An Irish Draught Story: An Equine Photoshoot with Lisa & Rebel in Leicestershire

Some equine photoshoots carry a deeper meaning than others, and this session with Lisa and her Irish Draught mare, Rebel, was one of those rare full-circle moments.

Rebel comes from the Huntingfield Rebel line of Irish Draughts, bred in Ireland, a lineage that holds special significance for me. My late horse, Ollie, was from the Huntingfield Heathcliffe line, making Rebel a distant relative. Knowing this added a quiet sense of connection to the day, a reminder of how intertwined horses, history, and people can become over time.

From Childhood Ponies to a Full-Circle Moment

I have known Lisa for many years. We first met when she was still at primary school, back when she had her pony Misty and we shared the same livery yard. Like so many equestrian friendships, ours began with muddy boots and a shared love of horses and somehow, without you noticing, the years simply pass.

In December 2020, Lisa booked an equine photoshoot with Rebel at a yard near Thornton village in Markfield, Leicestershire. Rebel was the same age as Ollie and as she approaches her late teens, this felt like the perfect time to create images that truly reflected who she is a calm, kind, and quietly powerful. Lisa and Rebel have had many adventures along the way from showjumping and dressage to eventing and enjoying wonderful hacks together.

An Outdoor Equine Photoshoot in Leicestershire

The weather that day was typically December: soft, grey, and overcast. While some might see that as a challenge, this kind of light is something I welcome. It creates gentle tones, even shadows, and a timeless feel that suits equine portraiture beautifully.

Because of the restrictions in place at the time, we worked entirely outdoors and maintained distance throughout the session. This is one of the reasons I favour outdoor equine photography, it allows horses and owners to remain relaxed, unhurried, and comfortable in their surroundings. With the help of a long zoom lens, I was able to photograph quietly from a distance, letting moments unfold naturally without interruption.

For just over an hour, we made use of the yard’s outdoor space, focusing on simple, honest portraits and the quiet connection between Lisa and Rebel. There was no pressure, no rush just time set aside to create something meaningful.

Revisiting and Re-Editing with Fresh Eyes

This session was one of my final photoshoots of 2020. While I chose not to share Christmas imagery from that year, these photographs have always stayed with me. Recently, I revisited them and re-edited the images to better reflect my current style — softer, more refined, and truer to how I now approach equine storytelling.

I believe that good photography should stand the test of time. These images may have been taken a few years ago, but the connection they capture feels just as relevant today. They are not about trends or perfection but about preserving memories exactly as they were, honest, understated, and deeply personal.

Creating Timeless Equine Memories

For Lisa, these photographs are a reminder of a special chapter with Rebel, a moment paused in time. For me, they represent everything I value about equine photography: trust, history, patience and respect for the horse.

If you are considering an equine photoshoot with your own horse, my approach is always the same, calm, unforced, and centred around your horse’s comfort. The aim is not just to create beautiful images, but to give you something lasting, something that will matter even more as the years pass.