What if you did the 9 patch in coordinating fabrics, with a large square of the horse fabric between each of the 9 patch squares. Makes an Irish Chain I believe. (new at this - don't know all of the terminology yet). Take a look at the quilt in my avatar for an example of what I am trying to describe. Close up picture here:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-78371-1.htm