A Celebration of The Thoroughbred

Over my career I’ve had the pleasure of photographing a huge range of horses, from Welsh cobs to warmbloods, from shires to shetlands. Every subject brings something a little different to the table, and I adore the variety of working with every breed, because every horse deserves to be honoured with a beautiful portrait.

But this month, I wanted to shine the spotlight the ever popular thoroughbred; a breed that has inspired artists for centuries with their athletic conformation, handsome heads, and breathtaking speed, a breed that has become so incredibly versatile that you can look at any discipline and find a thoroughbred excelling in it.

First is Canadian George, a beautiful soul who has now sadly gained his wings and galloped over the rainbow bridge. Despite his size, he was an absolute sweetheart (as most TB’s are!) and so very loved by his human. This day he also decided to give us a little show of that incredible thoroughbred speed when he got loose and did some laps of the field to celebrate his brief moment of freedom!

Next up we have Louby, the lean mean hunting machine, even in his late teens he was looking the picture of health and still regularly raring to go on a long day’s drag hunting, tackling whatever hedges he found in front of him.
But despite being as fit as a flea he was a total gentleman to work with, posing beautifully and relishing at being in the spotlight.

Next up we have the stunning stallion Dartmouth, from Shade Oak Stud. An absolute gent to work with and a fabulous temperament. I worked with this handsome chap on a commercial commission for his official stud portrait, but in that short time he left a very lasting impression.

Next up we have Bocheli, fondly known as Bochi, a handsome little chap whose main job is polocrosse. As easy going as they come, he was more than happy to be doted on and stood like a superstar for his shoot, not at all phased by any of it (every TB I work with seems to be like this!) - modelling a gorgeous headcollar from his human’s business AJN Lifestyle (check them out for beautiful leatherwork!)

Calder Prince, owned by Anna Brown, has the be the kindest little chap you could have the pleasure of meeting. He’s a real sweetie who has stolen his Anna’s heart, the safest horse you could ever dream of hacking out and a total pro under the studio lights.

And last but not least, we have Eric, a rangey dark bay ex racer who would definitely have made it into one of Stubbs’ paintings. His owner does a little bit of everything with him and couldn’t ask for a nicer chap to work with - as with every TB, he took everything in his stride and posed for me like it was the most natural thing in the world!