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A Community Naming Opportunity
The Village of Pleasant Prairie invites residents to take part in naming and deciding the permanent location of a well known horse statue that has become a local landmark.
The Story Behind the Horse Statue
The statue originally stood on a property along 39th Avenue, just south of Village Hall. The land was once home to a horse ranch, where the statue stood for years in front of a barn. When the Village acquired the property, Public Works crews discovered the statue while dismantling the barn. Rather than discarding it, they moved it to the front yard and it quickly became a favorite sight for commuters. Over time, residents playfully decorated it with hats, glasses, and festive accessories, making it a charming and recognizable feature in the community.
In December 2024, the horse was temporarily relocated to the north side of Village Hall. An announcement was made on social media and it sparked interest. Residents suggested names, like “Cornelius” (or “Horsenelius”) and “Wilbur.” Now, the community has the opportunity to decide both the statue’s name and permanent home.
The Prairie Horse Naming Contest
The Village is launching a two-phase contest leading up to the Kentucky Derby to engage the community in naming and placing the statue.
Round One: Public Input (April 21 - 25)
Residents can submit their ideas through a public survey:
• Where should the horse statue be placed?
• What should it be named?
Submissions can be made by commenting on the Village’s Facebook post or by visiting
here.
Round Two: Contest (April 28 - May 2)
Village staff will review submissions and narrow them down to the top 18 names and locations. Residents will then vote for their favorites with a link that will be shared on the Village Facebook page and here when Round Two opens.