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Galway-based bespoke fine art equine photographer Martina Regan’s specially commissioned portrait of a leading horse and jockey headed stateside and was presented to President Obama on St Patricks Day in the White House by Henry Healy (Obama’s eighth cousin from Moneygall, Co Offaly ).
Ms Regan aka The Equine Photographer was approached to capture on camera the prominence and the respect of the thriving horse racing and breeding industry in Ireland The commissioned photograph shows Ireland’s last Cheltenham’s Gold Cup winning duo (in 2014 ), jockey Davy Russell and the famous Lord Windermere.
Shot at Jim Culloty’s yard in Churchtown, the captivating image illustrates the bond between jockey and horse. “ It is one of honesty, trust, mutual respect and above all the will to win,” explained Martina Regan.
Lord Windermere is trained by Jim Culloty (at his yard in Mount Corbitt, Churchtown, Mallow, Co Cork. ) Jim is himself a former National Hunt jockey, three time Gold Cup Winner as a jockey and Gold Cup Winning trainer.
“We have a massive pride in horses and horse racing in Ireland. Our bond between horses and people - whether they are professional jockeys, leisure riders or trainers – it runs deep and is one which is deeply respected and valued. So capturing the relationship between Davy and Lord Windermere was an incredible experience to be part of,” explained Ms Regan.
The Equine Photographer showcases the captivating beauty and elegance of a horse in its natural environment, and the enduring relationship of a horse and its owner. Born out of the personal passion Martina Regan has for horse riding and nature, The Equine Photographer creates dramatic and emotive images which portray the enthralling beauty of a horse.
“Ireland has always had a strong affinity to horses, from President Obama’s ancestors using them to travel to church, to the modern day where we have a vibrant racing industry. The Celtic symbolism of a horse is one of durability and success and this image of Davy Russell and Lord Windermere symbolises both, which Martina has captured perfectly in this portrait I am presenting to President Obama” said Henry Healy.
Martina Regan’s work is renowned for her mastery of light and capturing the character of her subjects, two skills which translate magnificently into the essence of equine photography.
She has mastered the unique skills which are involved in gracefully capturing the engagement between the subjects of equine photography. Visiting horse yards nationwide, her work succeeds using specific and detailed lighting to capture the rich texture of the horse, the beauty of nature and the captivating tone of emotion between man and horse.
Her equestrian photography is quickly becoming renowned for her unique talent in capturing the true character of her subjects and evoking emotion through the artistic depiction of equine subjects.
For details, see www.theequinephotographer.ie
