Love for Horses Connects Cultures
by
Judy Reinford
Texas School Instructor
Like many people during the COVID shutdown, I had to pivot. Until that point, I was primarily known as a newborn photographer and a zoo animal photographic artist. The sudden restrictions brought everything to a standstill, and I found myself having to make some very difficult phone calls. I had to inform several expectant mothers that the sessions they had been eagerly awaiting would need to be canceled or postponed indefinitely. It was heartbreaking, both for them and for me. With zoos closed, access to my other source of creative inspiration vanished overnight. It was a tough period of readjustment, one that forced me to step back and think about how I could continue to create and inspire during such a restrictive time.
That was when I decided to focus on something I had always loved… horses. Their powerful presence and gentle nature had always intrigued me, and I realized that this might be the perfect time to explore equine photography more deeply. Unlike newborn sessions and zoo visits, photographing horses allowed for outdoor settings which were more adaptable to the social distancing measures. I started riding again and met horse owners willing to let me photograph their horses for practice.
It wasn’t just about staying busy. It was about finding a way to reconnect with my passion for storytelling through images. I wanted to capture the connection between these magnificent animals and their human companions, and I saw an opportunity to teach others to do the same. This was how the idea for equine photography workshops was born, turning a period of uncertainty into a chance to explore new horizons and share my passion with others.
When I first met the Beiler family, owners of Dancing Dreams Vanner, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I didn’t want to say the wrong thing or accidentally offend anyone, and I was especially conscious about keeping my language polite. Though I attended a university in the heart of Mennonite country in Pennsylvania, I realized how little I knew about the Amish community. Their way of life, rich in tradition, remained a mystery to me, often clouded by misconceptions that are common here in Pennsylvania, like the false belief that they don’t pay taxes or that they all run puppy mills. The truth is far more nuanced, and it was through the workshops for photographers that I run that I began to understand the real diversity among Amish families, particularly in terms of how strict or lenient their church communities can be.
The Beiler family warmly welcomed me to visit and discuss my plans for the first workshop. What started as a simple meeting evolved into a deep cultural exchange, one that went beyond my expectations. Our first workshop took place in the fall of 2023, beginning with posed shots in the barn. As the day progressed, we moved outside to capture more dynamic moments. It happened to be a cloudy weekend, which, as any photographer knows, can be a blessing. Soft, diffused light makes for wonderful, even portraits. Once we moved outside and the horses began to move, the students’ cameras came to life with the sound of shutters clicking in unison filling the air. That was when I noticed something interesting: my students were also enjoying photographing the Amish children. We were told that this was fine at the beginning of the day. Sylvia Beiler, the mother of these amazing children and the person behind Dancing Dreams Vanner, had told me how important photos were to her mom when she was a kid and now, as a mom, she loves images of her kids. There were five children and, at the time, the youngest was just two years old. The two oldest were on hand to help with the workshop while their father and older brother were away at their hunting cabin.
As the cameras clicked away on that private farm, immersed in this unique setting, I realized that this workshop had become something more than just a photography class. It was an experience, a retreat that allowed us to step into the world of Lancaster Amish culture. For the next workshop, I decided to lean into this cultural exchange aspect, and we planned activities that would immerse participants even further.
In the second workshop, we included buggy rides, giving the students an opportunity to experience what it feels like to ride in an Amish buggy, the rhythmic clopping of hooves taking them back to a simpler time. On the second morning, Sylvia Beiler, the heart of Dancing Dreams and an expert breeder of these stunning horses, treated us to homemade pop-tarts, muffins, and freshly-brewed coffee. If you’ve never had a homemade pop-tart, let me tell you – it’s a revelation. The warm hospitality made everyone feel welcome, and it set the perfect tone for the day.
Sylvia also took the time to share her knowledge of horse breeding with us, approaching the topic from a scientific perspective that was both informative and inspiring. Learning about the genetics, lineage, and care involved in raising Gypsy Vanners added a deeper layer to the workshop, one that made us all appreciate these magnificent animals even more. Her passion for her work was evident, and it inspired all of us to look beyond the surface and to understand the beauty in these horses not just as subjects of photography but as living beings bred with care and intention.
The history of this breed is as intriguing as the beauty they possess. The Gypsy Vanner, also known as Cob, Irish Cob, or Irish Tinker, is a unique and highly-treasured breed developed by the Romany Gypsy people. The Romany Gypsies, a traveling culture often misunderstood, considered their horses as family. These horses were carefully-bred for strength, stamina, and a gentle temperament, making them ideal for pulling caravans and interacting with children.
The breed remained largely hidden from the outside world until an American couple, intrigued by a black and white stallion they saw in England, imported them to America. Before WWII, these horses were not a recognized breed. But after the wars, the Gypsies aimed to create a smaller, strong horse capable of traveling up to 30 miles a day while thriving on roadside grass and having a gentle nature for children to
care for.
The Gypsy Vanner is known for its striking appearance, resembling a small Shire with a refined head, abundant feathering, large expressive eyes, and a flowing mane and tail. Feathered breeds like the Shire, Clydesdale, Friesian, and Dales Pony were used to create this horse. Traditional colors include black and white tobiano, bay, and black blagdon, although many colors exist today. Their size typically ranges from 14 to 15 hands, but they can vary from 10 to 16 hands.
With a focus on temperament, only the gentlest horses were used for breeding, resulting in a breed known for its docile and willing nature. Today, Gypsy Vanners are versatile, enjoying activities such as driving, jumping, dressage, trails, and even cow work. Though not the fastest, they are athletic and love to move. The breed gained recognition when imported to America, and now over 10,500 are registered with the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society. They are beloved for their gentle temperament, fairy-tale looks, and versatility, making them increasingly popular.
My seminars tend to attract participants from all over the country, and this year was no exception. We had students traveling from Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Missouri, all eager to immerse themselves in equine photography and the unique cultural experience of an Amish farm. It was incredible to witness such a diverse group come together, each bringing their own perspective and excitement to the workshop.
One of the most enjoyable aspects for me, as an educator, was watching the students experience Amish culture firsthand. Seeing them interact with the Beiler family, engaging in open and honest conversations, was a powerful reminder of why I love doing what I do. The family was remarkably welcoming, answering questions about their lifestyle, traditions, and relationship with their horses. It wasn’t just about photography; it was about bridging two worlds and fostering understanding.
The students were curious, respectful, and genuinely interested in learning about the Amish way of life. They asked about everything – from how the horses were raised and trained to what a typical day looked like for the Beiler children. The family’s willingness to share their experiences created a meaningful exchange, breaking down misconceptions and creating genuine connections. It was rewarding to see my students not only improve their photography skills but also leave with a deeper appreciation for a culture that is often misunderstood or romanticized.
This sense of cultural exchange transformed the workshop into something much richer than just a technical seminar. It became a journey of learning, not only about photography and the majestic Gypsy Vanner horses, but also about human connection and understanding. It’s experiences like these that remind me why I began teaching in the first place: to inspire, to learn, and to help others see the world through a different lens.
Teaching on an Amish farm, alongside the wonderful Beiler family and their stunning Gypsy Vanners, was an experience I will always cherish. It was a reminder of the power of connection between people, between cultures, and between humans and the animals we hold dear. This is what I strive for in my work: to share, to teach, and to create experiences that bring people closer to the beauty that surrounds us, even in places we may not expect to find it.
