Home of the Equine Lover
Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux
My uncle and father put me on a horse when I was three years old. She was a Shetland pony named Misty—blond, gentle, and unforgettable. We connected instantly, the way you sometimes do with animals long before you have the language to explain why.
I’ve loved horses ever since. They were woven into my life early on through a family that rode, worked, bred, and showed them. It was never a pastime—it was a way of life. My family isn’t the refined English riding type. We’re Cajuns, trail riding people by nature so there’s a little more dirt under our hooves, but a lot more soul in the ride.
And while I deeply admire that grit and heritage, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet elegance that can live alongside it.
Horses are deeply therapeutic animals with old souls. You can’t simply climb atop one and expect cooperation; respect is part of the exchange. I’ve always felt the same way about bringing equine elements into a home. It requires intention. Cohesion. A sense of restraint. When done well, horse-inspired decor doesn’t announce itself, instead it supports the narrative a room is already telling.
The horse occupies a rare space in design and symbolism. It represents strength without force, movement without chaos, and beauty that doesn’t require embellishment. When it comes to animals in the home, I’ve always preferred symbolism over spectacle—pieces chosen with purpose rather than decorative shout-outs.
As we step into the Year of the Horse, I find myself drawn to equine decor that honors those qualities quietly. As a lover of the old world, it feels natural to look toward horse energy for inspiration. Elegance, after all, has never been about volume. It’s about presence.
Sculptural Presence
I do love a single sculptural piece that can blend in quietly with its surroundings. A bronze bust on the mantle or sculptural bookends on a shelf adds just enough presence, never a spectacle. The best ones carry a little age and a little mystery. Estate sales are gold for this sort of thing; you just have to know what you’re looking for.
Understated Art
When it comes to equine art, I prefer pieces that suggest rather than declare. I’m drawn to studies, ie.vintage anatomical sketches, motion diagrams, and classical renderings that honor the form without romanticizing it. Think Rosa Bonheur’s The Horse Fair or Leonardo da Vinci’s Studies of a Rearing Horse. I love works that capture strength and movement.
Context also matters. Horses in art have long symbolized freedom and power, but also restraint and quiet intelligence. In the right setting, an equine piece can anchor a room with presence; in another, it can dissolve into an elegant backdrop, offering depth without demanding attention.
I love the way black-and-white portraits and moody compositions hold a room. Historical pieces that tell a story—not just of the rider, but of the horse itself. I’m drawn to Edward S. Curtis, and images of wild mustangs roaming free, but a large black-and-white silhouette can be just as powerful. Sometimes quiet elegance is less about detail and more about form.
Rosa Bonheur’s The Horse Fair
Leonardo da Vinci’s Studies of a Rearing Horse
Edward S Curtis An Oasis in the Badlands
Equine Elements
Snaffle Bit Table Lamp by October Design
Some of the most compelling references to horses are indirect. Leather trays inspired by saddlery, brass hardware reminiscent of bits or buckles, wool or horsehair textiles, and leather upholstery with a tailored edge all speak to equestrian heritage without ever showing a horse.
I stumbled across these gorgeous lamps from October Design Company. Designer Stephanie Reppas has some gorgeous relics for the horse lover’s office and/or home. What makes them more lovely is they give a portion of their sales to the Dutchess County SPCA. In addition, you can also find some nods on Etsy.com.
These materials bring warmth, texture, and a sense of tradition…an echo of craftsmanship rather than symbolism.
You can also check out some local equestrian focused artists:
Some local artists who specialize in the subject are:
An Enduring Space
An elegant equine-inspired interior favors natural, enduring tones: saddle brown, bone, oatmeal, soft charcoal, aged brass, and deep inky greens or oxblood accents. These colors mirror the materials and landscapes associated with horses without steering into literal interpretations. I like the calmness and the drama of it all, intermingling lush velvets with leather sprinkled with old-world aesthetic. It’s not overdone, it speaks quietly.
Reining It In
My love and appreciation for the equine world is split in two. I love the physical presence of a day in the saddle—overlooking the landscape, bringing her to a gallop, and the natural connection I feel with these beasts. This said, I also love the aesthetic of equestrian and horse racing culture—the strength of it, the movement, and grace of it.
Having these elements in a home captures history and creates a space that doesn’t need to show off. It is elegant and classic without being theatrical. There are many inspirations to choose from, whether you’re drawn to horseshoes and weathered cowboy imagery or framed Derby winners and equestrian silhouettes. For me, it’s about honoring both heritage and refinement without letting either overpower the room.
