This drawing is really personal to me. When I created it, I wasn’t just trying to capture what the horse looked like—I wanted to show who they are. There’s something about the quiet strength in a horse’s eye, the way they listen with their whole body, that I tried to reflect here. That alert, steady gaze and the forward ears—I wanted it to feel like you’re right there with them, in that calm but focused moment.

I spent a lot of time layering the colors in the coat—reds, browns, purples—trying to get that richness and glow that a healthy, well-groomed horse has. It’s one of my favorite parts to work on, where I can let the textures really come alive. I was especially careful with the light, making sure it hit just right across the cheekbones and bridle to give the drawing depth and realism.

The braids in the mane and the double bridle are little details that matter to me. They’re not just decorative—they say something about the horse’s purpose and the bond between horse and rider. Maybe it’s a dressage horse on show day, or a quiet training session in the early morning. I like to imagine those stories when I draw.

The background was meant to be soft, like dappled light through trees. I didn’t want it to distract—I just wanted it to wrap around the horse gently, like a memory.

For me, this piece is more than a study of an animal. It’s about presence, connection, and respect. I hope that comes through when others look at it.

Reference photo from Istock by Cfotos