Hello everyone! Welcome back to the Tribute blog! This month, the Stone team is honoring Hillock Showson, originally portrayed on the Morgan mold in 1997. He was chosen to be adapted by the Stone team because of their affinity for this initial release.
Hillock Showson was the First Edition of the mold and is a portrait of a real Champion Morgan. He is a lovely shaded dark bay, as many Morgans are. The First Edition came with a COA and hang tag and was sold in the iconic tan “tack box” via retailers and Stone direct. His color was designed by Stone employee Micki Miller.
Micki is credited with this color design as her first work for Stone, per EQUILITH Spring 2001. She is described in her bio from the 2002 Signature Series catalog as being a lifelong horse lover, a naturally gifted artist, and a talented teacher. Micki often shared her painting skills with fellow employees, touted as “[doing] much to help Stone Horses bring the world of the plastic horse to a new level”. Her favorite parts of her work, as of the EQUILITH 2001 article, were interpreting real horses into plastic form and the opportunities to meet and talk with collectors. In her own words, “I love talking to the customers. I like the first-hand feel and hearing about their likes and dislikes.” Micki maintained a small, curated collection of Stone pieces of around 15 at any given time. While she felt that working in the factory was a temptation, she only took home those that would “catch her eye”, also her own words.
Hillock Showson was foaled in 1987 to dam Rum Brook Magic Miss and sire Waseeka’s Showtime. In 1992 & 1993, he earned the title of Morgan Stallion In Hand Grand Champion, being among a handful of horses since the championship’s history from 1973 through present day to win the title more than once. At the time of these wins, he was owned by Florida based farm Treble’s Morgan Manor (owned by Chuck & Carol Hudson) and exhibited by renowned Morgan handler Luman Wadhams. After a notable show career, Hillock Showson went on to be a prolific sire, fathering 69 foals.
Click Here to pick up your Tribute to Hillock Showson! Melanie Miller has done a fantastic job customizing our Morgan mold with a lifted and turned head, show mane and tail, and adjusted stance! Julie Keim has painted a stunning dappled bay and a dappled teal for you to choose from. These will be available for ordering until March 20th 2026 or they sell out, whichever comes first!
References:
EQUILITH Spring 2001 edition, page 3 (D’Arry Jone Frank and Micki Miller interviews)
Stone Signature Series 2002 Catalog (Micki Miller bio)
