Capturing a Legacy

Capturing a Legacy

©Rachel Flynn Equine Photography Senior Horse Project Manolo Mendez Dressage Diniamico XII PRE Stallion

Capturing a Legacy

THE SENIOR HORSE PROJECT

I was first introduced to horses at a very young age. In truth, I don’t really remember my life before them; without them. They have always been there, an integral part of our farming life for mustering or weekend competition; but perhaps even more importantly as forever friends, trusted confidants and incomparable companions. 

Senior Horse Project - Rachel Flynn

 

Having spent nearly my entire life around horses, I have been given the opportunity to witness first hand the different stages of their lives, and I have come to greatly appreciate and moreover love the Senior Horse. 

The beauty of the senior horse is often overlooked in a world that tends to focus on youth and vitality. But in the eyes of an experienced person, horses age like fine wine and often with age comes a calmness and serenity that is hard to find in more youthful horses. Senior horses seem to demonstrate a demeanor of calm, exuding an acceptance of their surroundings and those who surround them.

But the real beauty of the senior horse is the shared journey you have taken. The road you have quite literally traveled together.  

These stoic and learned animals may no longer buck as wildly as their more youthful counterparts, but they more than make up for it with their wisdom, grace and solidarity.  

 

Senior Horse Project wisdom of a horse eye
©Rachel Flynn Equine Photography The Senior Horse Project
Senior Horse Project

 

I have had many amazing horses throughout my life, from the youthful to the wise and all that is in between. They have each held such a special place in my heart. It was our very own senior pony Max, that led me to finally making the announcement (which had been on my to-do list for some time) that we needed to document  these very special horses in a way that captured who they are – their Legacy. Then one crisp May morning in 2020, I decided to do a spontaneous Live on social media, showcasing to my viewers just how beautiful the light was dancing through the valley and trees of our property; and I knew then there was no better moment to announce my most important project to date; The Senior Horse Project-Capturing a Legacy.  

I am passionate about capturing the unique essence of each horse I photograph as I endeavor to bring them to life in the form of Art that can be treasured forever. Given my supreme appreciation for the Senior Horse, it seemed only fitting that I capture them through my lens in a way that grasps their true essence and tells their story. A final nod to them for their trusted service and a treasured memory for us. 

One of my most memorable senior horse sessions was with a strapping grey stallion named Dinamico XII, a well-known PRE stallion of the Manolo Mendez Dressage Stables.

Manolo was thrilled to have some beautiful photographs of his most beautiful horses saying “Rachel is very passionate, kind; and made the entire experience a pleasure. She appreciates and honours each individual horse’s beauty and spirit.  I definitely recommend a photoshoot experience with Rachel.”

“They [photographs] are very important. When we reflect on our past and what we have done they help enrich our memories.”

Rachel Flynn Equine Photography The Senior Horse Project Manolo Mendez Dressage Dinamico XII

 

Unfortunately Dinamico XII [above & below] has passed onto greener pastures over the rainbow bridge and his legacy remains in those precious photographs.

 

Senior Horse Project
©Rachel Flynn Equine Photography The Senior Horse Project Manolo Mendez Dressage

 

I think we all have that one special horse (perhaps more), who we feel a particular and often difficult to articulate relationship with. A recent client of mine, Sky Royal, [above] really brought this to life for me when she said “I don’t really know how to put into words how much Swish means to me. He has taught me kindness, humility and courage. He has been a constant presence in my life, even through times that felt empty. It was a match thrown out of heaven when 10-year-old, headstrong me, met the equally headstrong Swish and navigated the world together. It has been one hell of adventure, from the high country to the coast, through laughter, tears and tantrums. How blessed am I that this little pony has so faithfully carried my heart through the last 20 years and became my soulmate.”

 

Senior Horse Project Swish
Senior Horse Project
Rachel Flynn Equine Photography Senior Horse Project Nadine O'Sullivan

 

The Legacy of a Horse.
Rachel Flynn Equine Photography

The bond we create with a horse is something that needs to be documented and celebrated.  Our Equestrian lifestyle.  Our love.

If you have a special senior horse in your life and are interested in learning more about a photoshoot experience with me, please get in touch. Based in Victoria, I travel Australia-wide when schedules permit and find no greater joy than capturing the legacy of your most valuable companions.

Register your interest here :  EMAIL  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM  

Stay in touch with Rachel Flynn Equine Photography:   FACEBOOK   |   INSTAGRAM   |    WEBSITE & BLOG

Equine Portrait Specialist

Equine Portrait Specialist

Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Welsh A cob, unicorn pony, equine portrait specialists

Equine Portrait Specialist

Elegant Equine portraiture is one of my favourite poses in photography.  I bring the beauty I see in every Horse through my lens to capture a timeless photograph so that your Horses can be honoured and remembered, always.

Recently, I travelled to Far North Queensland offering my unique travel sessions.  One of the morning sessions I had the chance to photograph the beautiful horses of Cristogracia Spanish Horse stud & training facility in Tarzali.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet the team of horses and Chris & Grant.

One of the most elegant mares I have seen was Cristogracia Son Risa, pictured below.

Cristogracia Son Risa, Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Australian Andalusian, equine portrait specialists

The beauty of your Horse immortialised forever in Equine Art.

Cristogracia Son Risa, Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Australian Andalusian, equine portrait specialists
Cristogracia Son Risa, Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Australian Andalusian, equine portrait specialists
Cristogracia Son Risa, Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Australian Andalusian, equine portrait specialists
Cristogracia Son Risa, Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Australian Andalusian, equine portrait specialists
Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Welsh A cob, unicorn pony
Cristogracia Son Risa, Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Australian Andalusian, equine portrait specialists
Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Welsh A cob, unicorn pony
Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Welsh A cob, unicorn pony, equine portrait specialists
Cristogracia Son Risa, Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Australian Andalusian, equine portrait specialists
Cristogracia Spanish Horse Australia, Rachel Flynn Equine Photography, Welsh A cob, unicorn pony, equine portrait specialists

With a special project in mind we got to work posing the Horses so they could be photographed. Cristogracia Fudge – pictured directly above, is a Welsh A pony.  

Little Fudge soon stole the show with his cute looks and character.  He has a very special role assisting the children as they learn to ride.  He loves his outings for Dressage and shows and Chris tells me he is loved by all.

The third beautiful & elegant horse I photographed was Cristogracia Seriosa showing us her tricks.  

 

My creative vision wanted to place a white horse on the front of this years calendar and fell in love with this image of Cristogracia Son Risa.  My main goal was to showcase the beauty of a Horse in a unique way.

The calendars make wonderful Christmas and birthday presents. 

2023 Equine Calendar by Rachel Flynn
2023 Horses Equine Calendar, Australian Horse Photography, Horse Calendar Australia, Horse Calendar

LIMITED EDITION 2023 Horses Calendar
pre order HERE


Unique photoshoot experience with Rachel Flynn

Would you love your Horse captured in an elegant portraiture session?

You can message me your interest on FACEBOOK or text 0432 616 934.

Stay in touch with Rachel Flynn Equine Photography:   FACEBOOK   |   INSTAGRAM   |    WEBSITE & BLOG

The Equine Lifestyle

The Equine Lifestyle

The Equine Lifestyle

As a travelling Equine photographer, I meet the most interesting people who also share a passion and love for Horses.

Every person’s journey with their equine is individual to the two of us – whether our horses are paddock companions, used for work, high level competition or maybe just a fun weekend hobby; the bond you create with your Horse is very special.

Through my lens, I am very fortunate to document your story capturing your unique partnership for you to treasure forever.

Australian Beach Photoshoot

         

Photography is the beauty of life captured

I was recently privileged to photograph Shianne O’Donoghue, multi Cowgirl Champion of Australia, on her family farm in Bunyip, Victoria.  Having the opportunity to photograph Shianne and her Horses doing what they love, was an absolute pleasure, and the photographs really tell the story of the diversity of Shianne’s horses, and her talent.

Shianne has successfully competed since age 3 and comes from a family of competitive riders.  Shianne’s wins to date are 2015 & 2016 APRA Pro Tour Barrel Racing & all-around champion; 2015 APRA all-around Rookie champion of Australia; 2015 APRA Rookie Barrel Racing champion of Australia; 2016 APRA all-around champion cowgirl of Australia; 2016 APRA Barrel Racing champion of Australia with multiple State Barrel racing and all-around champion titles.

Shianne O'Donoghue

“I have so many circumstances I wished there was a camera for, mainly the hard times – the training in grass paddocks, the 2am walking horses who are sick or all the late-night drives to and from rodeos where it’s just you, your horse and the road.  Those are the things I wish I had more recollection of, the times where you feel like you have nothing but your horses and you just go and ride to clear your mind or compete to feel something.

When I won the 2016 titles I was in a very dim place.  I didn’t feel like I had much at all apart from my horse, Cool.  I was lost and barrel racing was the only thing I felt I had.  Winning those titles did so much more for me than just another title.  It gave me hope and let me trust in the process just enough to keep pursuing a career in the equine industry.”  Shianne said.

All the late nights and early mornings will pay off.

Barrel Racing

 

Why I am so passionate about learning & capturing Your Story

As a horse rider myself, I have learned over the years that the journey we have with our own horse is exceptionally unique to the two of us.  Having owned more than one horse, I was quick to learn that every Horse has a different personality, and the opportunity for a new journey unlike any other develops. 

Over time, we build a relationship that becomes our bond and our story is built on the journey and love we share.  Photographing my horses has always been a passion because I know that one day when all I have left are photographs, I will treasure them dearly.  Now I get to give that gift to my clients so they too can treasure their beautiful memories too.

 

Shianne O'Donoghue testimonial

Barrel Racing Australia


Unique photoshoot experience with Rachel Flynn

I have very limited sessions left for Spring & Summer 2022.

If you would love your Story to be photographed to treasure forever, or you’d like to capture the beauty
of your Horse in Fine Art Portraiture, email me HERE for more information or text 0432 616 934.

Stay in touch with Rachel Flynn Equine Photography:   FACEBOOK   |   INSTAGRAM   |    WEBSITE & BLOG

Liberty on the Beach

Liberty on the Beach

Liberty on the Beach

At 11 years of age Lucy Adams rode her new horse Elzar on the beach for the very first time.  Unsure of the noise of the waves as they crashed the shoreline, he stood brave, both willing to try something new.

She dreamed of galloping him along the beach bareback, without a bridle or saddle at liberty.  Little did I know, she would work incredibly hard to bring that dream alive at our next photoshoot.

Australian Beach Photoshoot

Lucy & Elzar’s first photoshoot in 2018.


‘She dreamed she could… and she did..’

Their story began when Lucy’s Aunty Jayne Hills gave her the Horse of her dreams.  At 11 years of age, Lucy had lost her beautiful pony Biscuit and was left devastated with the loss of two horses.

Jayne had secretly matched the potential of young Elzar and Lucy’s ability and saw an opportunity to fill the void in Lucy’s heart.

Lucy had met Elzar (right) when she was 9 years of age and fell in love at first sight.

 

It was evident in our recent photoshoot that Lucy had been working very hard at home on their partnership.  Lucy’s Mum, Tam, recalls her determination and passion from such a young age, and she told me she was unlike any other children she knew.  She worked incredibly hard and tirelessly to achieve her dream.

I wasn’t fully aware of how advanced their liberty work was until I watched them warming up for our photoshoot.  I became incredibly excited to be photographing them as I witnessed horsemanship and a bond far beyond her years. I reflected on their journey as we stood on the very same beach again.  With a passion for story telling through my lens I knew exactly how to share their journey thus far.

The smile says it all – they did it!

 

I am passionate about learning & capturing Your Story

The journey we have with our own horse is exceptionally unique to the two of us.  If you are lucky enough to own more than one Horse, you are quick to learn that every Horse has a different personality, and the opportunity for a new journey unlike any other develops.  Over time, you build a relationship that becomes your bond and this is your Story.

 

 

The Beach Photoshoot

A Beach session with your horse is one of my favourite sessions to photograph.  No matter the location though, a photoshoot experience with me is about you and your story of love and connection with your Horse.  To capture your precious moments for you to treasure forever in photographs you can be proud of.

Photoshoot experience with Rachel Flynn

If you would love your Story to be photographed or you’d like to capture the beauty of your Horse in an
Equine Art Portrait, NOW is the time to enquire and have a chat.

I have very limited sessions left for Spring & Summer 2022 – to avoid disappointment you can email
me HERE to tell me about your vision.

Lucy & Elzar are proudly sponsored by Rachel Flynn

Stay in touch with Rachel Flynn Equine Photography:   FACEBOOK   |   INSTAGRAM   |    WEBSITE & BLOG

The Australian Brumby project Blog 2

The Australian Brumby project Blog 2

The Australian Brumby project Blog 2

I’d like to introduce you to some Heritage horses from Guy Fawkes Heritage Horse Association.

Whilst there is a great debate on whether wild horses should remain wild or domesticated, this project is not about that.

When I saw the on-ground culling plans from our government I could not sit back and do nothing – these horses deserve a better way to be managed.

The Australian Brumby Project was initiated for me to give back to the Horse; for me to personally thank those horses that have changed my life and taught me invaluable life lessons. With this in mind, one of the best ways I know how to contribute is through my passion for Equine photography, to show you what I see every day when I look through my lens.

Grace           Beauty           Majestic           Worthy

The Guy Fawkes Heritage Horse Association is dedicated to preserving the heritage value and characteristics of the horses found in the Guy Fawkes River National Park in NSW.

After the government aerial cull in 2000, the Association was formed in 2004 & worked alongside National Parks & Wildlife Service NSW to manage the number of horses in the area in a more humane way.

There was a trial of passive trapping, where the Association leased 300 acres to hold and assess the horses for suitability of rehoming.  This system is still in place today and other culling methods for the area have ceased.

Over the years there has been government debate over culling ALL horses within this area, and that lead some members of the Association to bred these horses with the intention to maintain the Heritage horse.

In this blog, you will meet both purpose-bred Heritage horses along with some Horses caught from the wild.

“It is with the hope that the government makes passive trapping a regular priority, not just a priority as numbers increase. This workable plan is an ongoing viable option to the management of horses” says Erica of the Guy Fawkes Heritage Horse Association.

The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn

Having known Kathy of Manobier Park Heritage Horses for many years now, I remember when Kathy first spoke about purchasing her horses. I have followed their journey and watched her successfully train and educate her horses to competition level. I finally got to meet Kathy’s horses at Equitana in Melbourne in 2016 in the breed village and marveled at how happy they were, a credit to her hard work.

When I started this Brumby project, I knew where to start because Kathy is a perfect example of successful rehoming.

All three of Kathy’s horses, Southern Cross Spellbound, Southern Cross Pheonix, and Guy Fawkes Pandora are all multi-champions in the show ring and have also successfully competed in trail.

Recently, on a late Winter’s evening, I was lucky enough to meet the team again.

Joining our session with horses was Natasha and her daughter Rhubie, Dianne, and Bridget with her Bogong High Plains Brumby Dorothy.

The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn
The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn
Left: Southern Cross Pheonix Right: Natasha riding Manobier Poet (TB) & Rhubie riding Wirraway Park Jahi
The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn

Poet was put into retirement due to injury however, whilst Natasha studied Equine Myotherapy she worked on him as a case study and rehabilitated him back to a riding horse.  He was used as a lead horse when training Jahi under saddle. He is now Natasha’s main riding horse whilst her daughter Rhubie rides Jahi.  She believes cross-training is very important in a young horse’s education and has found the Guy Fawkes horses as amazingly versatile mounts, and addictive as she now owns three!

“Jahi has done very well in the show ring as a youngster and really enjoys his bush trail rides with Poet” says Natasha.

 

The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn
Wirraway Park Jahi playing in the wetlands of Manobier Park Heritage Horse property
The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn
 Southern Cross Spellbound & Wirraway Park Jahi

“Over the last 6 years, we have rehabilitated an area of our property by developing a 3 pond wetlands with extensive native planting.  This project has attracted and enhanced wildlife especially the bird and frog populations.  I undertook this project as I am a wildlife carer and wanted to develop some pre-release acreage.  We are in a bushfire pron area and thus having tall grass is a fire danger.  I let my horses graze the area out to keep the fire load down.  The horses do not cause any damage to this area.  I have had cattle get into the area and damage the fragile area around the ponds.  Thus my personal experience leads me to believe that our brumbies are being blamed for damage done by cloved hooved animals such as pigs and deer as well as human damage such as 4WDs” say’s Kathy.

The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn

Above: Dianne is leading Southerncross Spellbound who is purpose-bred from Heritage bloodlines.

The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn

Guy Fawkes Pandora (pictured above) is a Brumby trapped and rehomed through the Guy Fawkes Heritage Horse Association.

The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn

Southern Cross Pheonix is a purpose-bred Heritage Horse with the most incredible movement and Kathy aims to campaign her in the near future in Equestrian Victoria Pony dressage.

The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn
Left: Bridget is riding Bogong High Plains Brumby Dorothy Right: Kathy riding Guy Fawkes Pandora
The Australian Brumby Project by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn
Above: Rhubie with Wirraway Park Jahi
In my next blog, I visit wild Brumbies in their natural environment and have documented the conditions in which they live. You will be pleasantly surprised to see what I have captured!

A horse is poetry in motion

Have a question?  You can email me at rachel@equinephotographybyrachelflynn.com
Stay in touch with Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn:   FACEBOOK   |   INSTAGRAM   |    WEBSITE & BLOG

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