Some horses walk into the studio and the portraits practically take themselves. Indy was one of them. He was one of the horses I photographed at our fine art Barn Day at Dressage Solutions in Eagle, Wisconsin, and he was made for a black background.
A Six Year Old Friesian with Presence
Indy, registered as Indy Fan Royal Thunder, is a six year old Friesian owned by Christina Ballweg. He has everything people love about the breed: a glossy black coat, a long, wavy mane, a proud, arched neck, and that unmistakable presence that makes you stop and look twice. As Christina put it, “He’s so fuckin’ Friesian-y!” If you have ever met a Friesian, you know exactly what that means, and Indy fits the bill 100%.
Christina’s favourite memory with Indy is the first time they trotted under saddle together, a milestone every young horse owner remembers. Her goal for the session was simple: to capture the spirit of each of her horses.
Against the black background, Indy’s coat picks up every bit of light, and his mane falls in thick waves down his neck. Christina wanted a couple of images for her new office, so we made sure to capture a mix of full-length portraits and close, vertical compositions that will look beautiful on the wall. Have a few friends at your barn who would love portraits too? Find out how Barn Day mini sessions work.
More from This Barn Day
Indy shared the studio with some wonderful horses that day. Meet Rafacito, Megan’s young palomino Lusitano, Rafa, Emily’s Lusitano FEI dressage schoolmaster, and Orion and Bana, Paula’s Percheron cross and Tempel Farms Lipizzan stallion. And meet Queenie, Christina’s four year old Hanoverian, who joined Indy in the studio. And Maestoso Gradita, a Lipizzan stallion from the Tempel Lipizzans. And meet Jed, Megan’s KWPN-NA Dutch Warmblood. Plus Maestoso Batosta, a Lipizzan stallion from the Tempel Lipizzans.
Christina, thank you for sharing Indy with me. He is every bit the Friesian, and I loved every minute of photographing him.
Not ready to gather a group for a Barn Day? A private equine fine art session gives you the same black background portraits for just your horse.