When you step onto the ranch where Samantha and her family live and work, something just feels different—in the best way. It’s peaceful, full of life, and surrounded by the sweet sound of horses in the background. As I walked up I was greeted so much joy and enthusiasm by Samanthas two sons, the younger of which was incredibly excited to be featured in the family photos at ‘long’ last. As a horse and family photographer serving Scottsdale and the surrounding East Valley, it was such a joy to photograph this beautiful family in a place that clearly means so much to all of them, made all the more special by learning more about what they hope to accomplish here (and the unending enthusiasm of her kids!)
Samantha lives right on the property, and you can tell how deeply connected she is to it. “I love living on the property with all of the horses I work with,” she shared. “It’s so much easier when I just have to walk down the hill to check on them!” That kind of dedication shows in every corner of the ranch—and in the care she puts into her horses and her family.
One of her favorite family memories is a simple but beautiful one made so much better by knowing how they get to live right where these memories are made: “I love every minute I get to ride with my kids. It's my favorite when we're all out playing with the horse or in the garden or riding bikes around the ranch.” It was evident to me all throughout my sessions this place is more than just a business. It’s home.
Like many of us horse lovers, Samantha’s story started with a big dream and a backyard horse. “I wasn’t raised in a horse family,” she said. “So it was a dream come true to get a horse of my own.” That horse gave her the confidence and independence she still carries today. That dream coming true has inspired not only a business she loves, but a nonprofit as well so she can share that experience with people from all walks of life.
Samantha and her husband are building the non profit from the ground up. Inspired by the drop in kids coming out to ride over the last 10 years, she’s taking action. “With rising costs and screens pulling kids inside, we wanted to provide free lessons to kids so they could experience horses and being outside.”
Their goal? To open doors for families who might never otherwise get to interact with horses. “Everyone should get the chance to love on a pony,” Samantha shared. And it’s not just kids who benefit. “I had a group of veterans out the other day. They weren’t impressed with traditional meditation—but trying it with horses changed everything. They found peace in a way they hadn’t before.”
Samantha’s vision is clear and full of heart she wants to provide a peaceful environment for everyone to experience horses and life outside and you can feel that mission the moment you set foot on the property.
Want to help support this beautiful mission? You can donate or learn more at ranchaz.org/how-to-help. They’re always looking for volunteers too, it’s a great way to give back and be part of something meaningful.
“Horses are the most incredible teachers,” she told me. “They build you up—or knock you down if you’re being cocky. They give you exactly what you need in each moment.” That honesty, that wisdom—that’s what keeps Samantha showing up every single day with love and care.
Thank you, Samantha, for letting me capture this sweet time in your family’s life. Photographing you and your horses at your home in Scottsdale was such an honor. It’s always inspiring to meet someone who’s using their passion to serve others—and doing it with so much heart. I highly recommend following along with Samantha’s journey. She’s doing something truly special here in the Scottsdale horse community—and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
📸 Ready to tell your own horse story? I’m a family photographer based in Arizona, serving Scottsdale and the East Valley. Let’s make memories with your children that tell your unique story.
