What is it about the horse that draws us in? Even those who aren’t horse people by definition? Some say it’s their power and their physical beauty.

To me, they represent sensitivity, strength, and spirit.

There is beauty and strength in sensitivity, and also an intuitive wisdom that humanity frequently ignores.

Since 2016, I’ve been traveling the world, photographing these incredible beings, as homage to my childhood horse, Spunky. He guided me through the death of my father, bullies at school, and an overall teenage malaise.  He loved me when I could not love myself, and nurtured me when I needed it most. He never judged me. He never ridiculed me. He safely carried me from one adventure to the next; and showed me a brighter future. As my best friend, his love and compassion made me the person I am today…sensitive and strong with a wee bit of wisdom.

For that, I will always be grateful.

Someday, just someday, I hope humans find peace with one another; and until then, I seek horses to remind me who I am.

-Carol Whitfield