When I arrived at the hilly Indiana-Ohio border farm, I was greeted by Tori. Shelby’s friend who would be assisting us during the session. We were also doing fine art shots of her horse, Reilly, for this session. Winnie was already in the barn aisle. I could see her from where I parked my car. She was so clean and shiny!
Winnie is a 4 year old palomino mare who wasn’t broke before Shelby got her back in January. She didn’t get much about her history besides that information. Shelby has been working with her everyday and now she can put a saddle on Winnie and ride her around without a bridle. When you look into Winnie’s eyes, you can tell she’s an old soul.
When I was selecting images for Shelby’s gallery, there were so many photos where Winnie is blinking, but it looks more like she was relieved to be with her. You can tell Winnie has so much trust already with Shelby the short amount of time they’ve been together. They already have a history, a bond.
The last location of the evening was in a pasture with ponies next door spectating what was unfolding. The sunset looked like something out of a Star Wars film. Shelby has been free lunging Winnie as a part of her training. There’s something spectacular watching a mare run freely in a pasture. In a playful mood, Winnie ran up to my camera bag on the opposite side of the pasture, sniffed it, and did a little bunny hop buck over it.
I look forward to the day I go back to their farm and see what progress Shelby and Winnie have made together.
From Shelby, “ I love the freedom and peace of riding, it’s always fun whether you’re by yourself or with friends and even if shit goes sideways, you can always laugh about something. I got into riding because I was obsessed with horses growing up and I rode my first one in Tennessee with my dad and I just never stopped getting on.
I don’t know much about Winnie’s past. I made a post on Cincinnati Equestrian World on Facebook and someone messaged me about two Fillies that they had. He said he put two weeks on her. I looked at two other horses before I got her. I was a little on edge at first and didn’t feel much of a connection but now we are inseparable. She wasn’t started under saddle when I got her so I’m grateful to be able to learn with her.”
How Shelby rated her session 1-10: “100 Absolutely loved it!”
Bethany Quinn is the photographer behind Bethany Quinn Studios where she helps modern women feel more confident in their own skin through boudoir, maternity, and equine photography sessions. We encourage you to grab a glass of wine or sparkling cider, hang out for awhile, and check out more that the blog has to offer!
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