Rafacito, or Rafa, is the kind of horse who makes you smile before you even pick up the camera. This young palomino Lusitano belongs to Megan Dischler, owner of Dressage Solutions in Eagle, Wisconsin, and he was one of the stars of our fine art Barn Day there.
Meet Rafacito
Rafa is a four year old Lusitano, and Megan describes him as sweet, curious, and playful, with a kind and incredibly generous spirit. He also has the silliest whinny. He likes to talk a lot, and when he does, it sounds like he is singing.
He loves his dressage job, but he is very playful too and enjoys playing with cones, balls, and anything else he can get his nose on. As Megan puts it, he is kind of like a giant golden retriever. On top of all that personality, he is stunningly beautiful, and it shows in every one of these portraits.
One of Megan’s favourite memories is his first day after arriving from Portugal, when she sat down next to him as he lay in his stall munching his hay. He is still a snuggler, and he likes to rest his head on her shoulder while he is being braided.
A Golden Coat That Glows
Megan’s goal for the session was to capture her best friend in his best light and show off his personality and spirit. A black background is perfect for that. Against all that black, Rafa’s golden coat and long, wavy mane practically glow, and every detail stands out, from the shape of his face to the waves falling down his neck.
Barn Days are set up right in the barn aisle, so each horse can step into the studio from their own stall. For a young horse, that familiar setting makes a big difference, and it lets their true personality come through. 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
Rafacito was not the only Rafa in the studio that day. Meet Rafa, Emily’s Lusitano FEI dressage schoolmaster, also photographed at the Dressage Solutions Barn Day. You can also meet Orion and Bana, Paula’s Percheron cross and Tempel Farms Lipizzan stallion. And don’t miss Indy, Christina’s six year old Friesian. Plus Queenie, Christina’s four year old Hanoverian. 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.
Megan, thank you for hosting our Barn Day and for sharing Rafa with me. And a special thank you to Tina and Holli for sending Megan my way.
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.