Majestic Horse Pictures From Across Canada
Updated: Jan. 13, 2023
It's been said that to ride on a horse is to fly without wings. This gallery of original photography captures the grace and power of these incredible animals.
Horse Pictures That’ll Take Your Breath Away
Here’s one of those horse pictures that just make you long for life on the farm. “Khan is always curious about the camera,” writes Karen Carley, whose shot uses that warm glow of sunset to spectacular effect. Thanks for sharing, Karen!
Photo Finish
“And it’s down to the wire!” writes George Vanderberg, who captured the pulse-pounding action at Lethbridge, Alberta’s Rocky Mountain Turf Club.
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Winter Wonderland
It looks as though Russ Hayes has the image for next year’s Christmas card lined up—this snowy scene near Racine, Quebec, would make the perfect season’s greeting! Russ says the horses gracing this winter wonderland are Haflingers, originating from Austria.
Wild and Free
If you’ve ever had the chance to visit Sundre, Alberta, you might’ve caught a glimpse of the wild horses that call the region home. Phil Klug was among the lucky ones who not only got up close and personal with a wild stallion, but also managed to capture the magical moment on camera.
Read up on the wild horses of Sundre.
An Unbreakable Bond
“My daughter (above) had her first pony ride at age two, on Centre Island in Toronto, and that started a life-long love affair with horses,” writes Marnie Bonnett. “She rode from age nine until her early 20s, when her life got busy, and horses were put on hold. When the pandemic started, she began to work from home, and a small miracle happened in July 2020. She finally bought her first horse and started riding again. Thor is a beautiful Haflinger and it was love at first sight! He is 19 now, and they have become such a bonded pair—it is pure joy to see. He is her ‘heart horse,’ but everyone who meets him falls just a wee bit in love with him too.” Consider us smitten, Marnie!
Feeling Festive
If you thought Thor looked beautiful in braids in the previous pic, check out what a wreath does for his mane! His loving owner, Jen St. Louis, writes, “Thor is every little girl’s dream horse—he looks like a Barbie horse come to life. And he’s got a personality that draws people in—to meet him is to love him. I’m so incredibly lucky to be able to call him mine.”
Ring of Red
Seeing the RCMP Musical Ride is a Canadian rite of passage, and one that Norma Keith captured beautifully in this image. The performance visits each province once every four years, so everyone gets a chance to enjoy the show!
Hay, You!
“When is a horse not a horse? When it doubles as a dinner plate, of course,” jokes photographer Cathy Gauthier. It looks like dinner really is on him!
Here are more funny animal photos that are sure to make you smile.
Winter Walks
This horse picture brings back happy memories for Linda Sweeney of Miramichi, New Brunswick. “My grandchildren would gather up a few apples and carrots and we’d head down for a walk to the end of the street. There, we’d find a beautiful horse waiting for some treats!”
Mellow Yellow
Cindy Mulvihill of Low, Quebec, caught Otis on a leisurely stroll through the buttercups.
Don’t miss these beautiful photos showcasing Canada in bloom.
Farming Traditions
In the days before tractors, horse-drawn plows were the only way to cultivate fields. George Vanderberg witnessed this traditional farming practice in modern-day St. Jacobs, Ontario, where Old Order Mennonites still rely on horsepower to get the job done.
Vision in White
“I took this photo at a photography workshop several years ago, and it remains a favourite of mine,” writes Jen St. Louis. “We were fortunate to have had a lot of snow fall the night before, which made for some dramatic action shots.”
Here are more spectacular photos that celebrate the beauty of the Canadian winter.
Peek-a-Boo!
This friendly face peeped out at Tim Fletcher on his visit to the stable.
Golden Hour
When it comes to taking great horse pictures, timing is key—a fact photographer Tara Lowry knows well. “I was wandering through my brother’s herd of horses at sunset and was rewarded with these delightful equine silhouettes,” she writes.
Here are more stunning sunset pictures that will take your breath away.
Wintry Whiskers
Ann Lane’s detail of a horse’s muzzle is so crisp, you can make out the individual hairs in her velvety smooth coat. Don’t you just want to reach out and give her a pet?
Wild, Wild West
It’s a testament to Marie Nylund’s photography skills that we initially mistook this incredible image for a painting. From the stampeding horses to the sprawling landscape, it could easily pass for a Remington! Marie snapped this epic shot at Ya Ha Tinda Ranch in Banff National Park.
Check out 10 national parks every Canadian needs to visit.
That First Click
This fantastic photo has special significance for Rebecca Bromberger of Barrhead, Alberta. “I had just gotten a new camera for Christmas, so I drove around the backroads looking for things to take pictures of. This beauty was standing in the perfect spot with the frost-covered fence in front and the ice fog in the background.” You set a high bar for the photographs to follow, Rebecca!
A Fair Pair
The Lansdowne Fair east of Kingston, Ontario, is one of Canada’s oldest rural fairs. Among the attractions keeping visitors coming back year after year are the magnificent farm animals, including these handsome work horses photographed by Russ Hayes.
Discover more hidden gems in Ontario.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
Ottawa’s Paula Brown wasn’t the only one feeling winter’s chill when she took this shot. We hope you were bundled up too, Paula!
Biking Buddies
“I pass a large old estate-style property on my bike ride to get to the Thames River here in London, Ontario,” writes photographer Andrew Campbell. “If I stop, often times the horses that live there come over to the fence to say, ‘Hi’ and maybe investigate me to make sure I’m not trouble. It’s always nice to see them year round. In colder weather, they have their ‘sweaters’ on.”
Discover 10 great day trips from London, Ontario.
Foaling Around
Don’t worry little one, you’ll grow into those legs! Thanks to Paul Sinclair of Lindsay, Ontario, for sharing this sweet shot.
A Storybook Dream Come True
What could be more magical than a winter sleigh ride? How about a sleigh ride through a beloved London landmark! Brian Jones snapped this charming scene at Storybook Gardens, which has been delighting Ontario families since 1958.
A Unique Breed
“Icelandic horses are special,” writes Marnie Bonnett, who snapped this adorable shot of an Icelandic mare showing her new spring foal the ropes. “A pure breed for over a thousand years, these sturdy, strong, small horses are spirited but have a gentle temperament. Their unique five gaits make them a dream to ride. Having no natural predators, they are very friendly and curious, and often seem to seek out human connection.”
A Reflective Mood
“I wanted to capture the gentle soul of this horse,” writes photographer Deb Sandau. “I also got my own reflection shining back at me!”
Read up on the incredible efforts to save the Newfoundland pony.
Say Aww!
Horse pictures don’t get cuter than this submission from Caroline Cole. Those dainty little hooves! Those fuzzy faces! It’s enough to have you considering a stable in your own backyard. (It’s not as if they’d take up much room, right?)
Check out more of Canada’s cutest pets.
Black Beauty
Caution, thoroughbred crossing! While en route to Foxfire Farms, photographer Heidi Sanita caught the farm’s co-founder Shari Bryant out for a ride.
Whoa, There!
It’s with good reason the Calgary Stampede is known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Local shutterbug Maria Powell captures the bucking bronco action in this fantastic photo.
Discover 40 great things to do in Calgary.
Giddy Up
Did someone ring the dinner bell? Brenda Snape of Aurora, Ontario, caught these magnificent horses kicking up some serious dust.
Fringe Benefits
Paul O’Toole captured this darling duo on a trip to Newfoundland. “No idea what breed they are, but I liked the bangs on the left one,” Paul says. It does indeed look like someone’s just been to the barber!
Take in the breathtaking beauty of Sable Island’s wild horses.
Fade to Black
Alan Cheng’s beautiful composition could pass for the final shot in a western.
If you enjoyed these horse pictures, be sure to check out our gorgeous gallery of Canadian birds.
