Zenyatta Captures Thoroughbred Essence, Says Photographer Neil Latham
For fine art photographer Neil Latham, his mum was the most powerful and soulful woman he had ever encountered, so when he noticed similar qualities among grazing horses in upstate New York while grieving his mum’s passing, he did what came naturally: he took a few photographs.
The shots captivated Latham – there was strength yet fragility, athletic supremacy with graceful movement, determination yet peaceful confidence. He sensed his mother’s presence. He was struck by a compulsion to capture the essence and mystique of the Thoroughbred on film, honoring these magnificent animals and his mother at the same time.
Yet over thousands of miles, 100-plus horses, 6,000 images, and countless equipment trials and set rotations, it wasn’t until Latham met Zenyatta that the original objective crystalized for him.
The Challenge of Essence
In order to reveal the profound, transcendent element he sensed beneath the surface of these complex animals, Latham fine-tuned his artistic vision, resolved technical issues and sorted logistics. He convinced horse owners and trainers to let him photograph their multi-million-dollar racehorses, and crisscrossed the country loaded with equipment. He slept in the groom dorms at Saratoga Race Course and camped in a tent at Kentucky Horse Park. “I had to live it and wait for the special moments,” he says.
To achieve absolute perfection, Latham experimented with photographic equipment, light, exposure and large-scale sets. He built a portable studio with a black backdrop 20 feet tall and 36 feet wide that had to be rotated every 15 minutes to maintain the perfect angle to the sun. He also shot stampeding horses to capture intrinsic wildness, with the swirling dust giving a magical element.
In the process, Latham visited storied horse farms including Lane’s End, Gainesway, Stonestreet, Coolmore, Spendthrift, Ramsey, and Adena Springs. He photographed Thoroughbred legends such as A.P. Indy, Curlin, Tapit, Rachel Alexandra, Ghostzapper and American Pharoah. Black-and-white images revealed isolated musculature after a good breezing, architectural lines and curves, frenzied running, and more as he pushed the artistic limits of the subject matter. Some images nearly resemble equine versions of Robert Mapplethorpe photographs.
And Then There Was Zenyatta
Latham and his assistant were shooting in California when approval came in to photograph Zenyatta. Excited, they drove for 34 hours straight, swapping driving and sleeping, arriving at Lane’s End Farm just four hours before the start of the scheduled session.
“By that time I had shot more than 6,000 images of the best Thoroughbreds in the country, yet she was the most glorious creature I had ever seen,” says Latham. “She was nearly posing…she seemed to know her best position. She loved to be photographed and looked right at the lens. She was so alluring. I was fully aware that what I had in front of me was an iconic animal – a horse with soul. I felt a tremendous amount of joy photographing her and didn’t want to stop.”
As the moment ended, Latham knew it was the end of the journey, too. He had captured the essence of the Thoroughbred.
“All of my photos portrayed the power and dominance of the breed, but it wasn’t until Zenyatta that I was able to reveal the emotional, fragile side,” says Latham. “It was the missing piece. I felt the finality, and then a wave of sadness. I never wanted it to be over; it’s hard to stop an obsession. But it seemed like there was nothing else to say – it had all been said with Zenyatta.”
Zenyatta Forever
Latham’s iconic portrait of Zenyatta is currently featured in an exhibition, “Neil Latham: American Thoroughbred,” at Steven Kasher Gallery in New York City through July 30. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Address: 515 W. 26th St. in Chelsea. www.stevenkasher.com/artists/neil-latham.
Limited edition prints are available in a few sizes ranging up to 50 x 60 inches for maximum impact. They are numbered, finished on archival paper with museum framing, and signed by the artist.
Zenyatta is also a highlight of the limited edition fine art coffee table book “American Thoroughbred” by Neil Latham published by Twin Palms. It features 182 pages with 80 duotones, and is casebound and slipcased for quality presentation. It retails for $95 and is available from the publisher at https://twinpalms.com/books-artists/american-thoroughbred/ or from Amazon (ISBN: 978-1-936611-12-6). It can also be purchased at the Steven Kasher Gallery in New York through the end of July.
American Thoroughbred has developed quite a following on Instagram, see @neil_american_thoroughbred. The photographer’s website is www.neillatham.com.
Janet Newman
The Queen does it again. Her loving nature has captured another fan for life.
Donna Alsabrook
After yet another horrific, tragic, senseless attack, seeing these photos of our Queen is medicine for the soul. I love you Zenyatta. You are a gift from God and we are blessed to have you.
Kathy
We don’t call her the Queen for nothing. “It has all been said with Zenyatta.” She is indeed a gift.
sheena.davies(wales)
A perfect description of Zenyatta.I remember Anne,Duchess of Westminister recalling that Arkle always preferred the company of humans and this is so with Zenyatta.She must miss the attention from all her adoring fans.Beautiful photos and thank you,as always, for sharing.Love and hugs SheenaX
Celeste_in_TX
Oh my, this is just such a beautiful blog entry and my heart is so grateful to Team Z for sharing these wonderful photos and narrative of Mr. Latham’s work with Zenyatta. The description of his journey through photographs culminating in his incredible bonding moment with our Queen made my eyes all misty. She is indeed iconic and completely expresses the Thoroughbred. Beautiful. Thank you, Team Z.
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin
hi Zsters :)
these pics are so beautiful. <3
they actually brought tears to my eyes.
just popping in for a quick hi.
my eyes hurt cuz i need new glasses & cant see well.
much luv queen Z <3 :* :*
hugz/prayerz z family, vamp
Faithful Zenyatta Supporter
Tears rolling down my face as I read this beautiful and touching tribute to our Queen. She has indeed been a tonic for the soul. I have Neil’s book of his photos which I will always treasure. Normally rather private, I am going through some serious health issues recently and coming here today was the best medicine I could have asked for. Bless you Team Z for continuing to share Zenny in all her glory so unselfishly.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Faithful.I am sad to hear about you health issues and pray you will get well soon.Zenyatta is indeed wonderful medicine in this troubled world we inhabit.Sheena
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Faithful Zenyatta Supporter,
Will be thinking of you with positive thoughts and prayers for resolution of the health issues and healing. Zenyatta is definitely a healing presence and a tonic for the soul.
Take care, and Bless you.
Hugs and Love
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Faithful:
Wishing you all the best and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Yes, Zenyatta is a comfort. Love and Hugs, JB
Katie
I have always felt that Zenyatta was so much more than a champion Thoroughbred. She is almost not of this earth, and quite magical in many ways. She is good for our souls.
Ronni
Nothing more to say…it begins and ends with the great Zenyatta. I adore the shot of her snuggling her head into his arm. She is truly otherworldly.
Cheryl
One look in her eyes and he understood why we all love her so very much. There is only one Queen. ❤️
Bobbie Kolehouse
It isn’t our imagination. It is real. Genuine.
Kalar Walters
This article made me cry…..as Z has made me cry when I watch her racing and other videos. ♥
Dorothy Darnell
Is there times when people like me can come visit
I know it is a working farm, and you can’t have people all the time all over the place.
Kinda like the arena at the Lexington horse farm
Marion
Well of course. Who else But Zenyatta could totally capture a person in about 5 seconds who never even watched horse racing??? Sorry race fans but I never watched horse racing but listening to radio one night I heard two hardened sports guys talking about a race coming up…the Breeders Cup and they talked about this horse with all the personality who danced on the way to the track. And I thought who is this horse that gets seasoned sports guys lovingly talking about her dancing!! So I had to look her up and first video I found was the 2009 Breeders Cup on youtube. So I click on it to watch it….race starts …most of the horses get right into it and they are off!! But one horse is way behind. Ha ha.. and I’m think that’s a loser horse!!
Then the announcer says ‘And Zenyatta is dead last, zenyatta is dead last early’……but the video caption says she won. So I think…no, how can this horse meandering along way at the back win this race??? I don’t think so…really?? And she had me from that moment. I must have watched that race over 10 times in a row. Of course…she’s the girl with the magic.
sharon in seattle
truly otherworldly. . .what a fitting description
Allen
She is the Queen !! Anyone that has ever looked into her eyes knows that she is a gift. from Heaven. Thanks for continuing to share her with all her fans.
Vickie Willmuth
Beautiful.
Michele Turan
Zenyatta is so very special, we who love and admire her have always known this. It’s all about her connection to people, her ability to appear soulful and majestic at the same time. The Dancing Queen, the champion racehorse par excellence is also a lover, a snuggler and a very intelligent, perhaps once in a lifetime horse, who we are all very privileged to know.
Gloria
These pictures are so sweet. Zenyatta’s eye “speaks” so much. Mr. Latham’s story brought tears to my eyes, but then, when Zenyatta’s the subject, it isn’t surprising. Thank you for this piece. The photos and story are equally beautiful.
Mary Jane
Thank you Team Z for sharing this wonderful entry with us today. Brought me to tears. Once again, the Queen is a cover girl and has captured the heart of another human with her mere presence. So special. On a day when there is again horrible news overseas, it is a relief to read this heartwarming encounter. Zenny is truly one for the ages.
Missy Smith
One day, maybe, I’ll be blessed to be able to see the beautiful Zenyatta! Wonder story and pictures of the Queen. ❤️❤️❤️
Janie in L.A.
What a lovely description of our breathtaking Zenyatta. She truly has a beautiful soul.
Pam
Another affirmation that Zenyatta isn’t just a regular horse. There is something so magical and charismatic about her. I never get tired of seeing her pictures and hearing about her life. She means so much to so many people. Thank you for sharing your beautiful girl with us. She certainly brightens up my day as I’m sure she does for thousands of other people.
May God Bless you, Zenny, and the baby that is growing in your tummy!
KJ Bailey
Zenyatta. How she manages to reach out in the pictures and share her heart and soul is nothing short of wondrous. The picture with Mr. Latham is breathtaking.
Melann
This girl is not a regular horse, she is an angel in disguise!!! That right there is why she is so special. 0:)
Michelle
Goosebumps.
Sue in Indiana
Another one figures it out. She is one of a different kind. Wish it was easier to see her. :(
Mary
Latham experience what us devoted fans have known for years………Zenyatta is the most amazing horse ever! She has a warmth about her that is different than any other horse….she has so much warmth and kindness about her. I can see this mostly when Z is with her owner, Ann Moss. Those two have a bond that warms the heart. I hope one day they take Z back to California where she can see Ann more. You can tell her heart is with Ann for sure.
Sue Wyman
Meeting her is on my bucket list. Is there a way the public can visit the Queen? I so want to see what essence and beauty she beholds.
Teresa
There is only one Zenyatta . It’s wonderful to have her specialness recorded in print forever. ?