Life size horse sculpture installed along Swansea canal

More than 800 horseshoes have been used to create a life-size sculpture of a horse, which now stands proudly along a section of the Swansea Canal in the community of Clydach.

Horses were used to tow barges along canals throughout the UK for hundreds of years and as late as the 1960s.

The incredible piece of art is the work of sculpture Ollie Holman, who was commissioned by Swansea Council to create the piece.

The latest artwork to be unveiled in Swansea is part of the Welsh Government Active Travel Placemaking programme, which aims to add interesting, historic references to the past, along sections of previously completed active travel walking and cycling routes.

The Council previously completed a 1.5km-long section of walking and cycling route along the canal towpath in Clydach and families have been enjoying the upgraded path since its completion in 2022.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure in Swansea, said: “Whilst Clydach has seen changes over the years, the canal has remained a constant feature, linking both industry and the community. We’ve recently completed work to upgrade the towpath along the canal, providing excellent walking and cycling facilities. The new sculpture will hopefully further enhance the experience for path users.

“New walking and cycling routes are continuing to be developed throughout Swansea, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to travel in a sustainable and healthy way.

“Whilst it is important to continue developing new infrastructure for walking and cycling, it is also important to celebrate the past and create points of interest along these routes for the public to enjoy.”

Artist Ollie Holman said: “I’ve been working with metal from a young age, and over the years, I’ve created many pieces. But this one holds special meaning for me.

“As a boy, I spent countless hours along the waterways, always finding peace and inspiration in their calm. To now have one of my works standing here, for others to enjoy, fills me with joy.”

The newly installed sculpture is located along the canal, adjacent to the Men’s Shed

Ollie added: “I wanted the sculpture to convey the history of the area in an inspiring way. I like to create intrigue with my work, in the hope that people will look closer to investigate and wonder about why it’s there and what it invokes.”