Voldemar Luht's World of Horses

At the Tori Horse Breeding Center, there is an exciting opportunity to get acquainted with the horses of the legendary master of wooden figures, Voldemar Luht – his enchanting creations that highlight the everyday life of Estonian rural life through horse figures with incredible detail. Visitors to the exhibition can see horses carved in wood in both work and leisure scenes.

A colorful life, passion for horses

Voldemar Luht, born in 1919 in Tomsk Governorate, came to Estonia with his family at the age of three. Already as a boy, he was fascinated by horses and crafted his first horse at the age of five. However, his first wooden horse was created only in retirement in the 1980s, when he began the series “The 1000 Works of the Horse.” This series produced nearly 500 horse figures, of which about 50 have found their place in the Estonian Rural Life Museums. Now, part of this collection is exhibited at the Tori Horse Breeding Center.

“The 1000 Works of the Horse” – a tribute to the role of horses in Estonian life

Luht's creations tell stories of the work and traditions of Estonian peasants – horses in tree stump removal, threshing, or plowing potato furrows. In addition to work scenes, Luht also captured significant life events such as weddings, school paths, and funerals, metaphorically linking the horse to the life path of every Estonian. The exhibition presents figures depicting horse work as well as going to parties and entertainment, offering a diverse picture of how horses once influenced our daily lives.

In addition to wooden figures, ten drawings depicting horses are also displayed at the Tori exhibition, providing insight into Luht's long-standing love for horses.

Exhibition open until October 31, 2025

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