Cheri & Faadar | Horse & Rider Portraits
Oakfield, Wisconsin
As a photographer, I provide my cliental with a wide variety of sessions to choose from. This is especially true for those with a fondness for the equestrian lifestyle. From senior sessions to photoshoots in the show ring to everything in between, I understand that the life of a horse owner is one that is constantly changing. I also have a keen understanding that horse ownership comes with a significant amount of emotional and mental commitment—and like losing anyone in our life, the devastation that can come with losing a horse is hard to describe. I’ve been there—I know how hard this kind of loss can be. And that’s why I feel honored and privileged to provide my clients with sentimental keepsake sessions for the older horse in their life.
This post is dedicated to my session with Cheri and her gorgeous Arabian, Faadar. Cheri purchased Faadar when he was just five years old, and when she contacted me to help her commemorate a lifetime of memories with him, Faadar was 33 years of age. You would have never guessed it though—this beautiful boy was incredibly spunky and full of youthful vigor. He adored Cheri, and the feeling was evidentally mutual. Faadar was Cheri’s first horse—and he’s been her only horse ever since. After over 25 years of companionship, Faadar and Cheri couldn’t imagine a life without one another.
Our session took place on a beautiful sunny day at a stable in Oakfield. I enjoyed my day with Cheri and loved hearing about her life with Fadaar. Cheri is a kind and caring person, with a penchant for having fun, and the afternoon flew by as we swapped stories and captured some beautiful photographs.
While it’s true that Cheri couldn’t quite imagine a life without Faadar, she was sadly forced to face this reality when Faadar passed away shortly after our photoshoot. But I can say with certainty that Faadar never doubted for a moment of his life that he was loved and valued—it is evident that Cheri provided him with the loveliest and safest home anyone could have hoped to have given their horse. While my heart breaks for Cheri and her loss, I hope that she can take comfort in knowing that Fadaar was fortunate to have her and lived what seemed to be an incredibly happy and satisfying life.
I lost my heart horse as a young adult, with nothing left over but a few grainy photographs and memories I hold close to my heart. If I could go back in time to have professional photographs taken with her, I would do so in a heartbeat. But while I can’t do that, what I can do is provide that service to others. No matter how old your horse may be, I ask you to consider taking the plunge for a keepsake session. And when the time comes for you to say goodbye, hopefully many, many years down the road, I guarantee you’ll be glad that you did.
