Texting with: Catarina Hall Hansen
When her workday is over at one of the world’s best dressage riders, Cathrine Dufour, she goes home to ride her own horses and work with photography. We’ve texted with danish Catarina Hall Hansen (21)!
By: The Editors
Published: April 25th 2020
Hi, Catarina! First of all, tell us about yourself!
Hi, Cavalier! I’m 21 years old and work as a groom for Cathrine Dufour, something I have done for the past two years. Back home in Denmark I have my own little farm with five horses.
How do you keep your spirits up during these challenging times?
Even though much of the society is closed down, the horses need their daily grooming and workouts. Therefore, my daily life is luckily not that different nowadays. It’s a bit sad that we can’t compete, but I choose to see that as an opportunity to put in some extra training instead, so that we can be extra prepared when things are back to normal.
You take beautiful pictures of horses and dressage riders! When did you start photographing?
As a child I got a digital camera for my birthday and actually started photographing my toy horses! After a while I figured out is was much more fun photographing the real thing. Growing older I could afford a quality SLR camera and have been shooting as much as I can since. I guess you can say I am self-taught and that practice makes perfect!
How is it to work with one of the world’s best dressage riders and how did you become Cathrine Dufour’s groom?
I started helping out at her stable during the weekends and then the position as a groom became available at the same time as I was planning to take a year off. Cathrine asked me if I was interested in the job as her groom, and that was an opportunity you just can’t pass on! Working with Cathrine is amazing and it has given me countless experiences I will never forget.
Do you have your own horse as well?
Yes, I have two horses. One Danish warmblood aged seven that goes by the name Coco Pops, and I also have a seven year old mare.
How is a typical day for you at the moment?
I get up early, have my breakfast and drive to Cathrine, often arriving before 6:30. After making mash for the horses, I gather the different equipment and prepare the first horse. When Cathrine starts riding, I continue with the next horse. This routine goes on until all horses have had their training. After tidying up in the stable, I go home and ride my own two horses.
Any tips for those who want to learn how to photograph horses?
It’s never too late to get started! And you don’t need the best and most expensive equipment as long as you practice a lot. It’s all about finding the right moments. My main tip would be to shoot everything you might find interesting. Eventually it will most likely become great!
How would you describe your dream horse?
If I could design a horse, it would have three amazing gaits (of course), a great, big neck and a beautiful face with a pony expression. And a lot of hair! Who doesn’t love a big tail and a messy forelock? I also have a weakness for unique colours. My favourite look for a horse is a dark liver chestnut with a totally white mane and tale.
What are your three essentials in the stable?
- Show shine! You can use it for everything.
- Wipes. They can be used for SO much as long as you apply some creativity.
- Treats! It’s important with a lot of treats and snacks for the horses <3
What do you do when you’re not at shows or in the stable?
Most of my time is centered around horses and photographing. On the weekends I sometimes go to the city with my girlfriends. Other than that, my life is horses, horses and even more horses!
What are your favourite TV-series?
Two favourites are The 100 and Lucifer, both on Netflix. Lucifer is eye candy with lots of great humour!
Chips, chocolate or candy?
All of the above! I have a sweet tooth and snack way too much!
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
That is a big question! It’s difficult to know. Hopefully, I am living at my own farm with my horses, maybe as an educated photographer. Time will show!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I hate being cold, so I wear a beanie or a headband until it’s almost twenty degrees outside!
