An Unexpected Thunderstorm, A Rising Creek, 21 Models, White Jods… What Could Go Wrong?

An unexpected thunderstorm.
A rising creek.
21 riders. Multiple outfit changes. Horses. Kids. Mud.
And yes… white performance tights.

On paper? A recipe for absolute chaos.
In reality? This was one of the funniest, most joy-filled, heart-warming days ever.

 

 

Model sisters Indya & Tilli.

 

This wasn’t just a photoshoot, it was our very first shoot as the new owners of Red Equus Equestrian. With sunshine forecast and blue skies promised, Mother Nature had other plans — rolling thunder, tropical rain and terrifying rising creeks. (Reminding us who was in charge.)

And instead of polished agency models or perfectly controlled conditions, we chose the best models imaginable — our real-life customers who stood beside us in our first year of business.

 

A little help through the mud, Red Equus Ambassadors Charlotte and Merryn.

 

We put an open call out on the socials. 
To the riders who had supported us through our first year of ownership.
The women and girls who had worn the gear, tagged us, shared us, backed a family-run business and cheered us on from day one. We asked them to come play.

And come play they did..... Mwah.

 

Real Riders. Real Clothes. Real Proof.

One of the most incredible things about this shoot?

👉 Around 80% of the clothing worn on the shoot was the riders’ own.

Not freshly unwrapped.
Not worn once for the camera.
But the pieces were mostly, well-loved, well-ridden, well-washed Red Equus pieces that have truly lived a life in (and out of) the saddle.

 

 

Models Stevie, Cheyenne, Zahara, Mikayla, Grace, Lucy and Charlotte

 

Some of the tights, base layers, jackets and seemless shirts featured were up to four years old and yet:

• They still wash up beautifully
• The colours still pop
• The fabric still held its shape
• Most pieces looking as good as the day they were bought

 

Models Chloe, Merryn, Cheyenne, Charlotte, Madi, Stevie and Mikayla wearing Red Equus Competition Wear

 

And trust us… they’ve been worn. A lot.
Dirty days. Long rides. Early mornings. Late nights.  Endless wash cycles.

As our model Mikayla said:

 

Models Kiara, Cheyenne, Zahara and Mikayla wearing Red Equus Sleeveless Elite Baselayers

 

“Red Equus is already a staple part of my riding wardrobe. I feel at home in their clothing — it’s comfortable, familiar, and I genuinely love wearing it.” Mikayla

 (Mikayla - Above right)

 

 

Wearing Red Equus Riding Activewear Jackets

 

Yes, we lent a few tops to showcase newer styles and colourways, but the heart of this shoot was never about ‘new’. It was about longevity, quality and trust.

Red Equus isn’t made for one season.
It’s made to go the distance.

 

 

When You’re Comfortable, Something Magical Happens

Because so many riders were already wearing pieces they knew and loved, something really special unfolded in front of the camera.

The nerves disappeared.
The laughter came easily.
The energy was playful, relaxed and full of joy.

For many, this was their very first photoshoot — but you’d never know it.

And when riders feel good in what they’re wearing, it shows.

Instead of stiff poses and forced smiles, we saw confidence, ease and genuine joy, the kind you can’t fake.

 

Models Sienna, Stevie, Grace, Chloe and Kiara Red Equus Competition Wear

 

“I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I’d be. The environment was super relaxed and friendly. It was inspiring to see everyone in their outfits” Chloe

(Chloe, Above second from right.)

 

 

Models Sienna, (Ozzie,) Amy & Sienna wearing Red Equus Seemless Shirts

 

 

“The entire time I was buzzing. Being in front of the camera and making new connections with other like minded horse girls who share the same passions." Sienna 

(Sienna - Above Left)

*****

“It didn’t feel pressured at all. It was super chill and so much fun. The overall vibe was so uplifting.I genuinely love this brand and the humans behind it.” Amy "

(Amy- Above middle)

Models Madi, Merryn, Cheyenne and Lily wearing black Red Equus Comp Wear

 

"It was just so nice to see everyone coming together having some laughs and sharing the love of horses." Madi

(Madi- Above top left)

 

Mother & Daughter Models Nutana and Jiya wearing Red Equus Activewear Jackets and Performance Tights 

 

“It was so fun to watch the kids. They were made to feel so special with costume changes etc. the day was so organised.... no surprise.” Nutana

 

 

More Than a Shoot - A Community Moment 

Throughout the day, the same words kept coming up in conversations and interviews:

Community. Connection. Confidence. Belonging.

 

Models Mia, Tilli, Grace, Charlotte and Indya wearing Red Equus Riding Active Wear Jackets and Performance Tights 

“Not just a brand, but a family and friends I’ll have forever. Everyone was so welcoming and I could truly be myself. The photographer was so nice and I had so much fun after wards just hanging out.” Mia 

 

 

Models Mia, Grace, Charlotte and Lucy 

 

“The community that Red Equus has is something words can’t explain. I got to make new friends and got to know old friends even better. I loved the interviews.”  Lucy

 

 

Models Madi, Stevie, Cheyenne, Indya, Tilli, Mia, Mikayla and Zahara

 

“I absolutely adore the Alexander family. It was such a special chance to support a family-run business I genuinely love. I loved connecting trialing pieces from them that I don't own yet... yet being the key word. ha ha."   Mikayla

 

Between outfit changes, horse cuddles, spontaneous laughter and interviews, the shoot became a celebration, not just of clothing, but of the people who make this brand what it is.

Standing there, watching real riders in their own well-loved Red Equus, laughing through a thunderstorm, we had one of those quiet, emotional this is why we do this moments.

Because Red Equus has never just been about what you wear.
It’s about how it makes you feel.
And who you get to share the ride with.

 

 

 

With Grateful Hearts (and Slightly Muddy Boots)

Before we wrap this one up, we want to say the biggest thank you.

 

To our riders, thank you for saying yes. For turning up with open hearts, big smiles and a whole lot of trust. Thank you for wearing your own well-loved Red Equus, for laughing through the chaos, and for reminding us exactly why community sits at the heart of this brand. Thank you also to your patient parents who all helped and had a whole lotta fun.

 

 

To the horses, the true stars of the show — thank you for your patience, your personalities, your cameos in front of the camera and for tolerating outfit changes, unfamiliar settings and very excited humans. We wouldn’t be here without you. Due to the rain not all our horse models could come - so a very special thanks to Nicky Balant for bringing your lovely (wet) ponies. xx

 

 

To our incredible photographers and videographers, thank you for calmly capturing the magic while juggling weather, animals, movement, people and a schedule that had all the makings of disaster. Your professionalism, flexibility and sense of humour made all the difference.

 

 

 

To our village - thank you. Every small action has made a maximum difference. A share. A tag. A kind message. A purchase. A recommendation to a friend. Those "little" moments are the reason our business is still here one yer on. 

There are people who have gone above and beyond - quietly, generously, without expectation. Your support means more than you'll ever know. 

From our family to yours, thank you for being part of our first year, our first shoot, and our journey with Red Equus. Thanks for taking the time to drop in on our first blog - if you want to see more from this shoot, check out our instagram page where we will be posting more content.

Can we do it all again soon?

 

Meet the Talent & Models

The heart behind the shoot

This shoot wouldn’t have been what it was without the incredible models and real life riders who said yes, showed up with open hearts, and brought the Red Equus spirit to life — rain, mud and all.

Each rider below is part of our wider Red Equus community. Real riders. Real journeys. Real love for the brand.

With gratitude, meet the legends behind the lens:

• Charlotte Skelton
• Merryn Jaffers 
• Mia Davis 
• Zahara Alexander 
• Indiana Alexander 
• Gracie Alexander
• Cheyenne Meulet
• Kiara Cummings 
• Indya Cummings
• Tilly Cummings
• Amy Balant 
• Lily Balant 
• Sienna Manion 
• Lucy Manion 
• Charlotte Sinclair
• Madi Latcham 
• Chloe Cartledge 
• Mikayla Webb 
• Nutana Donaldson 
• Jiya Donaldson 

Photographer: Kirsty McPhee
Videographer: Bernadette Draffin

Thank you for representing Red Equus exactly as it’s meant to be — worn, loved, lived in, and shared together. 

Above - Red Equus Performance Pro Tights in 13 different colours. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bernadette Draffin (@bernadettedraffin)