by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Harrisburg, PA — Rocknroll Hanover and Rich N Elegant continue to perform, but now on canvas rather than the racetrack.

USTA/Ken Weingartner photo

Paintings by Rocknroll Hanover (left) and Rich N Elegant were auctioned today at the Standardbred Horse Sale.

Paintings done by Rocknroll Hanover, the 2005 Horse of the Year, and his mother, Rich N Elegant, were auctioned Tuesday during the second session of the Standardbred Horse Sale. Proceeds benefit the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, which offers the Harness Horse Masterpiece Collection.

Rocknroll Hanover’s “Rock N Rembrandt” sold for $3,200 to Hanover Shoe Farms President Jim Simpson. Rich N Elegant’s “Rich N Elegant Renoir” sold for $2,500 to Hanover Shoe Farms Vice President Russell Williams.

The horses used their muzzle, tail, and hooves to paint. A bit of Rocknroll Hanover’s profile shows as paint was gently stroked on his face, which touched the canvas.

“I liked them both, but I like the cause more than anything,” Simpson said. “It’s a great cause.

“We’ll put (the painting) in the house for a while and maybe have it in the office. Maybe hang it in the stud barn. It’s a conversation piece.”

Williams plans to hang Rich N Elegant’s painting in his office.

“Rich N Elegant is retired now, so she has more time to devote to her artwork. This may be the first of many masterpieces from her. But in case she doesn’t paint anymore, I wanted to make sure I got one.

“This is an early stage of her career. She may go through various stages and periods as she goes along. I’ll certainly try to acquire an example of each one.”