Nicki & Rizz

As horse owners, we're often the last people we spend money on.

We'll happily invest in lessons, saddles, competition entries, arena surfaces and stable improvements without a second thought. But when it comes to treating ourselves, that's often pushed to the bottom of the list.

Recently, I travelled to Rochdale to photograph Nicki and her beautiful dressage horse, Rizz, and it reminded me exactly why investing in portraits isn't simply about having photographs taken. It's about celebrating the life you've built, the memories you've created, and the horses who have shaped so much of your world.

Building A Life Around Horses

The moment I arrived at Nicki's home, it was clear that horses aren't just part of her life — they are her life.

Over the years she has worked incredibly hard to create her dream yard at home, a place where her horses can enjoy a peaceful life surrounded by breathtaking views across the Rochdale moorland. Standing in her arena, looking out across miles of countryside with the city in the distance, it was easy to see why she loves it so much. It's the kind of place that reminds you why all the hard work is worth it.

At the heart of it all is Rizz, her 18.2hh dressage horse and trusted schoolmaster. Kind, affectionate and wonderfully gentle, he's the horse who has helped Nicki continue learning and progressing in her dressage journey. Having recently earned Nicki her first PSG points, a milestone Nicki was incredibly proud of, he has now begun to enjoy a more relaxed chapter of life.

As we chatted throughout the session, it became obvious just how much he means to her. One story that particularly stayed with me was how, when she closes the barn doors at night, Rizz often looks at her as though he'd quite like her to stay a little longer. If you've ever loved a horse, you'll understand exactly the look she's talking about.

For this session, I wanted the photographs to reflect not just who Nicki and Rizz are together, but also the life they have built around one another.

We began in a more casual shirt and jeans look and headed up to the arena overlooking the yard. From there, the views are simply incredible. Looking across the moorland with the city stretching out far below, it felt like we were standing between two different worlds. Up here it was quiet, peaceful and completely centred around the horses.

From the arena, we ventured onto the nearby moorland tracks, making the most of the stunning landscape that Nicki is fortunate enough to ride through every day. These portraits captured a side of horse ownership that often gets overlooked; not the competitions or the milestones, but the simple joy of spending time together in places that feel like home.

Back at the yard, we changed into a second outfit and photographed around the stables that Nicki had built herself. Knowing how much hard work, dedication and sacrifice had gone into creating this home for her horses made these images feel especially meaningful. Every corner of the property tells part of her story, and it was important that the portraits reflected that.

We finished the session with Nicki's tailcoat. In fact, we almost didn't do this part at all. But as we headed down the lane beside the yard, the morning light began filtering through the trees in the most beautiful way. The setting was perfect.

The resulting portraits brought together everything Nicki and Rizz have achieved in their dressage journey, while still feeling personal and authentic to them. Unsurprisingly, they ended up being some of our favourite images from the entire session.

By the end of the morning, the photographs weren't simply a collection of portraits. They had become a celebration of a horse, a home, and a life built around doing what she loves most.

One of the things I love most about portrait sessions like this is that they become so much more than a lovely day out.

Nicki and I originally connected through the British Dressage auction that raised funds for the North West team earlier this year. What began as a treat to herself has now become something far more lasting.

The artwork created from this session will hang in her home, serving as a daily reminder of why she gets up early, works hard and dedicates so much of her life to her horses. Long after milestones are forgotten and competition records are tucked away, these portraits will remain.

They tell the story of a horse who is a huge part of her life, a dream yard built through years of hard work, and a partnership that means the world.

If you've spent years building a life around your horses, don't wait for a special occasion to celebrate it. Your story deserves to be preserved now, while you're living it. If you'd love artwork that captures not just your horse, but the life you've created together, I'd love to help tell your story.