The equestrian world is shifting. From the way we engage with horses in sport and leisure to the conversations around their care, training, and role in modern society, traditional narratives are being reconsidered. This shift is not just happening in the stables and arenas—it is also shaping how horses are depicted in contemporary equine art exhibitions. And for curators, this evolution presents both a challenge and an opportunity:
How do we ensure that equine art exhibitions reflect the changing dialogue around the horse?
How do we curate contemporary equine art in a way that speaks to today’s collectors, audiences, and industry professionals?
How do we move beyond nostalgia to showcase what equine art looks like in 2025 and beyond?
From ‘Symbol of power’ to ‘Individual presence in equine art’
For centuries, equine art often depicted the horse as an extension of human ambition—whether in battle, sport, or work. The focus was often on the role the horse played rather than the horse itself.
But in recent years, contemporary equine artists have shifted their gaze.
There is less emphasis on tack, discipline, and competition, and more on the horse as a sentient, expressive being.
The human-horse relationship is being explored with a new sensitivity, often portraying partnership rather than hierarchy.
Artists are capturing not just the physical form of the horse, but its essence—its emotions, movement, and autonomy.
This shift mirrors broader discussions in the equestrian world, where tradition is being examined with fresh eyes. While sport and performance remain central, there is growing awareness around well-being, biomechanics, and evolving approaches to training and care.
How this evolution shapes equine art curation and exhibitions
As contemporary equine art moves toward a more nuanced reflective perspective on the horse curators have a responsibility to shape how these exhibitions are presented and understood.
The evolving equestrian world and contemporary equine art curation are deeply connected. As the way we interact with horses changes so too does the way we represent them in art. This shift in perspective challenges curators to ensure that exhibitions reflect both tradition and progression giving audiences an experience that resonates with today’s collectors and industry professionals.
1. Curating for today’s equine art audience
Collectors and art audiences are not just looking for nostalgia—they are drawn to exhibitions that reflect today’s conversations, emotions, and perspectives.
Equine art curation should frame the horse as a living, evolving subject, rather than as an archive of past traditions.
2. Beyond the ‘Horse Lover’ niche: Positioning equine art in the contemporary market
Contemporary curators must move beyond the idea that equine art is only for equestrians.
Successful equine art exhibitions should be positioned within the wider contemporary art world, reflecting universal themes of identity, movement, nature, and human-animal relationships.
3. Crafting a stronger narrative in equine art exhibitions
The best exhibitions are not just collections of beautiful works—they tell a story.
Curators have the power to highlight the shifts in equine representation, guiding audiences through the transformation of equine art over time.
Work by Irish contemporary equine artist Tony O'Connor
Equine art curation as a bridge between tradition and contemporary culture
Equine art is no longer just about celebrating past traditions—it is also about engaging with the present and looking toward the future.
As an equine art curator and consultant, my role is to ensure that equine art exhibitions:
Reflect the evolving dialogue in the equestrian world.
Bring equine art into the broader contemporary art conversation.
Showcase artists who challenge, refine, and redefine how we see the horse today.
The equestrian world continues to change. And so does equine art.
The question is: Are exhibitions keeping up?
Would you like to discuss how expert curation can shape your next equine art exhibition? Let’s talk.
About the author
Joyce Ter Horst is a curator, consultant, and exhibition designer specialising in contemporary equine art. As the founder of Paard Verzameld Equine Art Services, she works with galleries, collectors, and institutions to create compelling exhibitions that position equine art within the wider contemporary art world.