Royal Vanidor, Lipizzan/Thoroughbred Performs with Bellydancer - 2008 Isaac Royal Equestrian Theater

"Forget your troubles and dance!"
                   -Bob Marley

I have fond memories of this routine- it was the first time that I performed with a dancer! My best friend, Lydia Rose Spencer is dancing. Lydia is also an amazing dressage rider and equine artist. I am riding Royal Vanidor, a Lipizzan/Thoroughbred cross gelding that was born and raised at Isaac Royal Farm in Dover-Foxcroft, ME. I started working with him as a weanling and trained him up through the dressage levels to Pre St. Georges before he died in 2008 due to a tragic vet error. It was devastating but at least I have some wonderful memories of the times we performed together. RIP sweet Vanidor, maybe someday we will dance together again!

Who are some inspiring horses from your past? Leave a comment below!

Watch Max, an amazing Percheron/TB gelding perform piaffe, pirouettes and flying changes to music from King Arthur!

"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and
look for a successful personality and duplicate it." 
- Bruce Lee

This quote resonated with me because I think it is really important to express our individuality. I have always loved performing to music, it is a passion of mine. This routine was inspired by the movie King Arthur and it matched Max perfectly. We rode this routine in the Isaac Royal Equestrian Theater back in 2007, sadly Max is no longer with us and I miss him very much. I have learned so much since then and I wish I had the chance to ride him now with all the knowledge and skills I have gained over the years. He was truly a special soul, standing over 17 hands with a heart of gold. I hope you enjoy our last performance ride together.