Equine Study in Photography

I had written an email to Amanda Perrett some weeks previously, explaining my project and requesting access to her establishment.  It was not long before I received a reply and spoke with Julia, who explained that whilst Amanda was quite busy at present, my visit Coombelands was being considered.

Last weekend, I was extremely privileged to be granted access to Coombelands Racing Stables in Pulborough, near my home in West Sussex.

It was a 6 am. start, which suites me perfectly as I believe morning to be the best part of the day for light and inspiration and this was proving to be as exceptional bright and sparkling a morning as any could wish for.

I admit that I approached the yard office that morning, a little excited and I admit, with some small reticence  wondering what Amanda and her team would make of such a curious request, but Amanda welcomed me and with some simple advice not to get kicked sent me off  into her Yard to begin my work.

Upon entering the first of the two great USA Barns that straddle the yard quadrangle, I was greeted with muted but not unfriendly welcomes and some bemusement by the lads and lasses as they passed by, busily cleaning out the stalls and preparing the horses for their daily training.

As the first Racing Yard I have ever visited, Coombelands is very impressive.  I felt straight away that I had a great opportunity in a few hours, to record a part of the uniqueness of this small community.

There was a friendly atmosphere with plenty of light banter, whilst everyone got set too with their appointed tasks which from my limited perspective were carried out with great efficiency and a minimum of fuss.  Needless to say, I did my best not to get in any ones way, and I hope that I achieved that though working unheeded was not a problem either as every one was so focused on their work.

When the opportunity arose I asked one of the Lads for a few details on the mornings routine and he told me that they were each allotted certain horses involving two separate sessions before they took breakfast. Their breakfast was not until late morning and after the horses were returned to their stalls and fed. Returning early afternoon, they would refresh the stalls and give the horses their second feed of the day.


In what seemed like little time at all there were horses being saddled up and made ready for their morning exercises, though not all mornings are as promising as this.
The pleasure on the Lads faces and their assured and confident posture in the saddle as they rode out of the barn and into the morning light spoke to me of their commitment.
I am sure I was carried away by the new experience, though aware that this was for them the start of another mornings work.

The 70 thoroughbred horses kept here are certainly well cared for and it was evident throughout my short visit that they are regarded with a great deal of respect and affection by the whole team.  Remembering that this goes on day in day out, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, you can not help but admire their dedication to these beautiful animals and to the sport they serve.

I owe Amanda Perrett a special thank you for allowing me this opportunity to create these images.

Art Hutchins LRPS.SWPP.