This summer I went to many equine events and took a total of about 600 photographs to stock up on reference photos. Out of those I think about a dozen have the little bit of magic that I look for in a great portrait.
Of those dozen or so photographs this was the one that spoke to me when I had no pending commissions just a chance to do one for myself.

I love the relationship between this girl and her horse. The young girl is clearly new at showing.. she has the smile and look of wonderment of someone who is realizing a dream. The mare is so relaxed her eyes are half closed and she has clearly been in the show ring many times before.
Still she is willingly led to the judge even keeping in step with her little girl.

I love the hunt coat the girl is wearing. Its a tad big on her indicating its either a hand me down from "big sis" or Mom bought it with growing room in mind.

Inspired by the story it told I had to put it on paper. Limited Edition Prints will be available soon. Thanks for stopping by!

13 1/2" x 10 1/2" on bristol vellum paper. Mechanical pencils, 2H, HB, 2B, & 4B.