A Dreamy Western Family Session with Celine, Brandon, Jackson, Denise & Chocolah

Get ready for some serious heart eyes 😍 — this family session was a literal dream come true! From tiny cowboy boots to sweet kisses and two-stepping spins 💃🕺, photographing Celine, Brandon, Jackson, Grandma Denise, and their beautiful horse Chocolah 🐴 during a mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography had me smiling the entire time. The love, laughter, and western charm were off the charts — sessions like this are why I do what I do! 🤎📸✨

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Maddie & Primo – A Bittersweet Farewell at Blenheim Equisports

✨ There’s nothing quite like the bond between a rider and their horse — and Maddie & Primo's session at Blenheim Equisports captured that connection so beautifully 🥹🐴💛. As Primo nears retirement at the young age of 11, this shoot was the perfect way to honor their journey together, filled with love, trust, and unforgettable memories 📸🌿.

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A Day at Surf City Western I – My First Western Horse Show

On May 10th, I ventured into something entirely new — photographing my very first western horse show! 🤠 As a lifelong lover of animals and storytelling through imagery, this experience was both exciting and inspiring. From the shimmer of show tack to the rhythm of hooves in the arena, every moment was a visual adventure. Here’s a peek into my day behind the lens at Surf City Western I! 🐎✨

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Baylee & Her Herd: A Norco Afternoon with Sugar, & Arcky

Tucked away in the heart of Norco, California 🐴🌾, I had the joy of capturing Baylee in her element—surrounded by the horses she loves most. With beautiful afternoon light ☀️ and the peaceful hum of ranch life, this session was full of tender moments between Baylee, her new foal Arcky 🐎, & her sweet mare Sugar 🤍.

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Portraits Matina Cordell

Jennie, Her Horses & Her Rescues: A Golden Evening at Giracci Vineyards

Golden hour, horses, and rescue pups? Yes, please! 🐴🐶✨ I had the absolute joy of joining Ashleigh Magnus Photography once again for one of her amazing mentoring sessions—this time featuring the lovely Jennie and her incredible animals at the stunning Giracci Vineyards and Farms in Williams Canyon, CA. Between the golden light, the sweet connection Jennie shares with her horses and dogs, and the peaceful vineyard setting, this session was pure magic 🌞📸💛.

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Spring Flower Sessions at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center

Spring is in full bloom at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, and there’s no better time to capture the magic of horse and rider among the wildflowers. In this dreamy golden hour session, Bryce and her horse Murphy, along with Veronica and her horse Skooter, brought such a peaceful beauty to the trails, surrounded by soft purple and white blossoms. Keep reading to see how the light, the flowers, and the bond between each pair came together in this unforgettable spring session.

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Laura & Drake

There’s something effortlessly enchanting about the bond between horse and rider — a quiet, powerful connection that speaks volumes without a single word. During golden hour at the beautiful Artesian Valley Farm, we had the honor of capturing that bond between Laura and her stunning Friesian, Drake. As part of a mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography, we explored four unique locations across the property — each one offering a different backdrop, mood, and story. From tranquil paddocks to wide-open fields, every moment with Laura and Drake felt like stepping into a fairytale.

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A Birthday Celebration for Ashleigh & Banjo

There’s something incredibly special about photographing a bond that’s stood the test of time. For Ashleigh & Banjo’s birthday session, we returned to the same wild mustard-filled field in San Juan Capistrano where I first photographed them back in 2011. With golden hour casting a soft glow and the flowers towering all around us, it was the perfect setting to celebrate this iconic duo—and to witness Banjo, still full of spirit at 31 years old, rearing with joy like no time had passed at all.

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Lara & Wiz

There's something incredibly special about capturing the bond between a horse and rider—especially when that connection is as playful and full of life as Lara and Wiz's. Set against the stunning backdrop of Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center in San Juan Capistrano, this session at golden hour was a dream come true. From Wiz’s cheeky antics to Lara’s easy laughter, every moment of this shoot radiated joy, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Keep reading to see the magic unfold through the lens!

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Savannah & Gladstone

Some horses and riders share a bond so special that it radiates in every moment, and Savannah & Gladstone are the perfect example. During my mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography, I had the privilege of capturing their playful, heartwarming connection at the stunning Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California. From joyful interactions in the arena to striking black background portraits, this session was nothing short of magical. Keep reading to see the unforgettable moments we captured!

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Equestrian, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Ciminiti

Imagine a breathtaking equine portrait session where elegance meets artistry—this was my experience shadowing Ashleigh Magnus Photography for a stunning black background session. Set against the picturesque Nellie Gail Ranch Equestrian Center, we had the privilege of working with Ciminiti, a striking model who carried himself with grace and confidence. Capturing the beauty and power of horses in such a timeless way is truly mesmerizing. Want to see the magic unfold? Keep reading to experience this unforgettable session!

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider Matina Cordell

Camryn & Feeling

Meet Camryn and Feeling—an inseparable duo whose bond shines just as brightly as the golden light at Blue Ridge Farm. From graceful moments in the dressage arena to Feeling’s adorable mirror check, this session was pure magic. Capturing their connection in such a picturesque setting was an absolute joy, and I can't wait to share more from this unforgettable day! ✨🐴💕

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider Matina Cordell

Ashleigh, Andy, & Moe

Some love stories are written in the stars—others are shared in the saddle. This session was extra special because I had the joy of photographing my dear friend Ashleigh, her boyfriend, Andy, and her beloved horse, Moe. Growing up with Ashleigh made life at the barn unforgettable, and capturing this chapter of her journey felt like coming full circle. With golden hour casting the perfect glow over Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center, every moment was pure magic. ✨

Ready to see the magic for yourself? Click the photo for all the dreamy moments!

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