wild hearts

Inspired by Our Native Equine Rare Breeds

Wild Hearts was born from a deep love of horses, nature, and the quiet moments that connect us to something greater. As a fine art photographer, I’m endlessly inspired by the untamed beauty and soulful presence of horses, especially our rare native breeds. Each portrait is a celebration of their spirit and a reminder of the calm and freedom we all long for. Through my work, I hope to raise awareness of these precious breeds while creating art that not only tells a story but touches the heart.  

At a time when our world feels fragile and in need of care, I believe it’s more important than ever to cherish our environment, our wildlife, and the animals who share it with us. With a passionate message of conservation at its heart, Wild Hearts began six years ago as a personal mission to photograph rare breed horses and ponies, capturing their strength, grace, and individuality. My hope is that this work will inspire others to support these vulnerable breeds — whether by protecting them in their natural habitats or by choosing to buy a registered pony, a small but powerful step toward their survival.  

In the UK, we are fortunate to have a rich heritage of native horses and ponies roaming our landscapes. Many of these breeds are deeply rooted in specific regions across the UK and Ireland, living in semi-wild herds that have adapted to their unique environments. They graze across rugged moorlands and windswept hills, cared for by dedicated hill farmers who act as custodians of these ancient bloodlines, ensuring their health and continuity. Others have long served as traditional working horses, standing shoulder to shoulder with humans in agriculture and industry.  

Yet their future is uncertain. Changing landscapes, intensive farming, urban expansion, and shifting economic pressures are threatening both their habitats and the communities that care for them. As farming traditions fade and interest in native breeds declines, the survival of these magnificent horses grows ever more precarious.  

I am deeply passionate about preserving our rare native breeds and the wild spaces they inhabit. Creating *Wild Hearts* has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and I hope this book will shine a light on the beauty, resilience, and importance of these horses who have shaped our land for centuries — some now standing on the brink of extinction.  

There are officially 16 native equine breeds in the UK, 13 are now placed on the Rare Breed Survival Trust watchlist

EQUINE WATCH LIST:UINE WATCH LIST:

• Cleveland Bays

• Dales Pony

• Eriskay Pony

• Exmoor Pony

• Dartmoor Pony

• Hackney Horse & Pony

• Suffolk Horse

  AT RISKAT RISK

• Clydesdale Horse

• Fell Pony

• Highland Pony

• New Forest Pony

• Shire Horse

• Section B Welsh Pony

OTHER UK NATIVE BREEDS

• Shetland Pony

• Welsh pony & Cob

• Carneddau Ponies

  IRISH NATIVE BREEDS

• Connemara Pony

• Irish Draft Horse