This past month, I had the opportunity to capture something a little extra special for Erica — documenting Feeders Grain & Farm Supply at the 2025 Iowa Horse Fair, held at the iconic Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Erica, the powerhouse behind Feeders Grain, showed up with her family — and one of their most eye-catching team members: their Curly Horse. Yep, you read that right. A horse with actual curls. As someone who’s photographed everything from sleek show coats to muddy pasture ponies, this was my first time meeting a Curly Horse up close… and I was low-key obsessed.
These horses are rare, known for their soft ringlet coats, gentle personalities, and — bonus points — they’re hypoallergenic! They definitely turned heads in the barn aisle, and this one had the crowd (and my camera) totally captivated. Even more special? Erica’s journey with this breed is personal. With allergies that made being around most horses a challenge, she found her perfect match — a horse she could love without the nonstop sneezing. Oh, and side note? She’s expecting Curly babies soon!
What made this shoot even cooler was how naturally everything tied back to Feeders Grain’s roots. Fun fact: the Iowa State Fairgrounds is actually where Erica and her husband Aron first met. Full circle moment, right? Erica and her family aren’t just running a business — they’re living the agricultural lifestyle, day in and day out. Whether it’s feeding their own livestock or helping customers find the right mix for theirs, farming runs deep in their story.
Watching this family show up with such pride, grit, and heart reminded me why I love what I do. It’s one thing to promote a brand — it’s another to watch that brand live and breathe what they believe in.
So yes — this shoot had great lighting, a horse with a perm, and plenty of dusty boots… but more than anything, it gave me a front-row seat to the people and purpose behind Feeders Grain & Farm Supply.
And I’d call that a win all around.
