One of the most recognizable and well-known animals native to this tiny island is the Icelandic horse. Because federal law allows no other breed of horse into the country, the Icelandic horse is a unique and fascinating animal. Victoria Sophie Lesch knows this well. Currently a horse photographer, her love for Icelandic horses began when she rode for the first time at six years old.

Love for Icelandic horses, love for Iceland

Originally from a small town in southern Germany called Friedrichshafen, Victoria visited Iceland twice in three months in 2018. The first time was to visit her twin sister, who was doing an exchange program. That was in January. She was so smitten with the country that she turned around and came right back in April to work on a horse farm. “The stay on the horse farm did not turn out good, and I left after around four weeks,” she says. “[I] was devastated… in my head Iceland was already my home.”

While her love for horses began at a young age, her love for photography started when she undertook her Bachelor of Arts degree. “While doing my bachelor, the goal was to work in the film industry, and I did that, but I somehow did not see myself working there anymore,” Victoria says.

While working in the film industry, she was the set runner on a film called Woof: Follow the Dog (Wuff: Folge dem Hund). It was on set that Victoria discovered her love for photographing animals. “I already started to question why I did not work with animals as it was such a pleasure for me,” she recalls. Even though she was working in the film industry, doing what she thought was her dream, she found herself preoccupied with other things. In her free time, she would pick up the camera and photograph the surrounding nature.

In time, it simply didn’t feel right to stay in Germany. “My head was stuck in Iceland,” she says, which compelled her to move here in 2019. “Ever since I came back to Iceland, I have continued with nature photography.” Over time, Victoria says she began photographing horses. She has since connected with other horse photographers and learned a lot from them. “Every minute I had, I spent with other horse photographers.”

A well-honed passion

It was time well-spent, we should say. In 2019, she earned a place on the top 10 list of best equestrian photography websites. While she loves all animals and has a soft spot for horses in general, she can’t help but have a favorite: “I love pintos! I love to own them, I love to photograph them, and I love how nature plays around with their patterns.”

Her passion for capturing the horse’s spirit shines through in her work. Her subjects appear proud and comfortable in her pictures. She takes as much time as she can to get to know them. “When I am not in the stable, I try to use as much time to study at home more about horses… I would say I am obsessed,” she says with a smile.

This self-proclaimed obsession stems from the love and memories she has, especially with Icelandic horses. “I started riding with the Icelandic horse. I had my first fall-off on the Icelandic horse, but also my first competition.” She won first place in that competition in 2004. “It’s gratitude, love, and trust that I feel towards them. I love being able to show these amazing animals through my photos.” When riding, she says her favorite gait is the gallop, “but of course I could tölt on forever.”

Parting thoughts

In the future, Victoria’s dream is to book more sessions to photograph horses. “I feel so much joy when my clients are excited to get their photos,” she says. “As it is my greatest joy to photograph, I am not putting too much pressure on myself for the future. [I am] trying to grow by the offers I get.”

Her advice to beginners in photography is to never doubt yourself. “Don’t sit at home thinking you cannot really start in photography because you don’t have a professional camera yet.” Victoria began with a starter kit that she still uses to this day. She also recommends reaching out and contacting other photographers. “You will not get a no for an answer because every horse photographer needs a helping hand.”

A Passion as Healthy as a Horse

Love for Icelandic horses, love for Iceland

A well-honed passion

Parting thoughts