Equine Portrait Session // 16 Hands Stables Photo Day

16 Hands Stable is a beautiful little farm nestled in the hillside west of Edmonton. A little red barn tucked between grassy pastures welcomes you to this family owned facility. Animals of all shapes, kinds and sizes greet you and the atmosphere is one of kindness, family, and comfort. It feels like you’ve stepped back in time and are suddenly a kid going to your first horse camp again. Kelsey had booked me to capture portraits of three of their lesson horses, Dude, Aries, and Socrates. When I arrived her three daughters were getting the horses ready for the start of their model careers. It was heartwarming to watch the girls help one another get the horses ready and it was obvious that they had been taught impeccable horsemanship from a young age. The goals of 16 Hands Stable, of learning, safety, and a horse care first approach to riding shone through watching the MacMillan Jones women care for their horses.
But we can’t forget the real focus of this day, their beautiful horses! So without further ado, let me introduce you to three handsome geldings -

Dawson Dude

Dude is a 10 year old off the track thoroughbred and it was obvious he had won over the heart of Alexis. He had no trouble modelling for the camera and I think he would happily take a side job posing for the Greenhawk Catalogue. He’s an athletic guy, pursuing show jumping and eventing, with a energetic, personable and friendly attitude.

Truly a Warrior

Aries is a 7 year old Quarter Horse with very unique colouring! The only dark spot on his body was on his ear and he has very striking blue eyes. Though he was a little less enthusiastic about modelling, his unique colours more than made up for it (and he was happy to put in a little more effort once there was treats involved)! He had a relaxed and easy going demeanor, though I got to see his mischievous personality shine through a little!

Socrates

Socrates is an Appaloosa Thoroughbred gelding and 15-years young. This guy does not show his age one bit and was full of personality and energy while in front of my camera! While modelling may not be one of his many talents, I got to hear about how he is an excellent lesson horse and teaches many riders the basics in the english disciplines. He is also a very sensitive and perceptive horse, and so is good at teaching his riders to manage their emotions in the saddle.