Marcella-Raphelle Deininger

My Featured Work:

Stay tuned! My work is coming to the Ohanga Market soon…

My Story

“Our mantra is ‘Wear your love for the horse,’ and we mean it.”

My name is Marcella-Raphelle Deininger, I am an equestrian designer and co-owner of Forza-Cavallo, an equestrian design company inspired by the magnificence of the horse.

The story of Forza Cavallo began around seven years ago when our family purchased a farm in Tiverton, RI. I grew up with horses, so this was always a vision of mine. My husband, Tom, needed a studio and the property offered a space for him to work as well as a home for our horses. 

After some time Tom began painting the horses. They would draw him into their energy. If you are an artist, you know that when you are faced with something beautiful, you must capture it. Eventually, Forza Cavallo Gallery emerged and we began selling prints and paintings. Soon after that, Tom and I began collaborating on designs reminiscent of the Victorian Era. At a distance, one could observe a beautiful pattern, but upon closer inspection, there was a reveal of dancing equines.  

As a horse enthusiast, I was excited! It was then that I realized that people who are moved by these magical creatures want horses on everything! I started to build various pieces. A scarf, socks, leggings and some hats. As we began to focus more on the graphic design aspect of Forza Cavallo, our goal was to forge artistic, wearable art manufactured with eco-friendly materials in an environmentally conscious way.

Our process is simple: Tom hands me the art, we both weigh in on edits, then once settled I then produce a variety of durable items with our indelible compositions. I spend a lot of time experimenting with products and patterns; it has to be the right marriage. The creative process is very involved, and we persevere until we get it exactly right. I am passionate about our company and truly enjoy the road to a successful Forza Cavallo print on quality merchandise. The styles are eclectic ranging from a pop sensibility to some that are a more traditional elegance.  

As a family business, we all do our part. We live our lives in touch with nature, caring for our animals as a family with four children and two artsy parents. 

Forza Cavallo Farm is also a rescue to many animals that have found their way to us. Not only the horses but donkeys, goats and chickens are healers to all who visit our sanctuary. Our community of animals lend emotional support to all, whether you are dealing with an issue or in a bad mood, the residents are erasers that help one release any negativity. They are talented healers! 

Prior to Covid, we had implemented a program named “Forza Cavallo’s Helping Hooves”. Groups of individuals with mental disabilities would visit and work with the animals on a weekly basis. It was just amazing to see the relationships that would grow week after week...the horses and other animals instinctively knowing just what was needed in that moment. 

In Italian, Forza means “power” or “to move forward with” and “Cavallo” meaning “horse” is the name of our farm and our brand. Therefore, horse power or to move forward with the horse is our mission. There is much to be learned in the quiet amongst these magical creatures. 

Ultimately, our company would like to put work out there that is unique and stirring. Life obviously has its challenges and an esthetic experience can, at times, lift our spirits like horses in the shape of a flower shining in our darkest hour.

Peace, 

Marcella Raphelle-Deininger