Zeus, a gentle giant with a face full of gray, a soft eye, and a heart of gold. He had a collection of girls spending the day pampering him, and upon arrival, I was surprised at how dashing he looked in his leather halter, his nose and ears clipped, his man in a perfect wave down his neck, and his happy-go-lucky expression that kept him content to hang out. He begged for snacks in the most polite way possible, making it impossible for anyone holding the treat bucket not to let him burry his velvet nose into the mountain of treats for a mouthful of goodies.

We photographed him against a black background, and then basked in the evening sunshine, letting him kick up his heels in the arena, and get doted on by his favorite gal, Bailey. I was surprised to hear that Bailey had never seen Zeus run at liberty, and was thankful to see her lost behind a smile when he cantered by us. As horses age, we lose track of time and often people will pass over an opportunity to photograph their horse as they as “no longer in their prime.” But what a gift it was to meet Zeus, and to provide Bailey and Zeus’s many riders with a collection of images that instill his beauty and golden personality. He has warmed the hearts of many, including mine, and I know these images will be treasured forever.

Enjoy a few of my favorites from their session below.