Alyssa Smolen Photography

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United States
Minneapolis, MN
Alyssa Smolen Photography

Art for the horse obsessed. Serving Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond

10/28/2026

// Second Chance Drafts Co. holds a special place in my heart.

Their mission is saving draft horses, the gentle giants who so often get overlooked when their working years are behind them. And the people behind it are some of my very favorite humans. Spending the end of summer with them and their horses was a gift.

If you’ve been looking for a cause where your support truly makes a difference, this is one. Whether that’s donating or simply sharing their work, every bit helps these horses get their second chance. 🤍

10/27/2026

// There’s something about a well put together pony that makes me absolutely smitten.

Photographing the Minnesota Pony and Cob Classic has only deepened my love for this breed. And someday, I’d love to have a Welsh Section D of my own. They have everything I love about draft horses (the thick build, the feathers, the presence), all packaged into a smaller body.

Which section is your favorite? 🐴

✨ www.alyssasmolen.com
Welsh pony | Welsh cob | fine art equine portraits

10/25/2026

// If this doesn't bring a smile to your face, I don't know what will 🥹 Lars and Viserion were such great models with Brett yesterday at Vanguard Stables

10/22/2026

// Bey Bey, you surely were something special ✨

There's something about these Arabian mares at our barn that has a hold on me. Bey Bey was one of a kind, and she was very particular about who was allowed in her corner. She blew me away with how beautifully she moved. And although she only tolerated me, I’d like to think some small part of her, deep down, liked me too.

You will be missed Beybs. 🖤

10/21/2026

Every year, Elisia and Cherokee step back in front of my camera, and every year I get to add another chapter to their story.

There’s something special about photographing the same horse and rider over time. It stops being a single session and becomes a record of a partnership: the seasons they’ve shared, the miles behind them, the way they still choose each other.

✨ www.alyssasmolen.com
✨ Horse and rider portraits | Minnesota equine photographer

10/19/2026

// I don’t know if Tex can have a bad angle 📸

09/30/2026

Take a passenger ride with Premier Machine Farm & Carriage at the Second Chance Drafts Co. open house 😍

These two beautiful Shires helped guests come and go this past Sunday 🤍

08/18/2026

// The literal dog days of summer 😎 These four had a blast playing in the water, getting some good rolls in, and of course, catching all the tennis balls they could.

08/11/2026

All proofs from Capitol Classic are now online! 🥳

https://alyssasmolen.pixieset.com/2026-capitol-classic/

Minnesota Saddlebred Horse Association
Mulligan Manor LLC

07/28/2026

🥳 All proofs from the Minnesota Pony and Cob Classic are online!

Photo collection by Alyssa Smolen Photography

Address

Minneapolis, MN

Website

http://www.alyssasmolen.com/

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