life-size wire sculpture of Buddy to be created by Mwanga William, an incredible artist from Uganda who now lives in Vermont. His work is soulful and full of life — exactly what we want for Buddy’s memorial.

The sculpture will go right where Buddy used to stand — by the fence, looking out at all of us. Just like always.

This sculpture will remind us of the quiet ways animals can shape our lives. It will help us heal after a painful goodbye. And it will let future generations know there was once a horse here who meant a whole lot to a whole lot of people. Not only will this be a memorial to Buddy, but it will also add an amazing piece of community art for the whole town to enjoy.

Your donations will help cover:

-The sculpture and materials

-Transportation from the studio to the site

-Preparing and installing on the site

Thank you for helping us give something back to the horse who gave us so much.

Let’s keep Buddy right where he’s always been — watching over Deerfield.