A Weekend at the Drasa Clinic with Lara and Estrella

This past weekend was all about early mornings, misty paddocks, and the unmistakable bond between horse and rider as Lara and her beautiful mare, Estrella, took part in the Drasa Clinic. The atmosphere was filled with both nerves and excitement as riders arrived, horses freshly groomed and trailers lining the field. There’s something special about these gatherings—where equestrians come together not only to refine their skills but also to celebrate the passion they share for their horses.

Equine photography in Cape Town.

What is Drasa?

For those new to the equestrian world, Drasa is a discipline rooted in precision, harmony, and endurance. Unlike disciplines that focus solely on speed or power, Drasa is about cultivating a deeper partnership between horse and rider, balancing technical skill with trust and communication. Clinics like the one held this weekend are an opportunity for riders to learn directly from experienced trainers, sharpening their abilities while strengthening their horses’ responsiveness and fitness.

Drasa is as much about mental discipline as it is about physical ability. Riders must stay fully present and connected, adjusting to their horse’s needs while maintaining form and focus. Watching Lara and Estrella in action was the perfect example of this—Estrella’s ears flicking back to catch Lara’s cues, and Lara’s calm yet assertive posture guiding her mare forward. Their teamwork was a joy to capture.

Equine Photography in Cape Town.

Capturing the Morning Through My Lens

From the moment the sun broke through the morning fog, the scene was picture-perfect. The mix of horses, gleaming tack, and riders in their training gear created a narrative that begged to be documented. What I love most about equestrian shoots like this is the natural authenticity—you can’t stage the way a horse nuzzles its rider after a successful round or the quiet concentration before entering the arena.

For Lara and Estrella, it was a chance to create memories of a milestone in their journey together, and for me, it was an honour to document it. From the candid preparation moments next to the trailer to the action shots in the ring, the clinic offered a rich variety of stories to tell in a single day.

Adding Video Content to Your Photography Package

While photographs freeze those once-in-a-lifetime moments, video adds an entirely different dimension to storytelling. I’ve recently expanded my services to include video content alongside photography packages, and this clinic was a perfect example of why it makes such a difference.

Imagine reliving not just the image of Estrella striding confidently across the field, but the sound of her hooves hitting the ground, the gentle creak of the saddle, or Lara’s quiet encouragement. Video captures the rhythm, movement, and atmosphere in a way still photos simply can’t.

Here are a few reasons to consider adding video to your next shoot:

• Bring the atmosphere to life – The energy of an event, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, or the buzz of riders preparing adds layers to your memory.

• Showcase your journey – Whether it’s training, competitions, or personal milestones, video highlights progress and growth beautifully.

• Versatility for sharing – Video content is perfect for social media, websites, or personal keepsakes. It helps tell your story in a dynamic, engaging way.

• Complement, don’t replace – Photos give you timeless stills to frame and treasure, while videos offer movement and depth. Together, they create a complete story.

Videography in Cape Town

At the end of the day, photography and videography aren’t just about documentation—they’re about preserving emotions. Clinics like this one are fleeting; the dust settles, the horses are loaded back into trailers, and life moves on. But with photos and videos, those moments live on, ready to be revisited whenever you want to relive them.

Lara and Estrella’s Drasa Clinic experience was a beautiful reminder of why I do what I do. It’s about capturing the small details, the big achievements, and everything in between. And now, with video woven into my packages, I can help tell those stories in even richer detail.