Some horses have talent. Some have presence. And then there’s Floratina—a mare who exudes regal confidence, unparalleled skill, and a touch of delightful quirkiness.

Floratina, known affectionately as “Flora,” is a 17-year-old Hanoverian mare (Fidertanz 2—Rubina, Rubin Royal OLD) with a resume as dazzling as her personality. Owned by Chloe Gasiorowski and ridden by Rebecca Hart, Flora made a historic debut at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, where she and Hart dominated the Grade III Individual Test, Grade III Freestyle, and Team event, bringing home three gold medals for the United States. Flora also has the unusual distinction of winning not only Paralympic gold but Pan American Games gold, as well, having been a member of Canada’s winning 2019 dressage team in Peru with former rider Lindsay Kellock.

Beyond the medals, the accolades and her undeniable talent, Flora is also a benevolent queen who knows exactly what she wants in life. And if anyone understands her quirks best, it’s Hart.

“She just has this amazing work ethic and fantastic temperament. She knows she’s a queen, but she’s a benevolent queen,” she said with a laugh.

Of course, no true queen is without her quirks. Flora isn’t just an exceptional athlete, she’s also a stuffed animal enthusiast, a musical connoisseur and a rather selective socialite. Here’s a glimpse into the winning mare’s charmingly eccentric world:

The Artistic Touch

Move over, Jackson Pollock—Flora is an abstract expressionist in her own right. Every meal, she uses her nose and her rather squishy feed to create a new impressionistic masterpiece on her stall wall. 

“She likes to leave me a new painting every meal,” Hart said. “I’ll clean it off, and she’s like, ‘Oh, a fresh canvas!’ ” 

Who needs a spotless stall when you can have equine art?

Lambie, Her Loyal Companion

Flora has an emotional support sheep.

She doesn’t go anywhere without Lambie, her cherished stuffed lamb. Whether traveling by plane or trailer, or simply standing in her stall, Lambie is always within reach. If he goes missing? Expect a diva-level meltdown. 

“Rowan O’Riley found a silly little stuffed animal,” Hart said. “Flora took one look and was like, ‘Mine. My baby.’ So Lambie became Flora’s.” 

A Mare With Rhythm

Flora is incredibly musical; she listens to the beat and naturally moves with it. Hart swears Flora “interprets” the music and adds her own flair to their “Driving Miss Daisy”-themed freestyle, arranged by Marlene Whitaker. 

“She just feels the music,” Hart said. “She knows when an extension is coming—she turns up the volume on her own.”

Only The Finest Treats

Flora is no ordinary snacker—she’s a queen who demands royal delicacies. 

While competing at the Paris Paralympics, she enjoyed a freshly picked apple from the Palace of Versailles—because, as Hart put it, “What else would a Parisian gold medalist deserve?” 

She also relished bespoke sugar cubes shaped like stars and Eiffel Towers, lovingly made by Hart’s sister. “I have no idea how my sister made them,” Hart said, “but Flora loved them.”

Selective Friendships

Flora doesn’t do casual acquaintances, even with Hart’s other horses. She loathes Fortune 500, another of Hart’s para-dressage horses, with a fiery passion. 

“I put them together thinking they’d be friends, because they’re both chill,” Hart recalled. “Nope. Flora was like, ‘Absolutely not.’” 

However, she’s wildly attached to her bestie El Corona Texel, Hart’s medal-winning mount from the 2018 World Equestrian Games (North Carolina) and the 2021 Toyko Paralympics. 

“He’s the only one she tolerates,” Hart said. “She’s not a social butterfly, but once you’re in her circle? She’ll fight for you forever.”

Turnout And Hack-Out Queen

Flora’s kingdom extends as far as she wants it to. Unlike some top competitors, Flora doesn’t see the white boards of the dressage ring as the borders of her kingdom. She loves leisurely hacks, taking in the sights, inspecting mysterious piles of “stuff,” and simply enjoying life as the queen of her domain. 

One of her most memorable hacks? A stroll through the gardens of Versailles, where she confidently surveyed her new kingdom. 

“Michel Assouline [U.S. Paralympic coach and high-performance consultant] was so stressed about it,” Hart recalled with a laugh. “He was like, ‘Please, please be careful.’ And I said, ‘She needs this. She’ll be fine.’ And of course, Flora loved it.”

A Secret Softie

Flora may have an air of royalty, but beneath her elegant exterior is a cuddle bug—just on her own terms. By day, she keeps up appearances, but during night check, when no one else is around, she quietly asks Hart for wither scratches and affection. 

“She’s not overtly affectionate during the day,” she said, “but at night, she’s like, ‘Hey, I love you.’ It’s our little ritual.”

The Barn’s Leading Lady

Flora has claimed the best stall in the barn—a barn outfitted with all primo, deluxe stalls—and she knows it. Hart jokes that a red carpet would not be out of place leading up to her stall door.

“She walks in and is like, ‘Yes, this is my house,’ ” she said. “She would absolutely appreciate a red carpet.”

Confidence Like No Other

Perhaps what makes Flora truly special is her unshakable confidence. She thrives under pressure, never shying away from big moments. When she walked into the packed stadium at the Paris Paralympics, she didn’t hesitate—she soaked in the energy and performed like she was born for it. 

“She walked in and was like, ‘Yes, I’m back. Finally, I’m back,’ ” Hart recalled.

Flora is a mare who knows her worth, loves her music, cherishes her stuffed lamb, and demands the royal treatment—and honestly, who can blame her?

Flora, we bow to your excellence.