Photo Project - Horses

Laneyh

Hi

I'm currently undertaking a photography course, as part of the course we need to work on photo projects.

I have recently moved to The Curragh and thought a good project might be to do something related to horses.

This being the year of the horse. I plan to visit The National Stud and have contacted some horse charities who are happy enough to allow me access to the stables and photograph the horses.

Any tips or suggestions of other avenues to explore?

I emailed The Curragh racecourse but haven't heard back from them as of yet.
I'm assuming private stud farms and racecourses won't be too interested in helping.
I can just attend races as a punter and take photos but I suppose these photos wouldn't have the same impact as posed or behind the scenes shots.

Thanks

bullpost

Riding schools might be happy to help in return for images. Also look out for point-to-point meetings.

OldGoat

You just missed the March horsefair in Smithfield. Next one is in September I believe.
There are also the stories of the pony kids/urban cowboys around some north Dublin areas that would be worth considering.
If you keep your ears open and ask the right people at the fairs you might get a heads-up on some Sulky racing.

dinneenp

Call to the Curragh in person with portfolio on laptop /tablet.
They must get a tonne of emails everyday so won't respond to all.

Do you have a plan for your project?
What could be interesting would be approach a jockey and ask to follow him /her for a day. A different angle on it.

dave66

I'd say Bullpost probably has the best idea for you, contact or visit local livery yards & riding schools.

Do you have any experience of being around horses? One issue with rescue places is that the horses there, could well have been mistreated and take a very careful, patient approach, often they're not ready to be handled. The horses in the national stud are extremely valuable and often not the property of the stud, so access (other than a visitor may not be easy).

If you want to get involved in this as a project, spending a few quid on having a few riding lessons and getting used to being around horses (if you don't have experience) would be well worth it. Before approaching any horse, you need to check with it's owner if it's ok and the horse's likes & dislikes. My daughter's pony does not like men or people touching her head (many horse are head shy) but overtime I've earned her trust.

They are great animals to work with photographically, I had a good morning last Saturday photographing two horses (one was my girls) on Brittas Beach. You'll also find that there are lots of events happening now, show jumping, cross country, hunter trials,dressage etc.

I'm heading to Clane next weekend to photograph same people doing cross country training.

One of the member's here - Borderfox - is a master of the art of equine photography, check out his work on pix.ie http://pix.ie/keithjack/albums

pullandbang

Get in touch with the Garda Mounted Unit in the Phoenix Park (Áras an Uachtaráin). They may well accommodate you. We got in last summer and it was fantastic.

Laneyh

Thanks all for the helpful replies.. plenty to work with there. I haven't fully fleshed out my plan for the project. I think I will know more once I've taken some shots.

AnCatDubh

Laneyh wrote: »

Thanks all for the helpful replies.. plenty to work with there. I haven't fully fleshed out my plan for the project. I think I will know more once I've taken some shots.

Early mornings with fog at the moment. If you find horses loose on ground it could make for some stunning images (Urban or Rural). The sun this morning was just fantastic through the fog. But, early morning will be best.