Late Spring Equine Portraits at Abbots Bromley: Ariana, Ebbs & Nebbs
The Story Behind the Shoot
This equine photoshoot took place in late spring, May 2021, on one of those gloriously sunny days where the light feels endless and everything slows down just a little. Ariana brought along her two horses, Ebbs and Nebbs—and yes, those names really are correct.
We met at the old Abbots Bromley Equestrian Centre, making the most of the varied spaces around the yard. With the all‑girls school just behind the centre, the location offered a quiet, characterful backdrop that worked beautifully for relaxed, natural equine portraits.
Ebbs – Chilled, Chestnut, Full of Character
Ebbs was very much enjoying his retirement at the time of the shoot, so Ariana wanted his part of the session to feel unrushed and super chilled. There was no agenda beyond letting him be himself—and that’s often where the most meaningful images come from.
A chestnut with plenty of personality, Ebbs brought a softness and warmth to the photographs. We kept things simple, allowing space for those small, honest moments that reflect a lifetime partnership rather than a polished performance.
Nebbs – Elegant, Handsome, and Full of Presence
Nebbs, Ariana’s riding horse, was the perfect contrast. A gorgeous dark bay horse with striking looks, he also had a lovely personality to match. With Nebbs, we ventured a little further around the yard, using different angles and light to capture both his elegance and his connection with Ariana.
Despite his handsome appearance, the focus was never about posing, it was about letting him move, stand, and interact naturally. The result was a set of images that feel timeless and true to who he is.
Two Looks, One Meaningful Session
Ariana chose two different looks for the shoot, which added subtle variety while keeping the overall feel cohesive and relaxed. This kind of approach works beautifully for equine photoshoots, especially when photographing multiple horses with very different energy and stages of life.
A Lasting Keepsake
While this session took place in 2021, it became even more special a couple of years later. In December 2023, Ariana’s mum surprised her by purchasing all of the images on a USB—a meaningful keepsake and a reminder that equine photographs often grow in value over time.
These images aren’t just about that sunny spring day; they’re about preserving memories, personalities, and partnerships that deserve to be remembered.
Equine Photography That Tells a Story
This shoot is a perfect example of why I love equine portrait photography—especially when it’s unhurried, natural, and centred on the horse’s individuality. Whether a horse is in full work or enjoying retirement, every chapter is worth documenting.
Designed for horse owners who value timeless imagery and a thoughtful, personal approach, my equine photoshoot experience focuses on creating beautiful photographs that grow in meaning over time.
