This blog is long overdue, but better late than never! It very much deserves a special place on our website.

Ten years ago, soon after we had started photographing horses, we were commissioned for a 3-day shoot at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. As we travelled with our kit to Portugal, before heading over the border into Spain, we were excited and nervous in equal measure. We had very little idea what to expect, having never visited the Royal School before, but we knew the location and horses would be nothing short of spectacular. It was November so we also knew the weather might be variable, affecting where and when we could shoot.

Our days shooting at the Royal School were hectic, action-packed and amazing, starting with a Spanish breakfast with some of the riders in a small local cafe at 7am and then shooting into the evening, usually with a break in the middle of the day. We were so surrounded by beautiful Spanish horses, history and equestrian culture, it was awe-inspiring. The team of riders and horses were passionate and talented, we couldn’t put our cameras down for the 3 days, and came away feeling exhilerated and ‘full’.

On the final day, the then Royal School director Juan Carlos asked if we would like the opportunity to photograph a stallion, inside the Palace at the Recreo de las Cadenas. What could we say – this was the icing on the cake! We had an incredibe 40 minutes with stallion, Vejador, who walked calmly up the steps to the Palace without any fuss, and stood inside for us while we worked to capture the beauty of the scene. What a finale to the most memorable trip!

Here are some of our favourite photographs, including some unseen and candid moments – we hope you like them!

This shoot was a collaboration with Sussex Lusitanos who organise short 3-day and week-long training courses for external riders at the Royal School – with thanks to Sherene Rahmatallah for her support.