Ellian and Chaco hugging in the ring. Chaco was the last performing horse Ellian worked with. She had him for over thirty-three years.– Rosaire Family Archives
FROM THE LATEST ISSUE OF BANDWAGON
Ellian Rosaire’s life as an “equestrienne extraordinaire” is a daily celebration of the bond that connects humans and horses. Her experience bridges worlds in unique ways: the ancient traditions of circus; the classical tradition of equestrian training; and the humble, quiet healing of equine-assisted therapeutic riding and handling
The Equine Language of the Heart
By Domi Enders
Volume 70 • Number 2 • 2026
Ellian Rosaire’s life as an “equestrienne LANGUAGE OF THE HEART BY DOMI ENDERS extraordinaire” is a daily celebration of the legendary bond that connects humans and horses, in and out of the ring. Her experience bridges worlds in unique ways: the ancient, dusty traditions of circus into which she was born; the classical tradition of equestrian training; and the humble, quiet healing of equine-assisted therapeutic riding and handling.
It is Ellian’s unique background and intuitive fluency in the equine “language of the heart” that enables her to integrate, personally and professionally, these otherwise distinct disciplines. It is from the innate gifts she manifested as a toddler that she derives her special ability to communicate and connect with horses, and a lifelong vocation to pass that magic on to riders of all ages by teaching them how to “handle, love, respect, and enjoy these beautiful animals.”
The complete article is available to members of the Circus Historical Society through the members-only Backyard.