BEHIND THE COVER

There’s something captivating about a photograph that stops you mid-scroll or makes you pause at a magazine rack—and chances are, if it involves horses, Shawna Whitty of SAS Equestrian is behind the lens. This season, Wellington Quarterly is once again graced with her incredible artistry on the cover, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to feature her work... again!

Shawna isn’t your average equestrian photographer. An award-winner and a powerhouse in the world of fine equine photography, Shawna combines her two greatest loves—horses and imagery—in a way that feels almost magical. She first fell head over heels for film photography back in high school, tinkering away in the dark room. Fast forward to today, and she’s one of the most sought-after photographers in the industry, with her work featured everywhere from The Chronicle of the Horse and Sidelines Magazine to luxury brands like Hermès and Devoucoux.

Speaking of Hermès, Shawna just returned from Paris (casual!) where she was a guest photographer at the ultra-glamorous Saut Hermès held at the iconic Grand Palais. “It’s a dream venue,” Shawna says. “The history, the atmosphere—it’s inspiring for both riders and photographers alike.” Naturally, her photos from the event are as chic and polished as you’d expect—utterly swoon-worthy.

Shawna’s signature? Her breathtaking black background portraits. If you’ve seen them, you know: they’re the kind of images that make you stop and stare. Every detail is impeccable—from the gleam of a perfectly polished bridle to the soulful eyes of a horse mid-moment. These portraits don’t just showcase the beauty of the animal; they capture the passion and precision of the entire equestrian lifestyle.

Her expertise doesn’t come from behind the camera alone. Shawna originally made her mark in the fast-paced fashion scene of New York City, working as a photographer, stylist, retoucher, and editor. “That experience really shaped my eye for detail and composition,” she explains. “But because I grew up riding and showing hunters, I have that insider’s perspective on the sport, too. I know what makes a horse look its absolute best, and I bring that to every shoot.”

Oh, and did we mention she’s also a mom of two young kids? Between globe-trotting shoots and high-profile collaborations, Shawna manages the ultimate balancing act of motherhood and career. “It’s not easy,” she admits with a laugh. “But with a supportive partner and a great team, it’s possible. I want to show my kids that with hard work and passion, you can achieve anything.”

In true Shawna fashion (pun intended), she’s not stopping at photography. In 2021, she teamed up with York Wallcoverings to launch a unique home collection featuring equestrian prints in chic peel-and-stick wallpaper. Think: stunning horse coat patterns—dapple grays, appaloosa spots—transformed into modern home décor. “It’s a completely new way of bringing the equestrian aesthetic into the home,” she says.

At the heart of it all is Shawna’s deep love for the horse—and it shows. Whether she’s shooting in Wellington, Paris, or anywhere in between, her goal is the same: to celebrate the bond between horse and human, and to honor the beauty of the sport and lifestyle we all adore.

Want more? Check out Shawna’s work at sasequestrian.com or follow along on Instagram at @sasequestrian.

You can even bring her signature style into your own home with her wallpaper collection at yorkwallcoverings.com/collections/sas-equestrian-home.