The Healing Power of Horses
- Maria Marriott
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
Although my journey to equine photography began when I was young, with my passions for photography and horses. But it wasn’t until adulthood that these passions came together. The driving force behind this merger was a deep sense of loneliness - an ache that settled during the years I spent far from my family and friends in Brazil. Distance has a way of magnifying silence, and in that silence, I found myself searching for something familiar and grounding.
At the time, I was living a life that felt practical but not particularly inspired. My commute home weaved through the countryside and every day I slowed my car just a little as I passed the pastures, watching the horses graze peacefully. Those horses, standing quietly in the California sunshine, felt like a bridge back to my world.
Shortly after, I found myself with my own heart horse - an Arabian named Glory - riding on beautiful trails all over Northern California. Horseback rides became my refuge.
Each ride replaced loneliness with a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt in years. The rhythm of hooves on dirt, the smell of the barn, the quiet companionship of a horse who asked nothing of me except presence—it all reminded me of who I was before life became complicated.
TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING POWER
In the process, I met my “tribe" - a tough, unapologetically group of horsewomen who took me in without hesitation. They smothered me with kindness, challenged me, laughed with me, and became lifelong friends. Through them, and through the horses we rode, I discovered something profound: the healing power of horses is real, and it is transformative.
Since that time, I have witnessed countless moments where horses have been instrumental in physical and emotional healing. The loss of a spouse. The heartbreak of divorce. The challenges of raising a disabled child. The quiet, heavy ache of loneliness. I’ve seen horses step into each of these spaces with kind Intuitive grace. There is something undeniably therapeutic in the bond that forms between human and hors - it softens grief, steadies fear, and helps people find their way through trauma.
My journey into equine portraits grew naturally from these experiences.
I wanted to capture not just the beauty of horses, but the way they heal us, hold us, and remind us of our own strength. In many ways, every photograph I take is a love letter to the animals who helped me find my way home to myself.
A RANCH ON A MISSION
Let me introduce you to a non-profit I've recently partnered with worth your support.
TAG Ranch helps kids build confidence, resilience, and a sense of connection by pairing them with horses in hands‑on, nature‑based programs that emphasize responsibility, compassion, and personal growth. Through camps and youth programs, children learn horsemanship, teamwork, and leadership while experiencing the joy of caring for and working alongside horses in a supportive ranch environment.
TAG Ranch’s mission centers on empowering the next generation by giving kids a place to unplug, explore, and discover their authentic selves through meaningful relationships—with animals, mentors, and each other.
Learn more by emailing TAG Ranch at info@tagranch.com, or calling 801‑414‑5131.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
An equestrian for most of her life, award winning equine photographer Maria Marriott combines her passion for horses with her art and the desire to bring public awareness to the American mustangs. Maria is honored to have her equine fine art in collectors’ homes and offices throughout the world.
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