The gentle glow of a snowy evening set the scene for my first encounter with Stephanie Hiebesen of Right Touch Horse Training. Despite the wintry roads causing delays, her warm smile upon entering the coffee shop instantly illuminated the space. Stephanie is a rising star in the equestrian training world, boasting an impressive background that includes a degree in Natural Horsemanship Training, deeply rooted in the philosophies of legendary horsemen like Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, and Buck Brannaman. Further solidifying her expertise, she holds a Master’s degree encompassing equine nutrition, genetics, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and behavior. This extensive academic foundation, combined with her practical experience, clearly demonstrates her profound knowledge and passion.
Stephanie approached me seeking photography that would elevate her brand and authentically convey her dedication to her craft and her high standards of training. The primary objective for this particular photoshoot was to generate compelling images for her to promote her training business at the Minnesota Horse Expo, an event unfortunately canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The original schedule necessitated a winter photoshoot. During our planning discussions, we explored creative strategies to produce images that would be versatile for year-round use. My initial concept involved conducting half of the session indoors, leveraging the natural light from the barn’s windows and doorways. I was pleasantly surprised by the stunning interior of the barn where she trains, Bellwether Farm. Following a recent renovation, a section of stalls was repurposed, with the reclaimed wood forming a beautiful backdrop for our shots. This carefully chosen location, illuminated by a series of windows and a large door, allowed me to capture images with soft, dimensional light, perfectly complementing Stephanie’s gentle demeanor and depth of character.
Transitioning outdoors, the picturesque Minnesota winter landscape, with its snow-covered scenery and pine trees, provided a perfect, joyful setting to conclude our session.
This inspiring collaboration with Stephanie has prompted me to introduce a new service in 2020: Equestrian Branding Photography. These specialized sessions are designed for equestrian business owners like Stephanie who require a consistent stream of professional imagery for their marketing and social media endeavors. In a single session, we can collaborate to produce a wealth of captivating content that narrates your unique story, embodies your brand identity, and helps you stand out within the equestrian community. For more details on this service, please visit my Equestrian Branding Photography page.
Embracing Natural Horsemanship and Expertise
Stephanie Hiebesen’s approach to horse training is deeply influenced by the principles of natural horsemanship. This training philosophy emphasizes understanding the horse’s natural behaviors and instincts, fostering a relationship built on trust and communication rather than force. Her education in this field, guided by the wisdom of pioneers like Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, and Buck Brannaman, has equipped her with a comprehensive toolkit for working with horses of all disciplines and temperaments.
The Importance of a Strong Educational Foundation
Beyond horsemanship, Stephanie’s Master’s degree highlights a commitment to a holistic understanding of equine well-being. The inclusion of equine nutrition, genetics, anatomy, and physiology in her studies underscores her dedication to the overall health and potential of each horse. Furthermore, her deep dive into equine psychology and behavior allows her to address training challenges with empathy and precision, recognizing that a horse’s mental state is as crucial as its physical condition. This multi-faceted expertise ensures that her training methods are not only effective but also humane and sustainable.
Crafting a Visual Brand for Equestrian Businesses
The demand for professional branding photography within the equestrian industry is significant. Business owners like Stephanie require high-quality images that not only showcase their services but also reflect their personal brand and passion. Traditional stock photos often lack the authenticity and specific appeal needed to connect with a niche audience. Equestrian Branding Photography aims to fill this gap by creating custom visual content tailored to each individual business.
Leveraging Location for Impactful Imagery
The success of Stephanie’s photoshoot was significantly enhanced by the choice of location. Bellwether Farm provided a visually rich environment that blended rustic charm with modern aesthetics. The repurposed wood backdrop, combined with strategic use of natural light, created images that were both striking and intimate. This highlights the importance of selecting a location that aligns with the brand’s identity and offers diverse photographic opportunities.
The ability to utilize both indoor and outdoor settings allowed for a dynamic range of images, from the warm, dimensional light within the barn to the crisp, serene beauty of the winter landscape. This variety ensures that the client has a comprehensive portfolio of images suitable for various marketing platforms and campaigns throughout the year.
The Value of Equestrian Branding Photography
For equestrian professionals, investing in branding photography is an investment in their business’s future. It allows them to:
- Build Trust and Credibility: High-quality, professional images convey a sense of seriousness and expertise, helping potential clients feel more confident in choosing their services.
- Tell Their Unique Story: Photography can capture the essence of a trainer’s philosophy, their connection with horses, and the positive outcomes of their training methods.
- Enhance Online Presence: In today’s digital age, visually appealing content is crucial for social media engagement, website design, and online advertising. Consistent, branded imagery helps businesses stand out in a crowded online space.
- Create Versatile Marketing Materials: Images produced in a branding session can be used across a multitude of platforms, from websites and social media to print brochures and event promotions, ensuring a cohesive brand message.
This service is ideal for horse trainers, riding instructors, equine veterinarians, tack shops, and other professionals within the equestrian industry who understand the power of visual storytelling.
Conclusion: A Partnership in Visual Storytelling
The collaboration with Stephanie Hiebesen exemplifies the power of strategic branding photography in the equestrian world. By combining her extensive expertise with a visually compelling photoshoot, we were able to create a suite of images that truly represent her passion and professionalism. Equestrian Branding Photography offers a unique opportunity for professionals to elevate their brand, connect with their audience, and showcase their dedication to the well-being and training of horses. If you are an equestrian business owner looking to enhance your visual presence, consider the lasting impact of a professional branding session.
References
Stephanie Hiebesen, Right Touch Horse Training. Personal communication.
Shelley Paulson Photography. “Equestrian Branding Photography.” https://www.shelleypaulson.com/branding/ (Accessed February 12, 2026).
