Emily & Stroker | Wisconsin Horse & Rider Portraits
Emily & Stroker Equestrian Portraits
Breeze Creek Farm in Random Lake, Wisconsin
Nestled between small towns not unlike itself, the village of Random Lake in Wisconsin is a picturesque spot just a stone’s throw away from Lake Michigan. Not too far outside of town is the Breeze Creek Farm, a charming equestrian center where rider’s can satisfy all their needs, from boarding to training. It was the perfect place to take pictures of Emily and her gorgeous horse, Stroker, on a beautiful if not slightly overcast day.
Emily approached me to take pictures of her and Stroker with a keen interest in capturing their bond. Emily’s personality is reflected in Stroker’s sweet disposition. She tends to him lovingly, and he reciprocates her care with his trust. I photograph a lot of horse and rider relationships, and you can always tell when a deep level of trust is shared.
Stroker, an AQHA gelding, is a disciplined showjumper. Though I was never a jumper myself, I have always had a deep respect for the sport. There is a gracefulness required of showjumpers and their riders that demands to be appreciated, and hearing Emily talk about the journey she’s shared with Stroker was nothing short of impressive. There are few things that require the intimate level of trust that jumping does, and for Stroker and Emily, this trust has been the foundation of their friendship.
Like so many sessions, I was grateful for the help of others. Emily’s mom was a wonderful assistant, and she worked hard to keep Stroker engaged and attentive during photos. I also couldn’t have been happier with Angela of Angela Marie Makeup Artistry. She’s become such an asset for me during many sessions, and she always nails the hair and makeup.
The day was overcast, but sometimes the lighting of a cloudy day makes for some of the best pictures. I hope you’ll agree that Emily and Stroker’s photos turned out beautifully. This gorgeous duo is electric together, and their friendship steals the show. I couldn’t have been happier with the end results.
If you share a cherished bond with a horse, you know that there aren’t words to describe how special that relationship can be. Professional photographs are one way to forever capture your bond, so that years down the road you can look back with fondness on the memories shared with your horse. Every horse and rider has a story—let’s tell yours!
