Voldemar Luhti's World of Horses

The Tori Horse Breeding Farm presents an exciting opportunity to explore the legendary wooden figures of master Voldemar Luhti's horses – his captivating creations that highlight the everyday life of Estonian rural life through horse figures with unparalleled detail. Visitors to the exhibition can see horses carved in wood both at work and during moments of leisure.

A colorful life story, a passion for horses

Voldemar Luht, born in 1919 in the Tomsk Governorate, came to Estonia at the age of three with his family. Even as a boy, he was fascinated by horses and crafted his first horse at the age of five. However, his first wooden horse was only completed during his retirement in the 1980s when he began creating the "1,000 Works of the Horse" series. This series resulted in approximately 500 horse figures, about 50 of which have found a place in the Estonian Rural Life Museums. Now part of this collection is showcased at the Tori Horse Breeding Farm.

“1,000 Works of the Horse” – a tribute to the role of horses in Estonian life

Luhti's creations tell stories of Estonian rural work and traditions – horses uprooting stumps, threshing, or plowing potato furrows. In addition to work scenes, Luht also captured significant life events such as weddings, school journeys, and funerals, figuratively connecting the horse to every Estonian's life path. The exhibition features figures depicting the work of horses, as well as going to parties and entertainment, offering a multifaceted picture of how horses influenced our daily lives in the past.

In addition to wooden figures, the Tori exhibition also features ten drawings depicting horses, giving insight into Luhti's long-standing love for horses.

Exhibition open until October 31, 2025

If you wish to admire this wonderful craftsmanship, this exhibition is definitely worth a visit. Voldemar Luhti's carvings at the Tori Horse Breeding Farm tell a story to every viewer, as inspiring as the bond between horses and humans through the centuries.