When I put out a model call for my new equestrian photography sample album, I had something very specific in mind. I wanted to create a collection that tells the story of my business — one that gives future clients a clear idea of what to expect when they book a equestrian portrait photoshoot with me. My original brief included a mother-child duo with one horse and one pony, but, as always, the universe had other plans.
Finding the Perfect Equestrian Model
After reaching out to some local equestrian coaches and mentors, Jo Swain replied with the message, “I’ve got the perfect person.” That person turned out to be Chloe, a dedicated teen rider with a remarkable pony named Ruby. As soon as I explored Chloe’s Instagram account, I realised she wasn’t your average teenager.
When I spoke to Chloe’s mom, Sarah, I instantly felt a connection Located not far from the town I grew up in, we chatted about eventing, school life, and everything in between. Chloe is part of The Howden Way Talent Academy for the 2025 season, and it quickly became clear that this session would be something special.
Although I initially aimed to photograph younger children, it’s often teen equestrians who find their way to me. There's something deeply meaningful about capturing this stage of life — juggling school, extra-curriculars, and the demands of a competitive equestrian lifestyle. It's not about medals or missteps. It's about who you are when you’re with your horse — peaceful, joyful, completely present.
When I arrived at Chloe’s property for the session, I was welcomed by exactly the kind of people I had envisioned: warm, grounded, and genuinely in love with their horses. After a quick tour of their beautiful land, I wandered off on my own to plan the locations for the shoot.
Meet Ruby and Paddy: The Stars of the Shoot
We began with Chloe’s future prospect, Paddy — a striking, tall, dark gelding who was a dramatic contrast to the blonde powerhouse Ruby. For the first look, Chloe wore a denim skirt and white blouse, surrounded by vibrant spring colours. We created a mix of natural, cuddly horse portraits and bold, editorial-style images that showcased her bond with Paddy.
After a quick outfit change (and some tailoring help from mom), it was time for Ruby to shine. The late afternoon sun reflected off his gorgeous chestnut coat, and the resulting images were nothing short of magical. Chloe’s final look — a classic Holland Cooper jacket — brought a timeless equestrian elegance to the photos, and the images from this set are some of my all-time favourites.
Why This Session Mattered So Much
Chloe was the epitome of grace throughout the shoot. She was calm, confident, and completely in her element — just a girl with her horses, free from the pressures of school and sport. It reminded me why I love doing what I do.
The final album turned out even better than I had imagined, and I’m incredibly grateful to Sarah and the Chan family for trusting me to capture this moment in Chloe’s life. It’s sessions like this that remind me how important it is to celebrate not just the horse or the rider — but the relationship between them.
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Follow Chloe’s Equestrian Journey
Chloe continues to impress on the UK eventing scene and will no doubt do incredible things in the future. If you'd like to follow her journey you can find her on Instagram.
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Interested in Booking Your Own Equestrian Photoshoot?
If this story resonated with you and you’d love to capture your own horse and rider moments, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you're looking for a teen equestrian photoshoot, or a full family equine session, I can help bring your vision to life.
