A girl and her horse

Aiyana Art Notebook by Natalie Marquis

A lot of little girls dream of having a horse of their own one day.

I consider myself incredibly lucky—I got to live that dream.

Growing up in the country, our home was always bustling with animals, including a few cherished horses. I became an enthusiastic member of our local horse 4-H club, proudly competing in area horse shows in both English and Western classes. But my absolute favorite pastime, by far, was simply exploring the winding back trails on my beloved pinto quarter horse, Flag.

Flag and I shared countless adventures together. He was more than just a horse—he was my partner, my confidant, and my gateway to freedom and joy. I absolutely adored him.

Here’s a photo of Flag and me when I was about 14 years old. Isn’t he a beauty?

Me and Flag

Some of my best childhood memories are my advertures with my Pinto Quarter-horse, Flag.

As I reflect on the special bond I shared with Flag, I’m reminded of a painting I created called Aiyana—meaning “eternal flower” or “forever blossoming.” Just as my childhood with Flag was filled with growth, adventure, and the simple joys of riding the trails, Aiyana captures that same spirit of freedom and renewal.