There’s something inspiring about watching a young woman and her horse share quiet moments together: trust, respect, and love all brought together in a quiet rhythm. Hailey’s Equine Fine Art and Horse + Rider Bond Sessions with her mare, Americana S (“Meri”), were the perfect blend of grace and strength. Equal parts elegance and edge.
The Equine Fine Art Portraits…
When I arrived at Dressage Solutions in Eagle, Wisconsin, the barn aisle was peaceful. The sound of fans and soft nickers filled the space as Hailey sat for hair and makeup with Stephanie from Soulful Artisan. Stephanie captured the look beautifully — deep red lips, softly defined eyes, and that touch of drama that fit perfectly with Hailey’s vision: Ballet Equestrian with Black Swan energy.
While Stephanie worked her magic, I set up my fine art studio in the barn aisle. These Equine Fine Art Sessions are all about the horse: their personality, their elegance, their quiet strength & beauty.
Meri is a stunning 23-year-old Pinto Westfalen mare by Art Deco out of Damascus Jewel. At first, she was curious and a bit uncertain, but with Hailey nearby, steadying and reassuring her, she quickly settled into the session like she owned the place. Under the lights, her coat gleamed, her braids shone, and she became every bit the fine art muse.
Faryn, Hailey’s mom, described Meri as
“…an absolute sweetheart. She’s highly attached to her friends, feels the energy of the people around her, is extremely forward and fun to ride — spooky, but she takes amazing care of her rider. She’s been a mama to many babies in her time and is known at the barn as ‘Mama Meri’ because she loves her adopted babies so much. She’s bossy in the politest way and just so pleasant to be around.”
And that’s exactly how she photographed…. Poised, polite, and full of presence.
The Horse & Rider Bond Session…
Once we wrapped up the fine art portraits, Hailey changed into a flowing copper gown that shimmered as the late-summer sun started to dip. We moved out into the back pasture for the second half of her evening, the Horse & Rider Bond Session. This is where the connection between a horse and their human takes center stage.
The light turned golden and soft. Hailey started out in her pointe shoes, a quiet nod to her ballet background. She worked through a few beautiful, expressive ballet poses alongside Meri, the kind of movements that felt both powerful and looked absolutely effortless. Then she changed into heels, and the whole energy shifted. Even more confident, a little bolder with a big mood. She wore her mom’s ring the entire time, a small, meaningful detail that tied it all together.
Meri stood calmly beside her, watching, responding to Hailey’s cues with the ease of their partnership. The two of them moved through the field like they’d done it a hundred times. Just a natural rhythm and trust.
Faryn shared one of Hailey’s favourite memories with Meri:
“Hailey’s favorite memories are doing a lesson w/an FEI judge (she was a big fan of Meri and her spunk) & a Kenny Diercks clinic where Meri & Hailey shined & tried lots of new skills together. It showed the trust they had in each other & the partnership being built.”
It’s that kind of connection that can’t be faked or directed; it just exists quietly between them.
Final Year, Forever Moments
We finished as the light faded, Meri ready to be done and Hailey smiling beside her. It felt like a fitting close to the day, and to this season of Hailey’s life. Her final year is upon her, and these photos will always hold this in-between moment of growing up, moving forward, and still grounded in the things that matter most.