Haflinger with flowers and gold against a backdrop of glowing hearts by Laura Georgi Tier- und Ladschaftsfotografie

A Haflinger looks straight into the camera; its white mane falls across its forehead and over its right eye. To the left, a wreath of berry-red and orange dahlias, a rose and eucalyptus rests in its mane, whilst delicate strips of gold foil hang down past its cheek. In the background, large, blurred hearts in orange and red float as bokeh against a black backdrop.

Affection amongst horses is not merely a human attribution, but is measurable. In a well-known behavioural study, horses nuzzled each other’s withers, and the animals’ heart rates were demonstrably reduced as a result. Horses form stable pair bonds within a herd and preferentially stick with the same partners. A heart motif featuring a horse is therefore less kitsch than it might initially appear.

The image is the Valentine’s Day and anniversary motif of the series and also works well as a gift between a riding partner and a horse owner. It suits bedrooms, hallways, girls’ bedrooms and courtyard cafés.

On canvas, the hearts appear soft and serene; on acrylic glass, the bokeh and gold foil shine much more brightly. A gift for Valentine’s Day, birthdays and for anyone looking for a warm, inviting horse picture rather than a stern portrait.

Further search terms: horse with hearts, Haflinger Valentine’s Day, horse photography bokeh, horse gift love, animal portrait black background