To its owner, a horse is more than just an animal—it is a partner, a personality, and often a lifelong companion. It is precisely this dignity that a painted portrait of a horse conveys. What a photograph hints at, an oil painting brings to life.
Having horses painted—an old tradition that’s accessible to everyone today
Seeing horses depicted in paintings is nothing new. Royal mares, champion stallions, favorite stable horses—for centuries, a painted portrait of a horse was considered the highest form of appreciation. Today, this tradition is accessible to anyone who wants to capture their horse in a fitting way.
The difference from a photo: A painting captures the horse’s personality. It doesn’t show the split second when you press the shutter button, but rather the essence of this horse—the way it stands, the shape of its head, the spirit in its gaze.
The Right Photo of the Horse
Horses are big, and that comes with a few quirks when it comes to taking photos:
- Side profile or slight three-quarter view are the most classic poses—they show off your figure and physique.
- It works head-on, too, but it is riskier (shortening of the nose, less body information).
- Outside in good daylight. In the morning or late afternoon, not in the blazing midday sun (harsh shadows).
- Distinctive surroundings Permitted: riding arena, pasture, stable yard. Can be adjusted or disabled later.
If you don't have a perfect photo, send us a few. Use the pose from one and the head from another—we'll put it together.
Horse alone, with a rider, or with other horses?
Horse alone: The classic, focused approach. The horse in all its dignity, free from distractions.
Mit Reiter: more personal and dynamic — reflects the relationship. It’s clear who’s in the driver’s seat.
Multiple horses: Photos of a riding stable, a mother and her foal, a trio from the breeding farm—anything is possible; a larger format and higher budget are recommended.
Breed and Style
No matter the breed—warmblood, thoroughbred, Friesian, Tinker, Haflinger, or pony—our artists meticulously capture the breed’s distinctive characteristics: the fine contours of a thoroughbred, the power of a Friesian, the thick coat of a Noriker. If certain details are important to you (a star on the forehead, a specific mane, a scar), please mention them in the briefing.
Style: For horse portraits, a classic, realistic style is almost always the right choice—it suits the animal’s dignity. A freer, more expressive style is also an option, but it’s riskier and should fit the client’s interior design style.
Reasons to have a horse portrait taken
- In memory of a deceased horse: A longtime riding partner passes away—a painting gives this loss a lasting form.
- A gift for riders: One of the most personal gifts you can give a horse owner.
- Success in sports or breeding: Winning horse, dam of a successful foal, anniversary horse.
- Riding Stable Anniversary: A portrait of the stable's lead horse as a gift for the facility's grand opening or the stable's milestone anniversary.
Format — Horses Look Big
When it comes to horse paintings, size is particularly important. A 30×40 cm painting rarely does a horse justice—the impact only really comes through with a medium-sized canvas. Recommendation: 50×60 cm or larger, often in landscape orientation (to follow the contours of the body).
Prices start at CHF 306 (30×40 cm); a realistic price for a horse portrait starts at CHF 590 (50×60 cm). The price increases accordingly if one or more horses are included. The exact price is determined by the format and frame in the configurator.
Der Ablauf
- Upload photos to Configurator, Select format and frame.
- Künstler malt dein Bild — 3–5 Wochen, je nach Format und Detail.
- Freigabe-Foto vor dem Trocknen — gerade bei Pferden kannst du dann noch Korrekturen anbringen (Körperhaltung, Mähne, Hintergrund).
- Drying, varnish, secure shipping with tracking. Lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
My horse has passed away—can we create a portrait using old photos?
Yes. Even faded or small-format photos are usually usable. Send several—the more material you provide, the better the image will be. Read more about working with memory portraits in the article A portrait of the deceased.
Can the background be customized?
Yes. Stable yard, pasture, countryside, or a neutral setting—anything is possible. Just let us know in the briefing.
Can we show the rider and horse together, even if the photos are separate?
Yes. We regularly create images of riders and horses using separate reference images.
Several horses from the stable in one picture?
Possible. For stable photos featuring multiple horses, we recommend a larger format and allow for a longer processing time.
Ready for a portrait of your horse?
Upload your photo to the Configurator click here or visit the website Have an animal portrait painted. You can find other animal species in our guides: Have a portrait of your dog painted, Have a portrait of your cat painted. If you have any questions beforehand: Contact Form or via WhatsApp.
