Why patience, timing, and an experienced eye mean we can create beautiful portraits no matter how fidgety your horse may be
When you see portraits of other horses, it might look as though they are calmly posing, ears pricked, standing perfectly still. Sometimes that does happen, but more often than not, it doesn’t.
During a session, we ask horses to do something they are not usually asked to do, to simply stand quietly beside us without grazing, walking, or fussing. Naturally, that feels unfamiliar to them.
As a lifelong horsey person, I understand this completely, and I come prepared with patience, calmness, and little tricks to work with your horse’s natural behaviour. Whether your horse wants to circle, nibble the grass, or keep shifting about, no problems. The truth is, I only need a fraction of a second to capture that perfect moment, and with experience, I know how to be ready when it happens.
For example, Norman (pictured below) was on a lunge line that I later edited out, and he happened to pause while watching something that caught his eye. Foggy, in the image above, never stood still for more than a second, but the instant he did, I captured it. Those little pauses are all I need to create portraits that look timeless, calm, and effortless.
So if you are worried that your horse won’t cooperate, rest assured — I have worked with every personality from the fidgeter to the daydreamer, and together we will create beautiful images you will love.
