Honouring the Spirit of the Horse
You don’t just want a painting.
You want to remember a presence, the way your horse looked at you, the way they moved, the way they made you feel.
I paint horses in oil on Belgian linen or fine canvas.
My work is a tribute to the grace, nobility and power of the horse, with a special focus on the legendary ponies of the polo field.
After a lifetime in the saddle, a career as a horse physiotherapist, and over a decade immersed in the polo world, I paint from life, a deep familiarity and close observation.
These are heirloom pieces, timeless, archival portraits that honour the unique bond between horse and rider.
View the Collection | Commission a Portrait | About the Artist
Horses have always been my greatest joy and a constant, grounding force.
Having been placed on my first Shetland at three, I decided then and there that was the place I most wanted to be. I’ve represented Kenya twice as a showjumper, and tried my hand at various other disciplines. I’ve had the privilege of playing polo in some amazing places and worked as an equine physiotherapist alongside to keep me always near horses.
Painting them allows me to remain close to that presence, to their energy, their grace, and that deep sense of peace they offer. As Churchill famously said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” I feel that truth every day.
Through my work, I hope to share that feeling with collectors. I aim to create archival, collectible, heirloom pieces, portraits that honour the great horses we’ve known, especially within the world of polo.
These legacy animals deserve to be remembered, not just for their performance, but for the bond they share with us.
Painting them from life, when possible, is both a joy and an honour.
My paintings are of horses in large-format, using a realistic style that allows the horse to take centre stage.
I focus solely on the physical form, without the distraction of a busy background, because the horse’s individual majesty and personality deserve space to breathe.
When working at life-size or close to it, I feel I can truly honour the nobility of the animal and allow their unique character to emerge.
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jess.henrich@icloud.com
Cape Town