Courtesy Days of ’47 Games & The Last Ride – Lewis Feild Statue A bronze sculpture at the new Days of ’47 Arena at Utah State Fairpark will honor Lewis “Lewie” Feild, a Utah rodeo legend. Feild made enduring contributions to the sport, inspiring his peers, family and future generations. He was a five-time PRCA world champion bareback rider and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1992. Later in his career, he was the first person inducted into Utah’s Cowboy Hall of Fame. Feild passed away Feb. 15, 2016, at the age of 59. Known as The Last Ride, the bronze is the work of local artist Tom Martin, who went to great lengths to represent the true spirit and likeness of Feild. Standing as vanguard at the new arena, the hero-sized statue celebrates Lewie’s legacy as a Utah pioneer in the sport of rodeo. To those that knew Lewie best, the bronze captures him in spectacular detail. Martin worked closely with the Days of ’47 photos Feild family, adjusting the positioning of Fans will see a sculpture of five-time World Champion Lewis Feild as they enter the gates of the new Days of ’47 Arena. Lewie’s legs and feet and the curve of his hat brim. Every detail was attended to, from his muscle tone, the arch of his back, the angle of his body, and the way he clutched the rigging. Even his free hand was carefully crafted to mimic the way he held it, pinky finger out. However, there was still one thing missing. His son, world-champion rodeo cowboy , noticed his nose needed a small adjustment. With Martin’s permission, Kaycee reached his hands forward into the clay sculpture and gently changed the shape of the nose. Kaycee smiled – now it was perfect. Years before, Lewie had broken his nose, resulting in a distinctive shape. The design succeeds because of the way it communicates his essence, his grace, and his dominance in a sport that he loved so much. Martin started his company, Luna Bronze, 20 years ago, after moving to Heber City, Utah, from England. He says he chose Heber City because the landscape reminds him of the rolling hills of the Manchester area. When Martin was commissioned to create the bronze, he wasn’t familiar with the career of Lewis Feild. The concept for the project was developed together with the Feild family. As the project progressed, the family made sure it was as genuine and authentic as possible. Veronica, Lewie’s wife, simply wanted to make sure the bronze was “him” – not just for the family, but for his friends, fans and millions of visitors who will see the statue as they enter the Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark. The sculpture captures a dynamic moment between cowboy and bronc. According to Martin, he designed the base to represent the dust being kicked up as the horse does everything in its power to throw the rider off. As the bronc bucks, Lewie is sitting tall with an iron grip, facing the challenge with understated strength and confidence. As one gazes upon it, it’s as if it encapsulates a triumphant moment that will live on forever, much like his rodeo legacy. “People who really knew Lewie, when they see that, they are going to be like, ‘Wow, this is what it’s all about,’” Martin said with a smile, clearly honored to be a part of the project. The statue will be unveiled on Monday, July 16, at 6:30 p.m. – Courtesy Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo

42 ProRodeo Sports News 7/7/2017 ProRodeo.com