Equine photography by Manuela Stefan
A WOMEN’S WELLNESS RETREAT IN THE ANDES FOOTHILLS APRIL 20-27, 2024 Welcome to a big and exciting year! With an “8” vibration, 2024 holds the promise of abundance, possibility, growth, spiritual expansion, and big dreams coming to fruition. There is no better time than now to get together and celebrate each other, share in joy […]
OCEAN HORSE MAGIC A WOMEN’S RETREAT IN ST LUCIA FEBRUARY 3-10, 2019 Join horse lover and photographer Manuela Stefan on a replenishing experience of connecting with Source energy with the help of horses and nature. You will have the opportunity to live extraordinary moments shoulder-to-shoulder with beautiful island horses, meditate by the ocean, take cleansing […]
I believe horses are on this planet to help us find our own way back to ‘Source’ (or however one prefers to call the place where nothing but love exists). With remarkable patience for humankind, these incredible animals invite us constantly to join them in a state of oneness and pure connection. In their majestic […]
Spending a sunny fall day at the Myrddin Equestrian Centre Horse Show was a delightful experience. Surrounded by magnificent horses and their riders, I thoroughly enjoyed myself capturing ‘behind the scenes’ moments, combined with show snippets. Warming up before a show is more than what the eye can see: it involves getting in emotional and […]
When I was approached to photograph 33 yr old Arabian horse Chaser, I knew something very special was going to unfold. I immediately got an intuitive sense of his wise, powerful energy and of the way I was going to feel around it. As it happens with our own elders, Chaser’s presence inspires feelings of […]
A few weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph two beautiful women and their beloved horses who live at the Milestone Stables in Campbellville, Ontario. This gorgeous countryside farm located at the base of the Niagara escarpment was the setting for a beautiful experience which went beyond the photo taking, as it often […]
Jenny’s story is one of those examples of how horses can change lives. Really turning them around. Especially when one listens to what the heart is saying. And horses are our big teachers for that. Connecting with them leads to our own connection with the soul’s desire, spoken through the heart. All we need to […]
A feast for the eyes, thrilling, delightful, highly entertaining: Cavalia‘s Odysseo is all this and much more! With each of its spectacular shows, it also celebrates one of the greatest and most profound connections in history: human and horse. As its founders describe it, ‘Odysseo marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects […]
The horses brought Julie and I together. Since, we have had a magical journey. Originally from Belgium, Julie was in the process of moving to Jamaica (her current home country) when she found my equine work via an article I did about Jamaican horses. She started following my page and sent me a message saying […]
My photography work brought me to St Lucia early this year and I used the opportunity to tap into the local equine world. To my delight, I found a place of great beauty and authenticity: the Atlantic Shores Riding Stables. A few elements distinguish this horseback riding operation from others: its breathtaking, off-the-beaten-path location, the […]
I am a jet setter. I joke with my friends and tell them: ‘if you ever see me sad, just put me on a plane!’. I have traveled since I was 12. I owe this to my mother who was brave (and visionary enough) to send me alone, on a night train, from Bucharest (Romania) […]
A splendid wedding at the Lazy L&B Ranch in Dubois, WY
I have experienced quite a bit of serendipity since horses came into my life. They have brought me to amazing places around the globe and have introduced me to some formidable people. I have photographed weddings for years and have enjoyed creative adventures with horses all over the world. These avenues came together and I […]
I have known Jessica Fobert of ‘Free Rein Horsemanship’ for almost three years and have had the privilege to come close to her work a couple of times. I am sure there are many horse lovers out there who feel the same way: she truly is amazing at her approach to horsemanship. She has an […]
Barney gives back: An inspiring horse rescue story
Horses are here to support our journey and assist us with moving towards a higher understanding and appreciation of life. For the most part loved and well cared for, horses still endure a cruel fate sometimes. They can end up abandoned, sent into merciless auctions and sold to meat buyers. While we may not be […]
This week (April 2-9) has not been like any other week. Many of us have felt its special energy, particularly around the New Moon on April 7th. Which came with blessings and gifts for all of us. Spring is also a time for revival, for realigning ourselves with our paths, new beginnings are in the […]
A few weeks ago I was contacted by Lindsay who wanted to offer her mother, Julie, a photo shoot as a gift for Mother’s Day. They both board their pleasure horses at the picturesque Peace Valley Ranch. Lindsay spoke about their Friesian and Paint horses with great enthusiasm and I could feel her loving energy […]
It is with great pleasure to let you all know that I will be an exhibitor at the Royal Winter Fair (Nov 6-15, 2015). I am participating with my equine art for the first time and it has been a truly exhilarating process. Going through everything I have to pick the images for the art […]
A couple of months ago I started playing with the idea of getting a puppy. I did not know much about breeds, so I researched a few, with a preference for small, non shedding dogs. I stumbled upon the Havanese: a fluffy, extremely cute and friendly breed originating from Havana, Cuba and known to entertain […]
Horses are my special place. My fascination with them is endless. As a photographer, I love using my lens to capture something that goes beyond words: a second when our souls meet and connect; their ineffable, pure nature; their intriguing blend of strength and vulnerability; their generous spirit. I admire their dedication to our kind, […]
Art Show in the Barn/ Fundraiser on June 28 at ‘First Harvest Farm’, Millbrook
Join us for equine art, music, fabulous food and help the horses! Portion of the art sales will be donated to the Freedom Valley Rescue Farm in Omemee. For details and directions, pls visit www.horsediscovery.com
Article: “Romanian Lipizzaners dance in the snow”
Cover photo & Article: “The Equine Art of Manuela Stefan, the photographer behind Graceful Horses”
Once in a while our boundaries are stretched. When this happens creatively, an artist could not wish for more. When Kristina contacted me for a special dance shoot, I did not really know what shape and form this experience was going to take. After our first chat, I started getting visions…of nature…snow…and ultimately, horses (hmmm…are […]
Australian horseman Guy McLean: behind the scenes at the Royal Winter Fair
I learned about Guy McLean’s visit to Toronto during the Royal Winter Fair and I just knew I had to meet this incredible man. Having known about his work previously, I felt there was such a tremendous message behind it, inspiring me to write a story and share it with the world. Guy McLean and […]
Article: “Equine VIP talks to Manuela Stefan”
Article: “Rancho Xotolar, An Oasis of Family Tradition in Central Mexico”
Article: “The story of Braco Stables, Jamaica”
While visiting the charming colonial town of San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico, I traveled to the spectacular high planes and discovered an absolute gem: Rancho Xotolar, a place where authenticity and family tradition prevail. The younger family members warm up before starting their work day The Morin Ruiz family: four generations ranchers Back […]
Many thanks to Noelle and Bill for featuring my story.
Thank you Susan Asbrook of Equine VIP for a lovely interview!
Article: “From Toronto to Sambata de Jos”
I can only think of Romanian heritage with a profound sense of pride. I travel the world but return to my home country whenever I can. There is so much beauty there and I feel compelled to reveal it to the world the best way I can, through imagery and words. Elegant and proud, the […]
Article: “Manuela Stefan’s photographs”
Over the past few years I have traveled extensively to find horses and their people in some of the most interesting locations of this world. I have been to Mexico before and absolutely loved it, but at the time I have experienced it in a completely different way. Never had I thought that my passion […]
Almost three years ago I was embarking on a wondrous journey. It started, like many adventures, with a strong desire: to travel the world and photograph horses. I imagined them wild, manes flying in the air, their powerful spirit shine, their thirst for freedom – the only guiding force. I have had many amazing encounters […]
While exploring the area around Jackson, Wyoming and exhibiting my equine art at the Western Design Conference in town, I had the privilege to live in a place that is hard to even begin describing: the Gros Ventre River Ranch. Remotely located in the Teton National Forrest, with the Gros Ventre River running right through its […]
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Needless to say how excited I was when Claudia contacted me saying that she was looking to do an engagement photo session with horses. Her and her beau, Deion, had a magnificent place already chosen: Horse Play Niagara. With the kind of weather we have had early this summer, I wondered what the Gods had […]
Overlooked by a gorgeous 200 years old mansion, Braco Estates used to be part of a large sugar plantation back in the 18th century. The owners switched to cattle breeding and at one time over 1,000 heads were raised on the property. The business slowed down eventually and decision was made to start a horseback […]
As I look back at everything that happened before and during my trip to Jamaica, I can say it was synchronicity at play. Many things came together in a way that makes me think of magic. I travel the world to meet horses in unique locations and write stories about them. This is how I […]
I was born and grew up in Romania. I often travel back to visit my family and friends. Last December was a bit different. I went home with the intention of finding and photographing some horses roaming free in the Southern Romanian forests. I was detoured. Prior to my arrival, my dear mother watched a […]
Manuela Stefan presents: “The Old West, a travel and equine photography workshop”, October 6-12, 2013. Location: The Apache Spirit Ranch, Arizona.
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Opportunities present themselves to us when we are ready to embrace them and make the most out of them. Sometimes it all begins with an intention we simply throw out there without necessarily knowing how to go about materializing it. And so we continue on with our lives. Miraculously, at some point in time, what […]
While at the Sunnydale Stables in North Bay, I had the pleasure to spend some fun time with a lovely girl, Brianne, and the Gypsy Vanner horse she rides. His name is Apollo and he has one blue eye. I followed the two around in the pasture and in a little forest. I was really […]
The craft of farriery seems to go all the way back to the Celts who were protecting the feet of their horses with nailed-on shoes. Although their jobs have changed over the years, one thing remains the same: farriers are an irreplaceable part of the domestic life of the horse. A few days ago I […]
This past weekend (June 15-17) I had the great joy to be a part of the Art Walk at the Polo for Heart event. As it was my very first time participating, I can only speak for this year’s atmosphere: vibrant, great energy all around, wonderful people. But most importantly, exquisite job done by all […]
One quiet evening in the fall of last year I was browsing the Internet looking for places where wild Mustangs ran free. Out of the blue and for no apparent reason I felt like typing the word Montana in. And that’s when it happened: the Montana Horses website came up and with it, some exhilarating […]
Alannah and Scott had a very unique wedding at the wonderful Callan Farm. All elements simply fit into place and the result was astounding! I could have not asked for more that day: beautiful, inspiring location, great weather and a fantastic wedding party! There were so many things around that made for unique backdrops: green […]
I love Gypsy Vanner horses: their long manes blowing in the week, their friendly personalities, their immense strength. A few weeks ago my dear friend Poppy invited me to accompany her on a little trip to Picton where she keeps one of her two horses: Belle. What a fantastic time that was! I played around […]
Back in February I have had the immense pleasure and joy to present my “White-Power and Grace” fine equine art collection to the world. Sixteen large canvases were exhibited in the contemporary space of the Art Square Gallery, downtown Toronto. A very emotional and extremely rewarding experience! What mattered to me immensely was people deeply […]
Article: “The White Horses of Camargue gallop into Toronto”
My recent trip to Arizona would have not been the same without an absolutely dreamy encounter with some local horses. While in Scottsdale I discovered a ranch with quite unique architecture, displaying intricate elements of Arabic inspiration. Quite impressive! They allow visitors so spending time admiring the horses they keep there was effortless.I still recall […]
I have always envisioned photographing a white horse. There is a dreamy quality to such an exquisite looking animal. Following a series of ‘coincidences’ I found out about the white horses of Camargue, France. Without hesitation I decided to travel there so I could materialize my vision. I really did not quite know what to […]
I have had the chance to meet horses every time I went away, close or far, be it around Toronto or elsewhere in the world. I recall the peaceful feeling triggered by such encounters and the electrifying experience of simply being around these graceful animals, observing them, enjoying the powerful energy they exude….the desire of […]