THE HORSES THAT SAVED ME: HOW MY STALLIONS HELPED ME FIND STRENGTH AND FREEDOM
There was a time in my life when I felt completely untethered—caught in a storm of expectations, heartbreak, and a life I could no longer live. I didn’t know how to break free.
But then, two remarkable souls stepped in to guide me. They weren’t people—they were my Lusitano stallions, Saramago and Herodes.
These horses weren’t just my companions; they were my teachers, my challengers, and ultimately, my saviors. Saramago, my young stallion, wouldn’t let me hide behind a smile or pretend I was okay. He forced me to face my truth, even when it was hard. He taught me to stand up for myself.
Herodes was different. He was older, wiser, and calm. He grounded me when everything felt like it was falling apart.
His quiet strength reminded me that I didn’t have to fight every battle at once. He gave me the courage to take things one step at a time.
The paintings in my Equus series were born from this transformative time in my life. Each piece represents a lesson the horses taught me. Herodes, the guardian.
Saramago, the fire that burned through my fear. Together, they reminded me of who I am and what I’m capable of.
As I painted, I poured those lessons onto the canvas. And now, I hope these horses can teach others what they taught me: that no matter how chaotic or dark life gets, there’s always strength, always grace, always a way forward.
Who or what has been your teacher? Your guide? I hope my paintings remind you of your own resilience, just as my horses reminded me of mine.
Candida von Braun
A fifth-generation visual artist, brings a legacy of creative mastery to her work, seamlessly blending painting, architecture, and photography. Her pieces are housed in prominent collections across Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United States, each embodying the depth and elegance that define her distinguished career.
