The Gift Horse by Hans Haacke is currently on display on the ‘fourth plinth’ in Trafalger Square, It depicts a skeletal horse, which is a reflection of the riding statue of William IV originally planned for the plinth, mirroring that on King George IV which stands opposite.
The bow tied to the front leg is meant to represent the ticker tape of the London Stock Exchange, symbolising the inprtance of the financial market to both London and the UK.
The pose of the horse is based on a sketch by the famous UK artist George Stubbs, renowned for his pictures of horses, examples of whose work can be seen in the nearby National Gallery.
Pete's Favourite Things 