Sandra Beaulieu is the pioneering Artist on Horseback—blending the grace of Dressage, the soul of horses, and the expressive power of paint. With bold strokes and bitless connection, she creates large-scale abstract works from the saddle, guided by rhythm, movement, and trust.
Alongside her remarkable horse Rovandio, Sandra has been captivating audiences since 2010 with live painting performances and equine collaborations. Yes, her horses paint too—adding their own joyful brushstrokes to the canvas.
Their work is vibrant, textural, and alive with energy—celebrating the bond between human and horse through motion, color, and imagination.
You may have seen them at events like Equitana, Equine Affaire, and BreyerFest, or supporting rescue organizations with donated art that gives back. ❤
Meet the Dynamic Duo
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SANDRA BEAULIEU
Her art began with a horse — and together, they’ve been redefining what’s possible ever since.
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ROVANDIO
Her muse, her dance partner, her co-creator — Rovandio is a special soul.
Art on Horseback
COLLECTION
Experience the beauty of brushstrokes born from movement — explore the Art on Horseback gallery and feel the magic between horse and rider..
“Freedom” captures everything I love about horses — their power, their spirit, and the feeling of wild motion. When I look at this painting, I can almost hear the thunder of hooves and feel the wind in their manes. The bold, patriotic colors remind me of my younger self — a teenager dreaming of becoming an Olympic rider and proudly representing the USA. 🇺🇸
I worked tirelessly to reach the Grand Prix level, but after a career-changing injury, I chose a new path. I began exploring liberty work, trick training, bridleless riding, and performance art. Eventually, I found a way to bring all my passions together — blending dressage with painting. “Freedom” represents that journey — the moment I let my heart run wild and discovered a new purpose in life.
For this piece, I began by preparing the canvas with a rich sienna background and a thick, textured base. On the first day, Rovandio and I created the flowing background together using a large paint roller, blue paint, and water to create soft drips and layers. The second ride brought the two horses to life, accented with bold pops of red. During the third and fourth sessions, we added more contrast, depth, and movement until the horses seemed to gallop right off the canvas.
Each painting session with Rovandio includes walk, trot, canter, flying changes, sidepass, rein-back, and piaffe — a true dance of partnership and trust. At 20 years old, Rovandio’s sessions are short and sweet; I want him to stay happy and sound while still expressing himself through our art. Every brushstroke is a reflection of our two decades together and the thousands of hours we’ve shared in harmony.
And for a special touch — Rovandio signed this painting himself! The red brushstrokes near his hoofprint were made using a brush held gently in his mouth. “Freedom” is not just a painting — it’s a celebration of dreams, determination, and the beauty of letting your heart run free. ❤️
SHIPPING COST IS NOT INCLUDED - Arrangements can be made before/after purchase email beginthedance@gmail.com if you have any questions.
“In the zen of the moment, living, breathing art, brush stroke upon brush stroke, hoofbeat upon hoofbeat. The horse forms the artist, the artist forms the horse, flowing, living, breathing art.”
— Bethanne Ragaglia