Rovandio
The story of an artist’s muse — where poetry, movement, and paint come together through the heart of one extraordinary horse. ❤
A Unique Beginning
I have known Rovy since the day he was born in 2001 at Isaac Royal Farm in Maine. His sire, Conversano Julianna II, was a Lipizzan that Carolyn Rose owned for many years, and his dam, Andivar, was an Andalusian–Thoroughbred cross.
One of my best friends, Bethanne Ragaglia, owned Rovy for many years. He was her trusted partner — a kind, steady soul who carried her safely and performed beautifully in the Isaac Royal Equestrian Theater, where he quickly learned to love the applause and attention from the audience.
Over the years, I had the joy of riding him for Bethanne, and when he turned thirteen, I began performing with him myself. Until then, he had never left the farm or even stepped onto a trailer!
When I later moved to Florida, Bethanne graciously entrusted Rovy to me so that he could continue sharing his talent and spirit, performing and inspiring audiences in new places. ❤
The Underdog with a Fighter’s Heart
One of the reasons I think of Rovy as an underdog is because of a serious injury he sustained as a three-year-old. One day when I went to bring him in from the pasture, I discovered a strange hole in his face — no blood, just a clean puncture.
That mysterious wound became a lifelong challenge. The hole refused to close and would go through painful cycles of infection and drainage. Living in Maine, we didn’t have access to the kind of specialized surgical care he needed — and the options that were available were far too risky.
Everything changed after moving to Florida. We met the incredible equine dentist Cindy Allen, who referred us to Dr. Henry, a skilled dental surgeon. He discovered that the original puncture had damaged the root of one of Rovy’s teeth, preventing the wound from healing.
Dr. Henry was able to remove the tooth without leaving any visible scarring. For a while, Rovy wore a wax plug — then a rubber one — as the area continued to heal. Finally, Dr. Henry crafted a custom bridge, just like a person would have, to keep food from getting trapped in the opening.
It’s been a long road, but today Rovy is healthy, happy, and thriving — with regular visits from his special dental team who help him stay comfortable and bright as ever.
Rovandio the Competitor
Rovandio was my rock in the competition arena. He carried me to my USDF Bronze Freestyle Bar through our Second and Third Level freestyles, always showing up with a steady mind and a generous heart. He may not have had the flashiest gaits, but his accuracy, reliability, and work ethic made him an exceptional partner.
Beyond the show ring, he learned many upper-level movements, including piaffe, tempi changes, and canter pirouettes, along with a playful collection of tricks like Spanish walk, rear, and lay down. 😃
He also discovered a natural talent for Working Equitation, and we jumped straight in at the Intermediate level. He was truly in his element, navigating the obstacles with confidence and joy.
I only wish I had discovered this unique discipline sooner—it suited him perfectly. While he’s now retired from competition, the memories and fun we shared exploring Working Equitation are ones I’ll always treasure.
Rovandio the Perfomer
Rovandio truly shines as a performer, becoming even more focused and confident in front of an audience. He loves performing solo in large arenas and even under spotlights. He has performed at large venues like the Equine Affaire, BreyerFest, Equitana, and the World Equestrian Center.
While we’ve reduced riding performances as he’s aged, he still enjoys performing as an artist. He has appeared at BreyerFest twice and happily ‘signs’ autographs for his fans. ❤
More Than a Horse, My Creative Partner
The most meaningful part of my relationship with Rovandio is our journey as artists together. He is the only horse I have ever painted from horseback. His quiet focus and presence in the arena allow me to fully sink into the creative process. When we work, he becomes an extension of my body, so connected that he seems to know what I am thinking before I move.
Together, we are the only horse-and-artist partnership in the world to have created a complete body of work entirely on horseback. Our Art on Horseback collection was born from this rare collaboration. Learn more about the process and watch videos here.
The Horse Becomes the Artist
As Rovy has grown older, our focus has naturally shifted toward quieter, more reflective pursuits. Together, we continue to explore new ideas and gentle ways for him to deepen and evolve his artistic expression.
His brushstrokes are intentional and full of feeling, often surprising and delighting me in the moment they appear. He genuinely enjoys the process (and yes, the treats definitely help). Rovy’s paintings have found homes around the world, including Austria and Spain, and he truly comes alive when creating in front of an audience. Click here to view his online gallery.
Rovandio the Teacher
Rovandio also plays an important role in helping me teach my students. A true schoolmaster, he intuitively tunes in to each rider, offering honest feedback that guides me in knowing exactly what they need to work on.
Most recently, he earned Reserve Champion at the WDAA Online Championships with my dear friend Tori Kistler. Watching him continue to grow, teach, and shine in new ways has been deeply rewarding. ❤
