Art, Connection, and the Joy of Creativity Together

My journey into painting with horses began not as a plan, but as a way to stay connected with a beloved friend. When my Friesian horse, Douwe, became unsound and could no longer perform at the higher levels of dressage, I wanted to find a way to keep his brilliant mind active and our bond strong. He was incredibly intelligent and curious — always eager to learn something new — so we used his trick training skills to begin painting.

What started as a playful experiment quickly became a form of creative expression for both of us. Douwe learned to hold a brush and create strokes across the canvas. Each painting carried his energy and personality, a reflection of his spirit and our friendship. 🖤

After Douwe passed away, I began teaching my other gelding, Rovandio. With his own flair and sensitivity, Rovandio has truly taken equine art to the next level. He’s painted live at events such as BreyerFest and Ibericon, and his artwork has found homes with collectors around the world.

For me, painting with horses isn’t about the final piece — it’s about the process. It’s a way to deepen trust, communication, and joy. Each brushstroke is a conversation, a moment of presence shared between horse and human.

Every horse has something that brings them to life — for one it might be liberty work, for another it might be trail rides or tricks. For me, this is what works: finding ways to celebrate my horses’ unique personalities, creativity, and willingness to connect. 🖤

Painting is just one expression of that philosophy — an art form that reminds me that partnership isn’t about control, but about collaboration, curiosity, and having fun together.