Is Equine Art Coaching Right for You? What to Know Before You Begin

There’s no shortage of coaches promising clarity, direction, and success. But when your work revolves around horses, subjects steeped in emotion, movement, and memory, generic advice often falls short.

Equine art is different. And so is the way I coach.

Art by illustrator and artist Kasia Dippel

Equine art coaching with a coach who understands your subject

As a curator and coach specialised in equine art, I know that your work isn’t just about technique, it’s about connection. Horses aren’t simply a subject matter; they’re a language. Whether you paint, draw, photograph, or sculpt, your equine work carries meaning that’s easily misunderstood by coaches without that context.

That’s where I come in. My coaching is designed specifically for equine artists who are ready to take their work seriously. Artists who want more than likes or vague feedback. Artists who are building a practice, not just producing pieces.

A holistic, tailored approach

This isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all plans. My approach is holistic, blending creative development, professional strategy, and personal growth. We’ll look at your work, but also your goals, your challenges, your mindset, and the practical realities of your daily practice. You’re not just an artist, you’re a whole person. And your coaching track should reflect that.

What makes this coaching different?

Unlike general art coaching, this process is curated. It’s not about following a blueprint or ticking boxes, it’s about identifying what sets you apart in a niche field, and helping you shape that into a clear, professional direction.

My background as an equine art curator means I’m looking at your work the way a collector, gallery director, or juror would. I help you build a portfolio that speaks clearly to your audience, whether you're preparing for an exhibition, launching your studio practice, or simply looking for clarity after a period of doubt.

One artist recently came to me after years of creating in isolation. She wasn’t sure if her work was 'ready' or how to talk about it. Within a few sessions, she had a professional portfolio, a pricing framework, and a clear sense of how to approach galleries, with confidence and direction that felt authentic to her.

How does a coaching track begin?

Every coaching track starts with a conversation. A space to reflect on where you are now, where you want to go, and what’s getting in the way.

Before you begin, it’s worth asking yourself:

• Is the time right for me to commit to this process?

• Can I realistically invest energy and focus over the coming weeks?

• What am I hoping to achieve and why does that matter to me now?

• What’s been holding me back, and what would change if I had the right support?

This isn’t about fixing everything at once. It’s about choosing to pause, reflect, and move forward with intention.

What does a coach do?

A coach doesn’t give you all the answers. They ask the right questions. It’s not about being told what to do—it’s about creating space to figure out what’s right for you, with someone walking alongside.

As your coach, I guide you through the grey zones, where ambition meets uncertainty, and where potential needs direction. I help you see the bigger picture without losing the detail. I challenge assumptions, offer perspective, and hold space for growth without judgement. But most importantly, I work with you to shape a version of your career that feels grounded, sustainable, and aligned with your values as an artist. Because when your subject is the horse, your path deserves the same care, insight, and attention to detail. If you're curious, you're ready

You don’t have to be 'stuck' to consider coaching. Many artists I work with are already moving forward—they just want to do it with more clarity, more structure, and someone to walk beside them.

If any part of this speaks to where you are now, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to hear from equine artists exploring what’s next.

Want to take your equine art career to the next level? Let’s connect.

About the author Joyce Ter Horst is a curator, consultant, and art coach specialising in contemporary equine art. As the founder of Paard Verzameld Equine Art Services, she collaborates with galleries, collectors, and institutions to curate compelling exhibitions that position equine art within the broader contemporary art world.