I was an equine veterinarian,
now I am myself

“Equine veterinary experience deepened my understanding of the biomechanics of horses but also exposed me to the challenges many horses and their owners face on a daily base.”

The Beginning

I was born to be an artist

The introversion, creativity and stubbornness were there from the start and as a girl of 3 years old I was already painting watercolours in my grandfather's studio.

Until today loosing him feels like loosing a part of myself. One of the reasons why I paint is to connect and communicate with my late grandfather (Walter Lebbe, a talented watercolorist), who still may be there with me, looking over my shoulder while I paint.

Walter Lebbe painting watercolours in his studio

The Turning Point

Putting my veterinary career on hold, I am now a full-time artist on a mission to help horse and owner a different way.

"Some people talk to animals.
Not many listen though."

Why I Paint

A voice for the misunderstood

One of the reasons why I paint is to give my understanding for all the misunderstood horses of my veterinary career. I provide a voice for all these horses I met during my time as a veterinarian.

Giving them a place to be horse again on my canvas, I try to bring understanding and awareness of their needs, fostering a closer relationship with nature.

Marjo Lebbe connecting with her two horses

"For years I listened to what people said about their horses.
Now I paint what they never understood."

My Horses

A passion inherited

Nature has been a continuous source of inspiration, but I have to admit that horses hold a particular and enduring fascination. I inherited my passion for horses from my mom, who put me on a horse when I wasn't yet able to walk.

Every day again I am beyond grateful I have 2 amazing geldings, Calypso & Stoer Baron, which I made saddle-broken myself. When I started Calypso 14 years ago as a 2,5 years old I didn't know what I was doing, which made my own horse very unpredictable and misunderstood. Luckily with the help of the right people and my veterinary carreer, I opened my eyes to the language of horses, urging me to listen, communicate and truly understand before asking something.

A Turn in the Road

Combining my passion for horses as an equine veterinarian and as an equine artist was awe-inspiring for a period in time. But life doesn't always go according to plan…

Following My Heart

I have an innate defect in my shoulder vain. I had 4 surgeries without success to fix it and in addition I broke my back by falling off a horse. Anyway I started working way to hard as a veterinarian and my body needed more rest than I could afford. After searching for 14 years of second opinions trying to find what was causing my pain, I realised the only one holding me down, was myself.

It took me years to understand where my passion was coming from and to learn how to follow my heart. It took me half of my life to become a good veterinarian, so it took me years to overcome the idea of not wanting to be a vet anymore.

The Choice

I spent 15 years building a career as an equine veterinarian. But life forced me to choose. I chose passion over what sounds impressive at a party, even if it felt like losing a part of my identity.

I chose what I had always been.
And it was the best decision of my life so far.

I promised myself to build a life I don't need vacation from and I'm finally living that dream.

"If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough."

Marjo Lebbe beside a horse painting on an easel

Marjo Lebbe's horse paintings on show at an exhibition

Marjo Lebbe with her cats in front of a horse painting

I am beyond thankful I can say I do this for a living and that my work is in the collections of international private collectors based in Dubai, United States of America, Australia and across Europe.

On top I am enormous grateful you took the time to read my full story. If you feel like connecting with me, please tell me your story. I answer every message that reaches me.

Have a wonderful day

x Marjo

I was born to be an artist

A voice for the misunderstood

A passion inherited

Combining my passion for horses as an equine veterinarian and as an equine artist was awe-inspiring for a period in time. But life doesn't always go according to plan…

I spent 15 years building a career as an equine veterinarian. But life forced me to choose. I chose passion over what sounds impressive at a party, even if it felt like losing a part of my identity.

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