Havana horse-woman makes a name for Gadsden County equestrian arts

Little River Friesians is one of Gadsden County’s hidden treasures and one of the most well-known equine facilities in the North Florida area.

The facility focuses on and specializes in the breeding of Model, Preferent, and Ster Friesian mares that will produce the best quality horse with an excellent pedigree.

Friesian horses are a majestic, strong, and beautiful horse breed that originated in Friesland - a province of the Netherlands.

In 2019, the owners of Little River Friesians hired a head trainer for the facility named Sandra Beaulieu - since her hiring, those who know Beaulieu have come to recognize her passion for training as an asset to Little River Friesians and Gadsden County’s reputation among equestrians.

Beaulieu grew up in Maine and first found her love for horses when she was seven-years-old visiting a small farm; prior to this experience, she had never been around horses before, but the moment that one cantered toward her, Beaulieu said she just knew her destiny was to love horses for the rest of her life.

Sandra Beaulieu and her horse, Rovandio, a 15.2 hand tall gelding who is a 20-years-old half Lipizzan, one-fourth Andalusian, and one-fourth Thoroughbred.

Her obsession for horses went way beyond the Breyer toy model collection that she played with constantly during her childhood - it was a compelling knowledge deep in her soul that she felt was meant to be a specialized artist and perform with horses.

As a young and dedicated equine student, she was serious about her education and training received at the Isaac Royal Academy of Equestrian Arts located in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.

After developing much needed skills that would send her on her way toward a most rewarding career, she purchased a Friesian horse named Douwe.

Little did Beaulieu know the bond that she would share with Douwe would eventually lead them to a life of art, freestyle, and success.

Beaulieu and Douwe developed an unbreakable bond, performing in shows, and Beaulieu even taught Douwe how to paint.

While Douwe lived an amazing life and received national recognition for his showmanship and artistry, he passed away on June 21 of last year, a loss that Beaulieu said broke her heart.

"He was my once-in-a-lifetime horse," she explained.

While the loss of Douwe struck Beaulieu hard, she has continued her equestrian career, accumulated through the years of her career both with and without Douwe an impressive resume that includes Bronze and Silver Rider medals from the United States Dressage Federation, competing through Grand Prix (highest level of dressage), and earning many national and regional awards along the way.

She has performed at events such as the Equine Affaire, World Equestrian Games, and will be traveling to the Kentucky Horse Park this October for Equitana. She has been featured in commercials, music videos, and has worked on indie and major motion film sets with and without the horses.

Beaulieu has spent time on the other side of a competition, as a dressage judge.

Sandra Beaulieu, a native of Maine who is currently a trainer at Havana’s Little River Friesans, and her horse Rovandio enjoy creating acrylic painting masterpieces together. Sandra Beaulieu holds a canvas while Rovandio paints a colorful masterpiece.

Last year, Beaulieu’s book, Freestyle: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music was published.

Beaulieu says her book launch was a success, and it is still in popular demand, especially given it is the only current version with such a detailed and educationally-artistic training style.

While training in Havana keeps her busy, Beaulieu has also taken on a new horse of her own - Rovandio.

Beaulieu says he is very attentive to audiences, loves the attention, and understands that clapping is a positive reaction that is a reward and sign of appreciation for his performances.

Like Douwe, Rovandia is an artistic equine and has a natural ‘hoof’ for acrylic paintings - even going so far as to receive international recognition for his paintings.

Beaulieu is currently training at Little River Friesians in Havana, and performing with Rovandio.

Patricia Smith - Gadsden County News Service

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Havana horse-woman makes a name for Gadsden County equestrian arts

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Dematres Jackson, Crossroad graduate, commits to Fort Valley State Track and Field

School supplies distribution serves over 800 children

School supplies distribution serves over 800 children

Recommended

Ask Judge Smith – Grumpy Old Men

Soul Santa makes a stop in Midway

Popular News

Newsletter

Category

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Are you sure want to unlock this post?

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