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The Power of a Pat: Why That Post-Ride Gesture Matters

The Power of a Pat: Why That Post-Ride Gesture Matters

Patting your pony after a ride might seem like a small gesture, but it carries a lot of meaning. It’s a simple way to show appreciation for the work your pony has done. They’ve carried you, followed your cues, and put in their effort, and a gentle pat is your way of saying “thank you.” It’s a recognition of the partnership between you two, acknowledging that they’ve done their part just as you’ve done yours1.

In addition to showing appreciation, patting your pony also strengthens the bond between you. Consistent, kind gestures like this reassure your pony that they’re safe with you and that their efforts are recognized positively2. It helps build trust and encourages a deeper connection between you both, fostering an environment where your pony feels supported and understood.

A pat after a ride can also act as positive reinforcement. Horses are very responsive to tone and touch3, and a soft pat lets them know they’ve done well. Over time, this helps them associate rides and work with positive outcomes, reinforcing good behavior and creating a sense of accomplishment4. Just as you might appreciate a hug or a handshake after a job well done, your pony enjoys the same kind of acknowledgment.

Moreover, a pat can be calming for your pony. It helps them transition from “work mode” to rest and relaxation, offering a soothing end to the ride5. Finally, horses thrive on routine, and a post-ride pat helps create a predictable, comforting conclusion to each session, possibly followed by grooming or a treat. This consistent, gentle routine reassures your pony that they’re cared for6.

Something so small can make a big difference. A little appreciation goes a long way in keeping your pony happy, connected, and eager to work with you again. And let’s be honest… patting your pony doesn’t just build connection — it makes for beautiful, heartfelt photos too.

What about you?
Do you have a special way of thanking your horse after a ride? A pat, a treat, a quiet moment together? I’d love to hear what your post-ride rituals look like — share in the comments below, or tag a fellow rider who always shows their horse some love.

  1. McGreevy, P., & McLean, A. (2010). Equitation Science. Wiley-Blackwell. ↩
  2. Hausberger, M., Roche, H., Henry, S., & Visser, E. K. (2008). A review of the human–horse relationship. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 109(1), 1–24. ↩
  3. Proops, L., McComb, K., & Reby, D. (2009). Cross-modal individual recognition in domestic horses (Equus caballus). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(3), 947–951. ↩
  4. Warren-Smith, A. K., & McGreevy, P. D. (2007). The use of blended positive and negative reinforcement in shaping the halt response of horses (Equus caballus). Animal Welfare, 16(4), 481–488. ↩
  5. Visser, E. K., van Reenen, C. G., Rundgren, M., Zetterqvist, M., Morgan, K., & Blokhuis, H. J. (2003). Responses of horses in behavioural tests correlate with temperament assessed by riders. Equine Veterinary Journal, 35(2), 176–183. ↩
  6. McDonnell, S. (2003). The Equid Ethogram: A Practical Field Guide to Horse Behavior. Eclipse Press. ↩

Featured photo by Birgit Berghofer – Equine Images

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Choose Equestrian Photography

Choose Equestrian Photography

A Monologue, inspired by Trainspotting’s ‘Choose Life’


Choose waking up before the crack of dawn—
only for the light to ghost you because the sun had better plans.
Choose blonde espresso that tastes like regret, and cold fingers fumbling for the lens cap.
Choose carrying $10,000 worth of gear while your back spasms and your arms beg for mercy.
Choose the cold. The heat. The sideways rain.
All for that one second of grace in motion.

Choose a sport where the light’s never right,
the focus is never quite sharp enough,
and the mane never flies the way you imagined.
Choose draft horses, sport horses, ponies with vengeance in their hearts,
and red mares who look at you like you’re the problem.

Choose dust on your lens.
Sweat down your spine.
And a horse who thinks “ears forward” is a personal attack.

Choose your own intrusive thoughts—
“Watch your histogram.”
“Freeze the action.”
“Feel the moment.”
Feel what, Sharon?
The pressure? The exhaustion?
My brain buffering just long enough to spiral into artistic crisis?

Choose gaslighting yourself into thinking this is your passion.
Choose Imposter Syndrome.
Choose lens caps you’ll lose, batteries you forgot to charge,
and memory cards you definitely didn’t format.
Choose waiting in the heat for the moment—
then looking at your screen and realizing you missed it by half a second.

Choose awkward poses.
Shadowy faces.
Angles that haunt your dreams.

Choose smiling through tears when someone says,
“Wow! Your camera takes really nice photos.”

Choose f-stops.
ISO.
RAW files the size of a small country.
And editing at 2 am; face three inches from the screen,
debating your life choices while your laptop burns your thighs.

Choose horsehair in your mouth while you try to capture a black background portrait
that reveals not just the horse—but its essence.
Choose people screenshotting your work like ‘do not copy’ is just a polite suggestion.

Choose precision.
Choose patience.
Choose Photoshop freezing and Lightroom crashing.
Choose never quite feeling good enough.
But choose it anyway.

Choose doing all of this with a smile,
while secretly wondering if a quiet job in retail might be less traumatic.

Choose Instagram reels.
Choose Facebook reach of 0.02%.
Choose TikToks hijacked by teens commenting,
“OMG this horse looks like Spirit!!”

Choose hashtags like #EarPorn and #ManeGoals
and wonder what your life has become.

Choose the mess.
The sweat.
The frustration.
Then—choose that one impossible, magical moment
when everything aligns,
and you think, This is it.
The horse is flying. The rider’s face is pure joy.
And you’ve just captured the soul of the sport in a single frame.

Then choose the next day.
Because one great shot is never enough.

Choose insanity.
Choose delusion.
Choose pulling hay out of your bra.

Choose equestrian photography.
Because there’s nothing else like it.

Agree? Disagree? Still covered in arena dust? Drop your thoughts below!

Photo by Thomas William on Unsplash

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From Boots to Bling: What to Wear for Horse + Rider Portraits

From Boots to Bling: What to Wear for Horse + Rider Portraits

The lead-up to a portrait session can be nerve-wracking—but it doesn’t have to be! My best advice? Stick with what you already own and love.

The easiest way to look great on camera is to wear clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you’ll feel—and that always shines through in your photos. Choose outfits that reflect your personal style. Don’t be afraid to play with tones, textures, layers, and accessories.

Outfit Options
Show clothes are a great choice if you’d like to highlight your discipline. For a more relaxed vibe, consider street wear like jeans and a nice top. Fun accessories—like scarves, earrings, or a statement necklace—can enhance your look and add a touch of personality or elegance. Hats and jackets are a super easy way to quickly change up your look.

Make sure your outfit fits well. Avoid anything too restrictive or something you’ll feel the need to constantly adjust. Clothing that’s overly loose can distort your silhouette. And since you’ll be walking, sitting, and moving around with your horse, opt for pieces that are both flattering and functional. Don’t forget practical, horse-friendly footwear!

Colors & Coordination
Neutrals like black, white, grey, and beige are timeless and photograph beautifully with most horses, creating a soft and elegant look. Earth tones—browns, greens, muted reds or yellows—feel natural and harmonious. Complementary color combinations can bring vibrancy and cohesion to your images.

Consider your horse’s coloring when choosing your palette:

  • Chestnuts look great in blues, turquoise, deep purple, yellow, or dark green.
  • Bays are striking when paired with red, royal blue, pink, deep orange, or purple.
  • Blacks and Grays look amazing in most colors! Try red, purple, pink, and blue.
  • Red and Blue Roans Red and Blue Roans can be tricky; try to match your horse’s undertone to avoid clashing. Shades of red for red roans, and shades of blue for blue roans.
  • Browns and Duns tend to look best with deep blue, purple, blue-green, or black.
  • Sorrels pair wonderfully with royal blue, dark green, emerald, and black.
  • Buckskins shine with jewel tones, especially emerald, garnet or sapphire.
  • Palominos are wonderfully versatile—try sage green, royal blue, chocolate, hot pink, most pastels, and cream tones.

Bold colors can be striking, but try to balance them—perhaps by coordinating your top with your horse’s polo wraps or saddle pad. If you’re unsure, add bright pops of color with small accessories instead of going all-in.

Final Details
Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Check your nails (clean and tidy!), remove band-aids, hair ties from your wrist, and take note of little things—the camera sees everything. If it’s a sunny day, consider wearing sunscreen. Want to feel extra polished? Treat yourself to professional hair and makeup. It can be a lovely way to make the occasion feel extra special.

I’d love to hear your style secrets. Do you have a go-to outfit or favorite look? What tones do you love pairing with your horse’s coat color? Share your tips or ask your questions below!

Featured photo by Ani Rain on Unsplash

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