The showjumping world has some incredible photographers. and normally we are lucky enough to be able to admire their work every single weekend. With the sport on hold, this is unfortunately no longer the case. The WoSJ-team asked some of our creative colleagues to dive into their archives to find their favourite photo and write a few words about what it represents for them. 

In this difficult time, we hope you will visit these photographer’s websites and see if you can find your own favourite photo too.

Photo by Stefano Grasso / www.stefanograsso.com / www.gcglobalchampions.com

“I lived for around 45 years by the sea in northern Italy and the feeling you have with this element is unique. Breathe in the scent and saltiness of the sea surrounded by his extraordinary beauty is a fantastic emotion!

This photo, taken during the LGCT of Miami, brings this emotion to me. Early morning exercises at sunrise with just the sound of the horses' hooves galloping on the sand and the lapping of water on the shoreline..!"

Photo by Shannon Brinkman / shannonbrinkman.com

"The Beijing Olympics was my photographic introduction to fantastic world of top show jumping as preceding the 2008 Olympics my focus was almost entirely eventing.

Due to the hot Hong Kong weather jumpers competed in the evenings -- and with the beautiful lighting, colorful fences, broad-full grandstands and the great arena access for us photographers -- all was visually inspirational and great sport. 

Thrilling to witness the USA team (with Beezie Madden on Authentic, Mclain Ward on Sapphire, Will Simpson on Carlsson Vom Dach and Laura Kraut on Cedric) winning Team Gold and the incredible comeback of Eric Lamaze with Hickstead winning Individual Gold.

A jack-pot of horses in sport including the all dazzling light-feel.

With luck a familiar visual feel will play out for Tokyo 2021!"

Photo by Tomas Holcbecher / www.holcbecher.com

"British rider Ben Maher and F One USA after a dangerous-looking fall during the Prize of Handwerk in Aachen last year. The dramatic situation had a happy ending though, Ben Maher even managed to win the next prestigious class – Prize of Europe – with his best horse Explosion W.

I participated in the Czech Press Photo contest and finished 3rd with this photo." 

Photo by Łukasz Kowalski / www.LukaszKowalski.com

"Choosing one photo isn't an easy task, especially when you have an archive full of photos. I decided to go with this simple sport frame bacause of many reasons. 

It was taken for the FEI during the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final 2018 in Barcelona and it was my first time covering the final event. This photo was taken with a wide angle, so not a typical sport lens. Firstly, I imagined this frame in my head and I was hoping to have a grey horse.

I like the dominating colours on that picture: White, navy blue, green and red in the middle. For me this frame has a lot in common with a painting. Photo doesn´t have to be super complicated to be really good." 

Photo by Ashley Neuhof / instagram ashleyneuhofphotography

"I chose this image of Jessica Springsteen and Cynar as one of my favorite moments from Chantilly a few years ago. We went out early and I knew the morning would provide something special. There were no other horses and riders out yet and the beauty of the early hours was in full form. With the current times as they are, it is important to reach a sense of calm and I believe this photograph captures that serenity.

It was shot at about 7:00am as the sun began to drench the racecourse infield with the beautiful chateau in the background. All of the vendor tents were still closed, which I feel adds to the magic and layers of the image. The warmup area is no longer grass and there are now temporary buildings that reside next to it, so the view is not clear anymore across that vista. It is a reminder that things will never stay as they are forever. As a photographer, this is what drives me to always take the shot because it will never be the same way twice, if ever at all."

Photo by Cealy Tetley / www.tetleyphoto.com

"Here is one of my favourite photos taken in 2009 at Spruce Meadows. It is of Peter Charles of Great Britain with Pomme D’Ami. So many people think this photo is photoshopped but I promise you it is not! That horse was flying!!"

Photo by Oliwia Chmielewska / chmielewskafoto.pl

"It is very hard for me to choose my favourite photo, I would even say it’s impossible. Because of that I selected the one which first crossed my mind after reading the message from World of Showjumping.

It shows the winning couple of the Grand Prix LGCT Vienna 2015 - Luciana Diniz with her lovely Winningmood. They did their best, jumping fast & clear in this tremendous rain which made us all wet. I believe that capturing emotions is the most amazing thing for the equestrian photographer."

Photo by Dirk Caremans / www.hippofoto.be

"I chose this picture for serval reasons. Firstly, La Baule is one of my favourite shows for many years. I also love to capture pure emotion because that is what sports is all about. I have great respect for Steve Guerdat being an extremely talented rider but I also admire him for the way he stands up for his sport.

There should actually go a second picture with this one that I took that same Sunday morning around seven o’clock of Steve with Nino at the beach in a nice relaxing canter, because that is also Steve. And last but not least I had to run like hell from the arena to the paddock to be able to get this picture, and when you get this result it gives me a kick."  

No reproduction without permission, copyright © as stated below each photo