Good Day everyone. This one is on a short and sweet side of things as I am working on some projects and didn’t have time to plan out this weeks blog. So this week I am going to talk about one of my favorite animals to photograph and why. So saddle up as I tell you some fun facts, a few heartfelt stories that I cherish, and the wonderful nature of Horses!

Fun Facts About Horses

Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up. They have a unique locking mechanism in their legs that allows them to relax without falling over.

A horse's age can be determined by examining its teeth. As they grow older, their teeth wear down and change shape.
The average horse weighs between 900 and 2,200 pounds, depending on the breed. Draft horses, like the Clydesdale, are on the heavier side, while smaller breeds, like the Shetland pony, weigh much less.
Horses have excellent memories. They can remember people, places, and other horses for many years, and they can even recognise familiar humans after long periods apart.
Horses communicate through a variety of vocalisations and body language. They use whinnies, neighs, and snorts to convey different messages to each other and their humans.
They are social animals and form strong bonds with each other. When kept in groups, they often establish a hierarchy, working together and watching out for each other.
Horses can run shortly after being born. A foal is usually able to stand and walk within a few hours of birth, which is crucial for their survival in the wild.
Some horses can reach speeds of up to 55 mph (88.5 km/h) during a sprint, making them one of the fastest land animals.
The largest recorded horse was a Shire named Sampson, who stood at 21.2 hands (about 7 feet 2 inches) tall and weighed over 3,300 pounds.
Horses have a field of vision of nearly 360 degrees due to the placement of their eyes. However, they have blind spots directly in front of them and directly behind them.
The average lifespan of a horse ranges from 25 to 30 years, but some can live into their 40s with proper care and attention.
Horses are herbivores and primarily eat grass, hay, and grains. They have complex digestive systems that allow them to efficiently process fibrous plant material.

Learning these fascinating facts can deepen our appreciation for these majestic animals, whether we're photographing them in a ranch setting or capturing their grace in the wild.

Rare horse breeds and colours captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, showcasing the incredible diversity within the equine world.

One notable rare breed is the Akhal-Teke, known for its shimmering coat that can appear almost metallic in the sunlight. Originating from Turkmenistan, this breed is celebrated not only for its beauty but also for its endurance and athleticism. The Akhal-Teke can come in a variety of colours, with the palomino, buckskin, and chestnut being particularly striking.

Another unique breed is the Forest Horse, native to the forests of Europe. Characterised by its sturdy build and ability to navigate rough terrain, this breed often exhibits a rare colour known as "chocolate bay,” a deep brown with a rich hue that truly stands out in the field.

The Marwari horse, from India, is distinguished by its inward-turning ears and can feature unique coat colours like the rare spotted pattern known as "pinto." This breed carries a rich history and is known for its spirited nature and loyalty.

In terms of colour, the pearly grey is exceptionally rare among horse coats. This unique shade presents a stunning, almost luminescent appearance and is often found in breeds like the Andalusian and Lusitano.

Another fascinating coloration is the smoky black, which is rarer than the more common black coat. This unique hue occurs as a result of the cream dilution gene and can be seen in breeds such as the American Quarter Horse.

These rare breeds and colours add to the allure of horseback riding and breeding, reminding us of the beauty and diversity found within the equine species. Whether you’re photographing these majestic animals or simply appreciating their unique traits, their rarity makes them all the more special.

Why Do Horses Fascinate Me?

I always seemed to feel completely whole and at one with my own self. Any anxiety or sorrow or just simply having a bad day, it all melts away when I see a horse. I don’t know why as I didn’t grow up around horses. I only been horse back riding twice, the second time actually falling off the horse. That is a story in its own self and one I will share shortly. Horses, as tall and massive as they are, have a gentle soul. They are on the kinder side of the spectrum for animals. Not only are they a curious bunch but a very social animal as well and not just with each other. Horses I find can form strong bonds with their owners, the humans that live around them, and will consider them part of their herd. If you can connect and bond with a horse then you are going to have a companion for a lifetime.

Horses remind me to slow down, enjoy the day, and just simply let things go. Let your worries slide down your shoulders and off of your back. You can sprint through life but you won’t last very long nor go very far. When you slow down, you become more observant and aware of your surroundings. You can hear and see everything that is going on while being at one with yourself. Seeing a horse for me is like doing meditation for others. I feel at one when I am in the presence of a horse and I’ll never not have a smile on my face when I am.

My Experiences

When I was five years old and in Kindergarten, at the year end field-trip for school, we got to visit a local farm. Now I do not remember then farm’s name but I remember my experience there as if it were yesterday. My mum joined us as a chaperone for the trip and was manning the horse ring. My little group was the last to visit the horse station as we got to learn about some chickens and how to milk a cow. To this day I still know how to milk a cow and I don’t think I will ever forget the feel of the utter in my hands or even the experience. It was such a surreal moment even as I think back. Now when it was our turn to visit the horses, I remember feeling a little intimidated by the big animals and little did I know that experience would stay with me forever. When it became my turn to take a little ride on the horses being guided by two chaperones, I let someone else go ahead of me as I wanted to be on the one that my mum was handling as I was a little scared. As I got onto the back of the horses, I remember holding onto the horn of the saddle for dear life. I could feel the saddle moving side to side, or what felt like it was anyways. This was an experience I enjoyed and thinking back on it now, I don’t know why I was so scared. Probably cause it was an animal that was taller than me and it seemed so powerful.

Years later, when I was in army cadets, I got the rare opportunity to be accepted into a camp in Whitehorse, Yukon for six weeks. This is one of the smaller cadet camps in the country and I got accepted into one of the programs. I could not believe it at the time. There was a moment while at the camp, where we want on a training exercise for a weekend. At least I think it was a weekend but can’t fully remember how long it was to be honest. This training exercise we did mountain biking, which I enjoyed a lot and I still laugh and smile at that moment when I think back. We also did some hiking which I learned some very valuable survival skills, animal tracks, plants, but also how to locate the nearest sound of civilization if you ever should get lost on a trail. For example, listen hard enough you may be able to hear a nearby highway and if you do, simply walk towards it and you’ll eventually get your bearings and some help.

One of the last days, we went horse back riding for the day. Now when it was our chance, I remembered kindergarten all over again. I was excited to get on the horse and get going on the trail ride, but I also remembered how little bit terrified I was back in kindergarten. Don’t know why that first time left such an imprint on me but it did. The owners of the horses knew I was very new to horses, being on one only once in my life so they gave me the most gentle and kindest horse they had. A quick lesson on how to ride a horse and then we were off. At the time I did not know I was tightening my legs so tight and it was actually another cadet in my squad that pointed it out, only after when I had fallen off the horse. No I did not get bucked off, but I did cause the horse to raise her bum to me to get me off. It was that movement that loosened the fastenings of the saddle and the saddle swung under. Next I knew, I was looking at the sky. I am grateful for the cadet pointing out what I was doing wrong and they did tell me how to correct myself. Once I got the hang of it, I was in love with this horse and enjoyed the rest of the day.

Both these experience will live on with me forever and I hope to go horse back riding again soon. Maybe this time when I do, I will actually be able to lift myself up into the saddle.

As I bid you all farewell until next week, I will leave you with one of my favorite photos I captured. I won’t tell the story of this one, right place right time, but it does tell the full story of the true gentle nature of horses.

Tschüss!

If I had to choose a favorite horse, honestly I love the American Paint BUT………I will have to say that my heart is more on any kind of Pinto breed. I find myself drawn to darker coated Pintos that almost have a dusting shimmer in their coat of a grey or sometimes even a slight blonde. When it’s not a Pinto, it is a Blue Roan. Just little something thought to share.

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A Connection With Horses

Fun Facts About Horses

Why Do Horses Fascinate Me?

My Experiences

Play With The Light

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