A Remarkable Expedition into the Equine Universe: A Black Man's Unforeseen Metamorphosis

Photographed in May 2023, my second year at the Virginia Gold Cup Races - Nuha Fadera

If someone had approached me just two short years ago and told me that I would become deeply engaged in the equestrian industry as a content creator, I would have dismissed it as a fanciful notion. Not only did I possess minimal knowledge about the sport, but I also held a perception that equestrianism was predominantly associated with Europe and the white community. As a black man, I had never envisioned myself navigating this seemingly exclusive realm.

My exposure to equestrianism was limited to fleeting glimpses during Rolex commercials on television. I vividly recall being captivated by the captivating Rolex and Icons campaign, featuring accomplished individuals from diverse professional backgrounds who shared their personal stories of triumph. One particular story resonated deeply with me – that of Steve Guerdat, who spoke affectionately of his relationship with horses, almost as if they were his confidants. At the time, little did I realize that my future would unravel a profound understanding of the unwavering bond between horses and riders, a connection rivaling that of human relationships.

Reflecting on my journey now, I am astounded by the depth of my newfound love and appreciation for the equestrian world, defying my own preconceptions. It all began when I was commissioned to photograph the illustrious Virginia Gold Cup in the spring of 2022. A prestigious private social club in Washington DC invited me to document their Gold Cup experience, focusing primarily on capturing candid moments of the club members, their partners, and their friends. Initially, my role did not involve photographing the magnificent horses themselves. However, the mere possibility of aiming my lens at these majestic creatures ignited an unwavering curiosity within me. Intrigued by the untapped potential, I made the conscious decision to bring along a specialized 100-400mm lens, meticulously designed for capturing the essence of equine grace.

Photo of the Capital Club President Joe French with attendees at the Gold Cup 2022

As the event unfolded, I poured my heart and soul into the task at hand, creating some of the most compelling visual content I had ever produced. Through still images and captivating videos, I managed to encapsulate the essence of the Gold Cup experience, transcending the boundaries of conventional equine photography. My work garnered significant attention from the equestrian community in Virginia, sparking a wave of curiosity and admiration.

Photo taken at the Virginia Gold Cup 2022 - Nuha Fadera

It was this unexpected recognition that led to a remarkable turning point in my journey. Riding on the momentum of my previous success, I was approached by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces, an esteemed equestrian footing company headquartered in Virginia. Recognizing the value of my artistic vision and expertise, they sought my creative contribution to produce a captivating video commercial for their brand. This collaboration proved to be a pivotal moment in my career, as the resulting video was broadcasted on the prestigious USEF Network. Its widespread reach not only established my credibility within the equestrian community but also opened doors to new opportunities and connections.

Thus began a beautiful friendship between myself and the equestrian world, where passion, artistry, and dedication melded seamlessly. As I ventured further into this captivating realm, my personal transformation deepened. The journey that started with a simple commission to photograph the Virginia Gold Cup has evolved into a profound exploration of equestrian culture, an immersion into the intricacies of horsemanship, and a celebration of the profound connections between humans and these majestic creatures. A journey that is still a work in progress.