BATHING HORSES

During a recent trip to Barbados to do a personal photographic project about holistic treatments and wellness I spent much of my time thinking about another project close to my heart- the healing and therapeutic role of animals on our mental health. I spent many mornings on the beach watching the grooms tenderly wash and exercise the magnificent chestnut, grey and bay race horses, where they are carefully led into the sea to bathe, swim and exercise by their trusted grooms who range in age from 16- 68. Often the older grooms can’t swim, staying afloat with life jackets and holding on to the horses mane, the strong connection they have between the horses is tangible, each showing a mutual respect and bond. When I spoke to  the grooms I photographed they said being a groom is extremely hard work, physically and mentally demanding, with little pay, but they show great compassion to the horses and are passionate about what they do. They often they grow up with the horses and can be their sole carers throughout their career, dedicating their lives to the horses welfare and happiness.Every morning they gently coax the horses into the sea where they are washed down and then they swim out with them to strengthen the horses legs .The sea water is low impact on the horses legs and is used as a form of water therapy.

This series was shortlisted for the PX3 Paris Photo Prize ‘State of The World 2024’