Capturing the Soul of Horses

By Colleen Richmond



Amy Lanigan’s journey into the world of equestrian photography is deeply rooted in her love for horses, a passion cultivated during her childhood on a farm in Ohio. From her early days working in the thoroughbred industry to her evolution as a renowned photographer, Amy has developed a unique approach that captures the beauty and essence of both horse and rider. In this exclusive interview, Amy shares insights into her craft, her love for horses, and the experiences that have shaped her career.

Amy’s connection to horses began early in life, growing up on a farm where she was surrounded by animals and nature. “I’ve always loved the beauty of the horse,” Amy recalls. “I started working in the thoroughbred industry when I was around 19, and by my 30s, I was photographing horses commercially. The horse industry offers so many opportunities to see and capture beauty.”

Her background has undoubtedly influenced her photography, allowing her to combine a deep understanding of horses with her artistic talent. "Photographing horses came naturally because of my familiarity with them. I understand how they move and respond, which helps in capturing those perfect moments."

When it comes to photographing horses and their riders, Amy believes in letting the natural relationship shine through. “Every relationship is different,” she explains. “I watch how a rider or groom interacts with the horse and try to capture that bond. It’s all about observing and finding the moments that feel authentic.”

This approach has allowed her to produce stunning images that resonate with her clients and the broader equestrian community.

One of Amy’s most cherished memories was her first major shoot at Coolmore Stud in Ireland. “It was one of my first big projects, and I felt incredibly honored to be invited to photograph there,” she says. The experience solidified her passion for equestrian photography and gave her the confidence to continue pursuing larger opportunities.

However, as with any profession, there are challenges. Amy shares that patience is key when working with both horses and people. “It can be time-consuming, especially if someone runs out of patience. But most of my clients are great, and we work through it together.”

Amy’s love for photography extends beyond the subject of horses. She is equally passionate about the technical side of her work, particularly when it comes to playing with light. “I love working with light, especially when there’s hard light and shadows. It’s fun to experiment with my settings and see what I can create,” she says.

Yet, in a business that often requires consistency, such as when capturing confirmation shots, Amy knows how to balance creativity with the need for uniformity. “Conformation shots are all about consistency, but the nature of the horse keeps things fresh and exciting.”

Through her years of photographing horses, Amy has gained a deeper understanding of their nature. “I’ve worked with horses for so long, so I had a pretty solid base of knowledge before I started photographing them,” she explains. “But one thing that has become very evident to me over the years is how reactive horses are to the people handling them. It’s amazing to see how much they pick up on.”

While Amy primarily photographs thoroughbreds, her personal favorites are the Welsh ponies her daughters ride. She hasn’t yet had the chance to visit Wellington, but she hopes to one day experience the vibrant equestrian community the town is famous for.

As she looks toward the future of equestrian photography, Amy is excited about how technology will continue to shape the field. “Technology is always evolving, and it’s exciting to think about how it will influence equestrian photography. But for me, I’ll always strive to maintain a natural, authentic style, even as trends change.”

Amy Lanigan’s journey into equestrian photography is a testament to her love for horses and her dedication to capturing their unique beauty. Through patience, creativity, and a deep connection with her subjects, she continues to produce images that stand out in the world of equestrian art.