Wild Wonderful

Rochdale’s Esther Marie Towler is highlighting the risk to our native horses with a stunning photography project

LANCASHIRE photographer Esther Marie Towler has a passion for capturing animals on film and her fine art is inspired by the emotions evoked when observing horses in their most natural state.

Award-winning Esther has turned this passion into a fine art project called “Wild Hearts”, which focuses on Britain’s native breed horses and ponies.

The pictures on these pages are from a recent trip to the south Lakes photographing the semi wild Fell ponies. She was fascinated by the harmonious way they co-exist with their human neighbours, exhibiting in equal measure an endearing curiosity and a fiercely wild spirit.

‘I am fascinated by the strength and power as well as the vulnerability of these majestic animals,’ says Esther, who hopes that “Wild Hearts” will raise the profile of the Fell ponies as well as other native breeds, some of which are facing possible extinction.

With a strong message of conservation at its heart, the project’s aim is to encourage people to support these vulnerable breeds, either by protecting them in their natural environment or by buying a registered pony – a step which could help save these rare breeds. She has been overwhelmed by the support from horse and art lovers alike.