Here’s Why Liberty Sessions Aren’t Just for Fancy Movers

So, you’ve been scrolling through some gorgeous athletic equine portraits, and you’ve seen those stunning Liberty sessions. Horses running free, their manes flying, pure athleticism in motion.

And while it’s easy to assume Liberty sessions for horses are only for fancy movers or trick ponies, let me tell you something: Liberty sessions aren’t just for those horses. They’re for horses of all types.  Yes, even your quirky, older, or laid-back horse can shine in these portraits.

Let’s clear the air here. You don’t need a horse that does tricks or can gallop like a champion to pull off a stunning Liberty portrait. If you think your horse isn’t “flashy” enough, you’re mistaken.

This type of portrait is all about capturing them—their personality, their power, their true spirit. It’s about celebrating your horse in a way that feels authentic, not forced.

So, let’s break it down and talk about how Liberty sessions are perfect for all kinds of horses.

The Beauty of Quirky Horses in Liberty Portraits

Liberty sessions are about authenticity. If your horse has a quirky habit—maybe they kick up their heels when they get excited or like to smile when you bring out the peppermints—guess what? Those moments are exactly what make athletic equine portraits special.

When you let your horse be their natural, quirky self, that’s when the magic happens. Maybe your horse is a little goofy, or maybe they have a distinctive personality that isn’t “polished” or “perfect.” But that’s exactly what makes them so amazing. So don’t be afraid to showcase that side of them. Liberty portraits highlight those little traits that make your horse truly one of a kind

Older Horses Are Just as Powerful

Let’s talk about older horses. You know the ones—the ones who aren’t running around in a gallop but have decades of wisdom and quiet strength. These horses are often overlooked when it comes to portraits, but trust me, they’re perfect for Liberty sessions.

Older horses bring something to the table that younger, more energetic ones can’t: experience. They’ve lived through years of training, lessons, and hard work. Their elegance and calm are just as beautiful as a fast-paced, flashy moment. If your horse is older, don’t think they’re too slow or too chill to be part of a Liberty session. Their story deserves to be captured, too. These portraits aren’t about flashy movement; they’re about capturing power in a different form—grace, experience, and a strong presence.

Laid-back Horses Can Shine in Liberty Portraits, Too

Now, let’s talk about laid-back horses. These are the ones who aren’t in a rush to do anything—they like to take their time and just soak in the world around them. And guess what? Liberty sessions for horses work beautifully for these calm souls.

Just because your horse doesn’t do cartwheels (metaphorically speaking) doesn’t mean they can’t look incredible in a Liberty session. Some of the most striking portraits come from horses who are more relaxed, but still carry a quiet power with them. When you give them the space to express themselves naturally, that quiet strength shines through in the images.

What Makes Liberty Sessions Perfect for Every Horse

So, you’re probably thinking, “But what if my horse isn’t exactly a showstopper?” Let me assure you: Liberty sessions are about so much more than high-energy performances. They’re about authenticity. It’s about letting your horse express their true nature and capturing that raw, unfiltered energy.

Maybe your horse isn’t the fastest or most dramatic, but they have their own unique charm. These sessions work for horses of all types because, at the end of the day, athletic equine portraits celebrate the horse for who they truly are—powerful, dynamic, and real.

What Makes Liberty Sessions Perfect for Horses of All Types

So, you’re probably thinking, “But what if my horse isn’t exactly a showstopper?” Let me assure you: Liberty sessions are about so much more than high-energy performances. They’re about authenticity. It’s about letting your horse express their true nature and capturing that raw, unfiltered energy.

Maybe your horse isn’t the fastest or most dramatic, but they have their own unique charm. These sessions work for horses of all types because, at the end of the day, athletic equine portraits celebrate the horse for who they truly are—powerful, dynamic, and real.

To wrap it up, Liberty sessions are for every horse, no matter their age, energy level, or personality. If your horse is energetic, quirky, laid-back, or older, they still deserve to be celebrated in a way that reflects who they truly are.

​Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make horses look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not acting like a total goofball, she’s mentoring photographers, wrangling teenagers, or hanging with Derby, hanging out with Derby, the new puppy who is currently training to be office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as professional development).

Betsy is an award-winning equine and pet photographer based in Chattanooga, TN, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and is the current President-Elect of the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). Her work has been published nationally and is found in barns and homes across the U.S. Ride the Sky is creates heirloom artwork for horses and their humans.