Jim Reno

Jim Reno (1929–2008) was a bronze sculptor who focused his artistic abilities on western themes and famous horses, such as Secretariat.

Reno's most notable sculpture is titled Secretariat—31 Lengths which is on display at the National Museum of Racing at Saratoga Springs, New York.

[3] Reno also sculpted Dash For Cash, cattleman Charles Goodnight, Comanche Indian Chief Quannah Parker, and many other depictions of legendary people and horses.

When Jim was only five, his father deserted the family, forcing his mother to work in an auto factory to support her two boys.

He received his degree in 1952, and headed west for a job interview with The Walt Disney Company in California, but because of his strong desire to be in Texas, he ended-up in Houston instead.

He and his wife, Mary Jo, owned the cutting horse stallion Shorty Lena by Doc O'Lena and out of Moira Girl.

Among his most notable sculptures is the life-size statue of Secretariat, the Triple Crown winner affectionately known as "Big Red".

[13] SENATE RESOLUTION 737 - April 26, 1999[19] Senator Lindsay offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in congratulating Jim Reno of Kerrville on the honor of his being named the Texas State Artist for 1997-1998 in three-dimensional media; and WHEREAS, Mr. Reno is renowned for his expertise as a cutting horse trainer and competitor and world renowned for his bronze statues of horses and historic Texans; he lives his art, and as a result, his art is imbued with a unique spark of life and authenticity; and WHEREAS, During his 50 years of sculpting, Jim Reno has created 15 monumental statues, which include figures of Charles Goodnight, Robert Justus Kleberg, Jr., and Quanah Parker; and WHEREAS, He has, in addition, created numerous smaller limited edition pieces, which include bronzes of Indians, cowboys, longhorns, horses, and rodeo and ranch depictions; and WHEREAS, Jim Reno's passion for Texas history and the western culture as it is reflected in his art has brought joy to a generation of Texans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 76th Legislature, hereby extend congratulations to Jim Reno for being named the Texas State Artist for 1997-1998 in three-dimensional media; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Mr. Reno as an expression of the gratitude and high regard of the Texas Senate.

Dash For Cash, a sculpture by Jim Reno.