2021 Second Chances Project | Auction, Feedlot and Rescue Horses

girl with grey pony in field

Did you rescue your horse and give them a second chance at life? If you rescued or purchased your horse from a kill pen/kill buyer, feedlot, or neglectful environment or adopted a horse from a rescue organization that removed your horse from a bad situation, let’s tell your horse’s story.

I’m looking for individuals in the NJ/PA area to participate in this project – you must have owned your rescue horse for at least one year, and be willing/able to talk about how you acquired your horse and the situation they were rescued from. If you and your horse fit this description, then please apply by filling out the form below!

Participants will receive a complimentary photo shoot as well as an 8×10 print of your favorite image from our session, with the matching watermarked web-sized digital image for social media and online use. If you prefer, you may apply the value of this item to the purchase of any prints or print products. If chosen and you would like to move forward and officially book your session and participate, you will be asked to submit a $100 refundable retainer. This retainer will be refunded to you in full after the session is completed, or you may apply it to a product purchase if desired.  It will only be forfeited if you cancel or don’t attend the session. 

I’m so excited to announce my Second Chances Project, where I will be photographing and telling the stories of these horses that have been given a second chance at life. While the saying “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” is a bit extreme when it comes to describing an actual living, breathing creature, I have seen so many instances where a horse is tossed aside or discarded by one person and then “found” and treasured by another. Every horse deserves a safe, loving home, regardless of breeding or perceived monetary value, and I want to connect with the amazing people who are giving their horse a second chance at a fulfilling life.

The project is inspired by my friend Jenna and her horse Second Chance “Mojito”, who was rescued from a kill pen at auction in 2017. While Jenna was at an auction with her trainer, they saw this dapple grey pony in the feedlot pen and they knew he was something special. They couldn’t leave him behind, so even though he was only 3 years old and wouldn’t be able to join their lesson program for quite a while, they loaded him up and brought him home, giving him his second chance at life. He officially became Jenna’s horse in 2020, and their journey together has been extraordinary – I am so excited to help them tell their story and give other owners of at-risk horses a similar platform to tell their own stories!

To apply, please fill out the form below. Email me at jessica@jessicasandersphotography.com with any questions.

this project is now closed and applications are no longer being accepted

I am still booking regular black background and horse & rider sessions, so if you do not have a rescue horse but are interested in a session, please contact me and I can send you all the details for my full customized sessions.

I will be choosing a small group of horses and their humans to work with from the applications I receive, so submitting an application does not guarantee a spot in this project. I sincerely appreciate your interest in my project and will be in touch after your application is received to notify you if you and your horse have been chosen!

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