Ranch Horse Photography in Tennessee

Katie & Aurora

Katie & Aurora | Ranch Horse Golden Hour Session in Woodlawn, TN

I first met Katie and her paint mare Aurora at the Appaloosa Horse Club of Tennessee’s Spring Bash, where I was photographing the show. Right away, I could tell there was something special about their partnership—so when Katie reached out for a session, I couldn’t wait to photograph the two of them outside the show ring.

We met up in Woodlawn, Tennessee, for a golden hour session that couldn’t have been more beautiful. The warm, glowy light, the open fields, and the way Aurora moved so freely—it all came together for a laid-back session that felt perfectly on-brand for a ranch horse and her rider. Aurora is exactly the kind of horse you want by your side: smart, steady, and full of personality.

We wrapped up the session with a few action shots of Katie riding, which showed off Aurora’s responsiveness and the working partnership they’ve built together. It’s always fun to end a shoot with a little motion, especially when it highlights the kind of connection that only comes from countless hours in the saddle.

This session was a reminder of why I love working with ranch and western riders. There’s a quiet confidence in this discipline—a mutual trust between horse and rider that’s rooted in everyday partnership, not just ribbons and arena lights. Whether you’re training at home or showing on the road, your story deserves to be documented.