Alabama Portrait Photographer
Reno, Scarlett’s Inspiration – Heart Horse Project
Heart Horse: noun. A heart horse is a term used by horse lovers to describe a horse that is like a soul mate. A heart horse is a horse that one loves unconditionally and feels a deep connection with. A heart horse is usually the most special horse in one’s riding career.
This project is about telling the stories of horses who have changed equestrian’s lives. Our equine partners are so much more than a “pet”. Often times we revolve our entire life around them, make life choices because of them, and dedicate our lives to the sport and the animal.
This is Rachel and Reno’s story.
“11 years ago, I was helping a friend search for a new horse. I happened across a beautiful, big boned, roan gelding and sent the lady a message asking if my friend could come try him out. A few days before we had planned to go see him, my friend was able to get a horse back she had previously sold. I had to message the lady and let her know we wouldn’t need to come out anymore, but something told me to still go look for myself despite the fact that I currently owned an appendix mare that I had not intended to sell/replace. Despite this, I emailed the owner of the roan and let her know my friend had found a horse, but that I was interested in him myself, even though I didn’t really need a second horse. I found out she would be interested in a possible trade and then discovered she had actually bred and raised the mare I currently owned. Small world and seemed a little like fate that it was meant to work with this gelding.
I fell in love the instant I met him and have had him ever since. He was a green 6 year old and I was a 21 year old who despite having ridden since I was very young, had never really had a horse who still needed to learn so much. Over the years he has taught me just as much as I’ve taught him and is my absolute heart horse. He has always been my place of comfort through moves, breakups, job changes, engagement, marriage, and most recently having my first son. We’ve gone through stages of daily rides to times when life gets the best of me and I go months without getting on his back and he’s the same steady, confident partner no matter what. He’s helped me to grow in my confidence as a horsewomen and in my ability to adapt and learn new skills all while he’s learning them as well.
Most recently, he was diagnosed with heaves and it’s been a new “normal” we are having to navigate as every summer it takes its toll on him. Unfortunately, it’s a progressive disease with no real cure, and seeing my partner struggle each summer despite the medications and treatments is one of the worst things I’ve had to experience. As we continue to navigate through his illness I am constantly reminded of how special he is to me and how he truly is my heart. There will never be another like him and for that I’m both devastated at the thought of losing him one day, and eternally grateful to have experienced the bond we have in that once in a lifetime kind of horse.”
Recently I lost my heart horse, Scarlett. She inspired this project, created my love for photography, and made me who I am today. Read her story here.
If you have a heart horse whos story you would like to share, apply here.
