Oil on board, 9 × 12 inches - Framed

Tarifa captures the quiet intelligence and playful discipline of a real working horse whose career delighted crowds year after year. Based on Tarifa, a beloved trick horse from Novi, Michigan, this painting pays tribute to an animal known for performing in the Thanksgiving Day Parade—an unlikely intersection of spectacle, patience, and trust.

Set against a restrained, theatrical ground, Tarifa is shown mid-act, engaging not with an audience but with the act of creation itself. The gesture is subtle, almost reverent—an animal aware of its role, yet entirely its own presence. The composition reflects the balance between training and autonomy, humor and dignity.

This piece is painted in oil on board, allowing for crisp detail and controlled layering, and is offered unframed to preserve its intimate scale and versatility for collectors.

Tarifa’s story also inspired a companion coloring book designed to share this horse’s legacy with a broader audience: 🔗 Coloring Book: https://a.co/d/b6DofaU

An original work celebrating performance, partnership, and the quiet intelligence behind the show.