Saratoga Springs comes alive in the summer, not only with warm sunshine but also with the vibrant presence of custom-painted lawn jockeys adorning yards and streets. For more than 30 years, the iconic 40-inch statues have been meticulously crafted by a man with an eye for beauty, Dan Czech.

"I started maybe 20, 25 years ago, but it started really with the business, which is over 30 years, just as a way of attracting customers to the store. So, and it just grew," Czech said.

These custom jockeys, made from 100% aluminum, serve not only as decorative pieces but also carry the rich equestrian heritage of Saratoga. Beyond attracting customers to Saratoga Signature Interiors, Czech's creations have become a symbol of tradition, and their allure extends far beyond Saratoga's borders.

"We shipped them all across the country, and we do have requests from overseas. Makes you wonder, isn't there someone there painting them? But it's just too expensive to ship, so that sort of thing," Czech explained.

Each custom jockey is an expression of individuality, from school mascots to sports teams and even the New York Yankees. These masterpieces take six to eight weeks to complete, but the wait is worth it.

"People say everyone looks different. You know, once you get the face done, you get the eyes on, you know, they take on a life of their own," Czech said.

His creations have found homes not just in Saratoga but in hearts worldwide. They are keepsakes that remind individuals of their connection to Saratoga, no matter how far they may roam.

"I hope they understand that it is a signature piece of Saratoga, that sort of thing. And they take that away from them and that they get some pleasure out of seeing them, you know, that sort of thing. Because to be a hunt, like a treasure hunt, finding them all around town," Czech said.

His dedication to his craft is unwavering. From restoring antique jockeys to meeting the demands during racing season, he pours his heart into every creation.

"This is the busiest time for getting orders during the racing season. So, you know, people are either coming to town or what have you. You know, maybe for the first time they see all the jockeys around town or what have you, and so they search us out and that sort of thing," Czech said.