For this study in oils, Van Gogh used a small plaster model of a horse. He was then studying at the Antwerp art academy. There drawing was taught with the help of models like these, but painting had to be practiced at home. He painted this little horse on cardboard instead of canvas, because that was much cheaper. The model was preserved by the Van Gogh family through the years. It is now part of the Van Gogh Museum collection.