A throwback of Kiersten and Ricky from 11 years ago!
Some people have hobbies. Kiersten Pettus? She has a calling. From the moment she got her very first horse, Ricky, her life changed forever. “Getting my first horse was a really awesome experience because it really catapulted the direction of my life,” she said. And the best part? “I still have him 11 years later and get to snuggle him every day!”
Kiersten’s love for horses turned into something even bigger—a career. Today, she spends her days riding and training eight horses of her own. Yes, eight! That’s a whole lot of heart, work, and dedication. “The hardest part is making sure each horse gets enough time to develop their skills,” she shared. “I always want to make sure they get equal amounts of attention.”
What’s special about Kiersten is not just her hard work—it’s her deep bond with every horse. She says her favorite part is learning each horse’s personality. “I learn something new every day working with them. It keeps me on my toes!”
We met up for a photo session that felt like pure magic. Standing in the river at sunset, Kiersten leaned against her chestnut mare, Letti, both of them calm and peaceful. The light glowed just right, the water shimmered, and their connection was so clear. The moment we captured was full of warmth and trust—two best friends simply enjoying the quiet together. 🧡
Kiersten has come a long way, and she’s had some amazing moments along the journey. One of her proudest memories? Qualifying for the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming. “It was a big accomplishment for me,” she said, “especially since I rode a horse I trained myself.” That rodeo is basically the Super Bowl for college riders—so yeah, she crushed it.
For new riders just starting out, Kiersten has the kindest advice: “Give yourself some grace. No two horses are alike, so you can’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!”
Watching Kiersten with her horses was a joy. You can tell right away—this is more than just a job. It’s a life built on love, learning, and connection. I’m so thankful to have shared a little slice of her world, and I can’t wait to see where the trails lead her next.
📸 If you have a horse you love, let’s capture that bond! Book your own horse session with me today and freeze these special memories forever. 🐴✨
