Who was George Hatley?
Mr. Appaloosa
The Idaho State Horse breed is the Appaloosa. Maybe you've seen the license plates...
Idaho cattleman, historian, author, Appaloosa breeder, and co-founder of the Appaloosa Horse Club, George Hatley, is shown here and depicted in the proposed public art statue riding his prized Appaloosa stallion Toby II. The Appaloosa is the spotted horse breed revered by the Nez Perce Indians in the Palouse region of the inland northwest. George Hatley had a ranch just east of Deary. He donated generously of his time and property for equestrian events in the area. He had great respect for the Nez Perce Native American culture and a deep admiration for qualities of this iconic breed. His contributions to the Appaloosa Horse Club headquartered in Moscow, Idaho beginning in the 1940's were representative of this admiration.
The Sculpture
With continuing respect for the Nez Perce Tribe and the Appaloosa breed, Deary, Idaho, artist Shayne Watkins was inspired to honor his local heritage by creating a sculpture of “Mr. Appaloosa” George Hatley.
The Deary Recreation Foundation is raising funds to purchase a half-life size bronze of this sculpture on a pedestal. It will be donated to the City of Deary for placement in the Rebekah Park at the corner of Hwy 8 (2nd Ave) and Main Street.
The Plan
We began fundraising in January 2026 and have received in-kind donations of $8000. We are actively applying for grants and hope to have enough donations and grants to have the sculpture cast in bronze by the early 2027, using Parks Bronze Foundry in Enterprise, OR with placement of the statue by Deary Days (August) 2027. If you'd like to help, please contact us or donate now!
George Hatley--A Remarkable Idahoan
Our Partners & Sponsors
