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Alongside her photographic work, Esther Towler gives illustrated talks about Britain's rare native horse breeds and the wild places they live. Her talks draw on years of fieldwork across moor, fell and island, and are for anyone who cares about the countryside, its animals and its heritage.

Rare Breeds, Wild Ground

Britain's native horse and pony breeds have lived on these moors, fells and islands for centuries, shaped by the land they graze and the people who keep them.

In this illustrated talk, Esther shares the story behind her book Wild Hearts, a six-year journey to photograph these breeds in their native landscapes, and her ongoing work with the Eriskay ponies of Holy Isle in Scotland.

The talk covers:

• The history of Britain's native breeds, and how each was shaped by its landscape

• Life with the herds: what it is like to photograph semi-wild ponies on their own ground

• The people who keep them: the breeders, commoners and families who carry these breeds forward

• The pressures they face today: grazing restrictions, rising costs, and the loss of open land and green space

• Why it matters: what we lose, as a country, when these animals leave the hills

About Esther

Esther Towler is a British photographic artist based in the South Pennines. A former police photographer, she has photographed native horse breeds since 2018. Her book Wild Hearts was published in 2025 with the support of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and acknowledged in a letter from His Majesty the King. Her work has been held in private collections, featured in Magazines such as Lancashire Life, British Institute of Professional Photography and The Field, and has exhibited internationally.

Practical details

• Length: around 45 minutes, plus time for questions

• Suitable for: conservation and wildlife groups, breed societies, camera clubs, walking groups, libraries, festivals and community groups

• Equipment: a projector and screen, or Esther can bring her own

• Area: Esther is based in the North of England and is happy to travel further afield by arrangement.

• Fee: upon request

• Signed copies of Wild Hearts are available to buy on the night, with 10% of every sale donated to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust