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.
Terry Starr
Zenyatta seems to have a special sense of what people need. I think she may have sensed that Mr. Latham needed to be touched, reassured and told that he’s not alone. So she gave him that. There is truly only one Zenyatta.
sue/Va
Beautifully said.
Mary M
First her ‘Come from the back spell binding wins’, then her ‘dancing’ for her fans on the track, now her ‘hug of Neil’ says it all about this mare! Zenyatta you have taught us that we need to tap into our compassion and connect. God bless you Queen Z! If all animals could be given the time, space and patience to all have the same ability to connect with even one one human soul!
Lori Stein
She sure does!
Abigail1849
On the day after a horrible horrible day, I needed you Zenny. And here you are! Thank you, Team Z, for once again pouring love into a world in pain. This is a spellbinding article and worthy of this great thoroughbred, whose eyes seem to see into my heart and beyond.
Love to you, Zenny, and to baby2B, and to the boys. Love you forever Z Princess and baby boy.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Team Z:
Thank you for sharing Mr. Latham’s beautiful description and photos of Z. She’s sooooo very special. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Goodnight. Hope you get good weather for the races. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
Abigail1849
HELP! There is a blaring ad on this page and I can’t get rid of it. Anyone else see this too?
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Abigail:
I have tried over and over again to remove the ads from the Blog pages without success. Don’t know what else to try. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:
Love all of you so much. Stay comfy and cozy in your stalls. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Max and Z Fans:
I’m sure most of you will remember this beautiful son of Dynaformer, Brilliant Speed. Tragically he was killed by a lightening strike in his paddock at Three Chimneys Farm. He was only 8 years old. Rest In Peace gorgeous boy. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/213325/lightning-strike-kills-brilliant-speed?source=rss
Janet Newman
Dear Judy,
Yes, I saw this and felt this was such a horrid day following the news in France and then this story. The only thing lifting my spirits was coming on and seeing the newest post on Zenyatta.
Max
I commented on this sad event on the previous blog. Three Chimneys must be heartbroken to lose this son of Big D. They certainly loved Big D. When you look at Zenyatta, you see the influence of the Roberto sire line, of which both Big D and Speed are members, in all its magnificence. Z is the image of Roberto. She is larger than life in every way, a true gift from God.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Brody’s Cause will be joining Nyquist in the Haskell Invitational. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/brodys-cause-to-haskell/
Marshall (NC Broad)
Good luck to Brody’s Cause and of course, to Nyquist in the Haskell!
Good luck to Cherry Wine, you beautiful grey, in the Indiana Derby tomorrow night!
Safe racing to all, please.
Dear Judy B.,
I saw the sad news about Brilliant Speed on the previous blog entry. RIP Brilliant Speed
Hugs and Love
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Janet, Max, Marshall and Z Fans:
Didn’t realize there was a post on the previous Blog page about the passing of Brilliant Speed. So very sad. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Wonderful blog entry to uplift our spirits today. Thank you for sharing this photo shoot with us. Mr. Latham has found what Zenyatta’s fans have long known: this is indeed a wondrous soul, a magical spirit. She is extremely tuned-in to people and communes with them in a special way.
Yes truly, to paraphrase Mr. Latham, it has all been said with Zenyatta.
A gift of heavenly perfection.
Love you Zenny!
Hugs and Love
sue/Va
AMEN! We have much to learn from our beloved, Queen. Mr. Latham discovered the spiritual quality that resides within her that brings joy to all who know her.
JudyInSouthCarolina
Wonderful article, especially in light of what happened in France and now the upheaval in Turkey. The world is turning upside down but there is our beautiful Zenyatta – once again shining like the true spirit and soul of everything that is good.
I, too, really needed this. Thank you Zenyatta.com
Sally T
Team Z,
Thank you so very much for this Blog Post!
Tonic for the soul indeed….
Mr. Latham has borne witness to the ethereal qualities of Zenyatta, and his photographs have captured her essence for eternity.
These photos that capture her visually, remind me of Priscilla Clark capturing the aura of the Queen with words.
” If you love Thoroughbred horses you go through life hoping that you can see just one more in whose presence the clouds fall away to reveal the mountaintop. It can take a generation or infinitely longer for such a horse to arrive, a horse that is capable of carrying the human heart. For the last one hundred years we know them all by name, but Zenyatta brought to us a beauty that was a tonic for the soul. She allowed us to believe in the impossible, and it was the light of her being as much as the thrill of her races that got us dancing. Zenyatta was transformative……………..”
Priscilla Clark
President
Tranquility Farm
http://www.tranquilityfarmtbs.org/
Sandi york
He captured it all with Zenyatta. What a beautiful article. She really does transcend words. You can only come close with visuals. What a vision of perfection.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Another night of upheaval.This was a country they wanted to join the EU.British tourists out there are scared.We have no idea how big a group of military are involved.Then there are so many injured in France I fear the death toll will rise.He was laughing as he was driving his truck and killing people.Some gruesome details about the victims of the Bataclan attack last year.I wonder what breaking news we will have tomorrow??Weather has been damp and mild today.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Sharyn
What a beautiful story…..
Kimberly
What a beautiful article. Zenyatta is truly the greatest, kindest and beautiful horse. Thank you for this
DEB
SWEET!!!!
Barbara Wood
What wonderful news in the midst
of world chaos. Of course none of us
would be surprised at Zenny working her
magic on such an accomplished photographic artist. Love you always, Zenny.
sue and tony
Zenny, the ultimate healer of tired, aching souls proves again why she is transformative.
The photos are lovely…we will order this book.
Sally Blank (cherishes Z and her foals)
THANK YOU FOR SHARING! I am not surprised that Natham would find Zenyatta the missing piece to what he had been looking for.
I have felt this and so many of us. Z is one of a kind so special! Z is everything good and beautiful!! I love her from my soul.
Auntie Sally B
Sally Blank (cherishes Z and her foals)
Goodnight my Queen Momma Z
I love you with kisses and all your sons
Z princess and my dear Sir
Auntie Sally B
BranWick
Of course he saved the best for last! Zenyatta is a miracle of perfection, and I thank the Mosses and Lanes End for sharing her with us.
Donna H
Just to imagine the pleasure of spending so much time with Zenny. He was truly blessed.
Now he knows the joy she has brought to all of us for a long time. Love you, Zenny.
Shirley Donoho
Zenyatta never ceases to amaze me with her bright mind and spirit!
PatB from New Mexico
Love you always, my Queen, and all your beautiful babies.
tony
Zenny really is tonic for the soul…
Kathy
July 16 Cherokee Devotional
You are capable of doing great things. Don’t let anyone or anything convince you that you are weak and inept. Not true. You can do more than you think you can, and you can overcome all the barriers that have been raised against you. Never see yourself as unable to do any thing. Someone says that fat has overtaken them and there is no hope. Deny it. Tell yourself the truth-that you can do all things. And never promise yourself that “some day” you will have control. You have control right this minute.
Adjust your thinking, and above all change what you say to yourself. Words are so important, more important than anyone realizes. If you want to be free of excess weight or any other hangers-on, say you are free. Keep saying it. Say your are different from every other person, because you are distinctly different. Tell yourself you are not hungry, and soon your appetite will begin to adjust. You have the key to success right on your tongue. Use it.
We shall all be alike-brothers of one father and one mother, with the sky above us and one country around us.
-Chief Joseph, Nez Perce
Betsy McCray
Such a wonder article about Zenyatta and Mr. Latham . It brought tears to my eyes as I was lucky enough to meet Zenyatta . I felt everything that was written here about her. She stopped eating her hay to come and great us. The offered her head to be hugged and it was magic . I will never forget that moment. I’ve known many horses in my life as a horse trainer and I’ve never known another like her . Buying the book.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Hope your day is going well. Aren’t these pics of Mr. Latham photographing Zenyatta just wonderful? No aliems have shown up yet, but at least there are some snacks, Have a great day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO