Some sessions just fill your heart—and Ava’s horse portrait session was one of those special days I won’t forget. 🐴💛
Ava is a sweet and kind 12-year-old girl who lives right here in Gilbert, Arizona. She has been riding horses since she was only 5 years old—and let me tell you, her love for them runs deep. Ava is the very first person in her family to love horses, and it’s clear this is her passion. She’s living her dream with the full love and support of her parents, who spend most days trailering her to her trainer’s house so she can practice. Isn’t that amazing?
She has three beautiful horses. Her oldest is a retired gelding who helped her learn how to barrel race. He was her very first partner in the arena, and you can tell they have a special bond. The other two horses are lovely mares, and Ava is currently competing and racing barrels with them. It’s clear these horses aren’t just animals—they are family.
During our session, I loved watching how Ava connected with each horse. The way she gently held their leads, the little smiles she gave them, and how they interacted with her in different ways—it was pure magic. Her confidence and kindness really shone through.
And just when I thought the day couldn’t get any sweeter, her adorable little dog, Rodeo, made a surprise appearance at the end! Rodeo is full of spunk and joined us for a few fun photos. It was the perfect way to wrap up such a joyful day. I left the session feeling so much joy and peace to simply have been around Ava and these beautiful animals.
As a horse photographer in Gilbert, Arizona, sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. Capturing the bond between a young girl and her horses is something truly special. These moments tell a story—a story of love, trust, and dreams coming true.
If you’ve been thinking about having your own horse portrait session in Arizona, I’d love to help you capture these memories too. Whether it’s your first horse or your lifelong partner, these moments deserve to be remembered.
📸 Let’s plan something beautiful together. Reach out when you’re ready—I’d be honored to tell your story.
