The One that Defied the Odds
THE ONE THAT DEFIED THE ODDS
- FIONA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY -
One of the things I truly love about being an Equine Photographer is the privilege of hearing the powerful, heartfelt stories behind the horses I photograph. These stories are often filled with resilience, deep connection, and unconditional love, which I get to capture those bonds forever in images.
Last month, I had the honour of photographing Charlotte and her stunning mare, Jezebel. From the moment we spoke during our pre-shoot consultation, I knew this was going to be a special one. Charlotte shared with me how deeply meaningful this session was for her - and once I heard Jezebel’s story, I completely understood why.
The Early Days
Charlotte has owned Jezebel since 2013. Over the years, they built an amazing partnership, spending countless days at Pony Club, Showjumping, and enjoying an incredible 11 seasons of Eventing together, including competing in BE100 classes and climbing their way up to Championships.
More than a competition partner, Jezebel has also been Charlotte’s constant - her best friend & loyal companion through all of life’s highs & lows.
The Accident
In December 2024, just days before Christmas, disaster struck. Jezebel sustained a devastating field injury, resulting in her fracturing her elbow. The only option was surgery, a risky, complex procedure with no guarantees.
Faced with a heart-wrenching decision, Charlotte and her mum chose to fight for Jezebel’s future.
The Surgery
Thanks to the incredible team at Pool House Equine Clinic, Jezebel went into surgery on Christmas Eve at 2pm. It was a long and nerve-wracking day waiting for the call, and at 9pm Charlotte recieved the call to say the Surgery was a success. Her elbow was plated & pinned, but the road ahead of Jezebel was still uncertain.
Jezebel spent the next six weeks in a sling, facing a long and fragile recovery. Charlotte shared, “The first 10 days were very touch-and-go... but she stayed infection-free and started to make real progress. Mum and I visited her every single day without fail.”
- Charlotte, Mum & Jezebel with some of the Pool House Team -
The Road to Recovery
Eventually, Jezebel returned home to continue her recovery under Charlotte and her mum’s dedicated care.
Then, in June 2025—against all odds—they were given the go-ahead to ride again.
“All we wanted was for Jezebel to survive surgery and enjoy a happy retirement in the field,” Charlotte told me. “So to be back in the saddle felt like an absolute miracle.”
- Charlotte back in the saddle after a miraculous recovery -
A Bond Like No Other
Jezebel isn’t just a horse. She is Charlotte’s once-in-a-lifetime partner.
“She owes me nothing. Just having her here, still with me, is surreal. That’s why these photos mean so much. I’ll treasure them forever.”
Stories like Charlotte & Jezebel’s are exactly why I do what I do.
Their journey is a powerful reminder of the strength of the incredible bonds we share with our Equine friends & the resilience that can carry us through even the darkest of times.
Thank you, Charlotte, for letting me be part of your story - it was truly an honour to capture the love and gratitude you have for your incredibly special bionic mare.
Ⓒ Fiona Moore Photography
West Midlands Based Specialist Equine Photographer
Award Winning Equine Photographer available for Equine Photoshoot Sessions & Equestrian Brand/Business Photography.
