Handsome Andalusian Stallion Modeling on the Campus of Texas Tech University | Lubbock, Texas | Julie Cordero Photography

As a photographer in Lubbock, it can be difficult to find truly lovely locations for photo shoots. Especially when you’re bringing an animal as big as a horse. But the Texas Tech University campus definitely works!

Texas Tech is known as one of the loveliest university campuses in the country, thanks to the vision of the master builders who, in 1923, made a Spanish Renaissance style of architecture the blueprint for almost every building on campus. The intent was to represent the southwestern history of the region. Much of the beauty is found in the ornate columns, decorative window structures, archways, and pilasters that look as though they came from some of the great architects of Spain.

Having lived in Spain myself, I have a heart and passion for the design of these buildings and have wanted to showcase them in a photo session. My desire was to utilize a horse of a breed from Spain. Enter Fresco, a stunning Andalusian stallion who fits the bill. His owner, Ashleigh, wore a full-length black tulle skirt, which highlighted his grey coloring. She bravely rode him through the arched walkways, with the architecture behind.

A separate human model, Miranda, was brought in as well for a creative spin. Miranda actively rides horses, so she was ready to handle Fresco with finesse and skill, despite tight clothing and high heels! This cowgirl shined in her job.

Enjoy these images. I am incredibly proud of them.

Lubbock Police Department Mounted Unit

The Lubbock Police Department Mounted Unit currently consists of ten officers, with four in training. Within this group are a sergeant and a captain. 

This Mounted Unit provides police patrol, assisting with crime prevention in our city. Officers regularly cover the downtown and depot areas, especially during events such as First Friday Art Trail. The unit also conducts neighborhood deployments. During the Zoe Campos investigation, they participated in area searches. This unit obviously plays a strong role in the protection of our city and I am grateful.

Another aspect of their valuable work is participation in numerous events throughout the community — including National Night Out, Foster Kids Birthday Bash, ABC Pro Rodeo, and Challenger Little League. 

Officers in the Mounted Unit volunteer for this assignment as an ancillary duty and all hold other full-time positions within the department. Each Mounted Officer owns his or her own horse and takes 100% percent responsibility for the daily care of the horse. Through donations made to the Lubbock Police Foundation on behalf of the Mounted Unit the Foundation assists officers in offsetting some costs of feeding the horses.  

This past year, solely due to the community support through the Lubbock Police Foundation five Mounted Officers and their horses attended the 11th Basic Mounted Patrol School in Midland. Six Mounted Officers attended the TEEX Large Animal Rescue School jointly hosted here in Lubbock with the Lubbock Fire Department Search and Rescue Team members this past October.

It was my honor to photograph this excellent group of Mounted Officers and their horses this past week. Enjoy a selection of images from their photo session.

Members of the Lubbock Police Department Mounted Unit

Adorable Siblings and Their Horse | Julie Cordero Photography | Pet and Equine Photography | Lubbock, Texas

I keep staring at these photos and just melt E V E R Y time! Not only are these kids and their patient horse-friend absolutely adorable, but these two sweet kids are growing up learning to love and respect animals. What a powerful and important lesson. Children who are taught to be kind to animals grow up kind to humans as well.

This beautiful black Polish Arabian, Czecher, is 24-years-young and is owned by the mother of these two young riders. Czecher is a fabulous kid sitter! The kids love and trust him totally— they can as he’s quite trustworthy. I was definitely concerned about Miles’ fingers while this sweet boy was feeding Czecher a carrot (aren’t carrots with the green tops still on them the BEST!) from our local Market Street, but this horse took great care of his little charge. Czecher, when not babysitting, is a very talented dressage horse. For the last several years, he has been used primarily as a lesson horse and has taught numerous children to ride.

The mother of Molly and Miles, Renee, has owned Czecher since the day he was born. He captured the heart of his owner immediately. And what’s really special— the kids’ grandmother owned Czecher’s dam! This story is all in the family. What a wonderful legacy of love.

Molly is seven and is already taking dressage riding lessons on Czecher at Premier Park Equestrian Center. I love watching her ride! She has begun showing him in Intro Level dressage shows and has a great riding future ahead of her.

What a special treat to photograph this trio. I am blessed with amazing clients who become my friends.

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Models: Molly and Miles

Equine Model: Czecher, a registered Arabian gelding

Location: Premier Park Equestrian Center | Lubbock, Texas

Flowers: Tucker Floral | Lubbock Texas

Red Dress: Joyfolie

Cowgirl Boots: Macie Bean

Mid-century Side Chair: Joss & Main

“We have almost forgotten how strange a thing it is that so huge and powerful and intelligent an animal as a horse should allow another, and far more feeble animal to ride upon its back.”

— Peter Gray

There's no better way to grow up than on a horse.

It is my sincere privilege to help families create tangible expressions of their love for each other through the art of photography and print. To chat about your own horse and rider session, head to www.juliecordero.com/contact and fill out the form. I’ll be in touch soon.