Alexis, Twiggy, and Peanut

Germantown, WI | Horse & Rider Session

Alexis with her horses Twiggy & Peanut

My career often takes me to places I have admired for years. While my days as a horse owner were spent primarily on the trails, I have always loved participating in and watching equestrian shows. I adore the flashy outfits, the thrill of competition, and the raw energy that pulsates from the crowds. And of course, the horses are what make every long day worth it. Equestrian shows are where you will find some of the most disciplined and magnificent horses in the country. For these reasons, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph Alexis, an accomplished rider in the Western Show circuit.

The session took place in Germantown, Wisconsin, on an anticipated chilly midwestern day. Germantown is a beautiful village on the outskirts of Milwaukee, just a short drive from Lake Michigan. We met at the barn where Alexis boards her two horses, Peanut, a chestnut gelding, and Twig, a bay mare. These two beautiful horses were extremely well-behaved, responding deftly to Alexis and following my cues as I snapped their picture. It was so much fun to be amidst such an experienced rider and her two showstopping horses.

Against the backdrop of a frosty breeze, the enjoyable day was laidback and relaxed. Alexis and I enjoyed talking about her history with Twig and Peanut and her many accomplishments. I am so impressed with how much she has achieved in her young life. Alexis has shown in some of the top shows around the country, including the American Quarter Horse Association, and has won awards in English and Western events. She is now working with some new horses and is considering delving into reining. For readers unfamiliar with the term, reining is a western competition where the rider guides their horse through a painstakingly precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. It was made clear to me that Alexis can do anything if she sets her mind to it.

I was grateful for the help of the barn manager and trainer, Rachel, who helped us get the horses ready for the shoot. I also could not have accomplished it without Angela Marie Hair and Makeup Artistry, who created Alexis’s look for the session. Alexis looked beautiful in her sparkly show outfits, and it was a fun challenge to capture the contrast between the endurance of competition and the glamour of showmanship.

The equestrian lifestyle takes on forms in many different ways. Whether you find your passion bareback in the forests or all geared up, ready to face the competition at a show, all riders have one thing in common—we love our horses. My sessions are curated to celebrate this bond between horse and rider, no matter how your friendship cultivates. There is nothing more special on the trails or in the show ring than the relationships that got us there. If you are looking for an equestrian photographer to encapsulate your precious bond with your horse forever, look no further. I cannot wait to meet you both!