You could look like a walking sweat-and-dirt tornado and it wouldn’t matter—you’re just so dang glad to live the horse-filled life you do. Those insecurities you fight? Nowhere to be found—you feel strong, capable and wholly yourself.
You know that feeling after an amazing ride?
If only we could bottle that feeling up to savor it again later…
…Well, I haven’t managed to bottle it yet, but I’ve certainly tried!
And during my 7 years as a photographer and magazine editor for the American Paint Horse Association, I met countless talented, beautiful horsewomen like yourself who conquered their world both in and out of the arena—but who still got nervous when a camera came out.
As I branched into portrait photography, I remembered these women; I became determined to help these riders feel—and see—just how beautiful they truly are.
So, I’ve spent years studying and perfecting how to pose equestrians of every age and size, and I pair it with my lifelong horse obsession to help both your horse and you look your very best on camera.
I'm Rachel
Hey friend!
I see you and your worries—“I’m not photogenic—have you seen my ‘resting ride face?!?’” “What if I look awkward?” “My horse will look great, but what about me?”—and I get it. Because I’ve felt those fears myself. But I’ve learned to battle them so I don’t miss out on life’s best moments.
More than just time or money, portraits are an emotional investment—you’re putting your trust in a photographer to guide you through an unfamiliar process and help you get images you’re proud to show the world. I take that responsibility seriously: I want you to feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
When the sun has set and your portrait session is over, my goal is that you feel just like you do after an incredible ride: wholeheartedly in love with your horse and yourself.
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BACK
2009
I start college as a pre-vet major, but soon pivot to journalism to write about horses. I spontaneously buy a 3-year-old, Herbie, as a training/resale project. I'm a terrible horse flipper; Herbie's stuck with me for life now.
2005
The HorseGirl vibes are strong; I compete in horse judging & hippology through 4H and FFA. My prepared public speech about, yep, horses even made it to national contests.
2001
I get my first horse of my very own! Major, a former AQHA racehorse-turned-barrel horse. I begin to show in 4H and local open shows in barrel racing, later adding equitation and hunter under saddle with another family horse, Chief.
1994
Riding lessons begin. First on Smutty the Appaloosa, then later Jeb the Saddlebred, Beau the Morgan and countless others. There’s no turning back at this point.
1991
The obsession is genetic, and Cathy gives birth to another horse girl (me).
1971
At 15, Cathy Cowie saves up to buy a horse without telling her parents. Chaos ensues, but her secret stays safe for 10 months.
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2021
I take the plunge to full time! I’m so blessed to make a career out of helping horsewomen feel gorgeous while they celebrate their beloved partners.
2019
Wedding bells & moving trucks! Together with my husband, Brandon, I move to Oklahoma. Herbie comes too, of course.
2017
I launch my portrait photography business! All while still telling equestrian’s stories through the Paint Horse Journal and Chrome magazines.
2013
Herbie & I load up to Fort Worth, Texas, after I earn my dream job writing for the American Paint Horse Association. While covering the APHA world championships, I fall in love with photography.
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My HorseGirl Timeline
2021
I take the plunge to full time! I’m so blessed to make a career out of helping horsewomen feel gorgeous while they celebrate their beloved partners.
2019
Wedding bells & moving trucks! Together with my husband, Brandon, I move to Oklahoma. Herbie comes too, of course.
2017
I launch my portrait photography business! All while still telling equestrians' stories through the Paint Horse Journal and Chrome magazines.
2013
Herbie & I load up to Fort Worth, Texas, after I earn my dream job writing for the American Paint Horse Association. While covering the APHA world championships, I fall in love with photography.
2009
I start college as a pre-vet major, but soon pivot to journalism to write about horses. I spontaneously buy a 3-year-old Quarter Horse, Herbie, as a training/resale project.
I'm a terrible horse flipper; Herbie's stuck with me for life now.
2005
The HorseGirl vibes are strong; I compete in horse judging & hippology through 4H and FFA. My prepared public speech about, yep, horses even made it to nationals contests.
2001
I get my first horse of my very own! Major, a former AQHA racehorse-turned-barrel horse. I begin to show in 4H and local open shows in barrel racing, later adding equitation and hunter under saddle with another family horse, Chief.
1994
Riding lessons begin. First on Smutty the Appaloosa, then later Jeb the Saddlebred, Beau the Morgan and countless others. There’s no turning back at this point.
1991
The obsession is genetic, and Cathy gives birth to another horse girl (me).
1971
At 15, Cathy Cowie saves up to buy a horse without telling her parents. Chaos ensues, but her secret stays safe for 10 months.
My HorseGirl Timeline
1995
2015
2021
My top confidence-boosting tips to banish those pre-photoshoot nerves
Confidence
FAQs
Planning
