Photography by Jenifer Jordan

Horses & Homes, written and photographed by Jenifer Jordan, is a tribute to the passion of horse lovers. Jordan exhibits that a horse lover’s fervor for all things equine often carries over into the decor of their homes.

Horses & Homes is truly a special project close to Jordan’s heart, as noted by acclaimed interior designer Charles Faudree in the book’s foreword, “This book, Horses & Homes, is truly a passion project for Jenifer because it sprang from her own lifestyle. Her love and understanding for all things equine is revealed in every photograph. And to me that is the mark of a true animal lover and very gifted photographer, author, and stylist.” Faudree and Jordan have traveled the globe together to produce three books showcasing Faudree’s inspiring work: Charles Faudree’s French Country Signature, Charles Faudree’s Country French Living, and Charles Faudree’s Interiors.

A quote from Walt Morey sets the tone for Horses & Homes, “The sight of that horse did something to me I’ve never been able to explain. He has more than tremendous strength and speed and beauty of motion. He set me dreaming.” People gain inspiration for their homes from anything and everything, including animals. For Jordan, a horse is not just a horse and friend but a way of life, “To me horse means not just unconditional love and friendship, but a calm and peace in life—like coming home,” she writes. Jordan shares this same feeling with the people she has chosen to feature; she shows their love of horses is evident in their design choices for their homes and spaces. Horses can inspire design elements in a number of ways: oil paintings, bronze sculptures, Country French toile fabrics, and weather vanes to name a few.

Horses & Homes consists of ten chapters incorporating almost every aspect of horsemanship and the home: Hunting, Show Jumping, Racing, Polo, Horses & Children, Working Horses, Leisure Time, Gardens, Antiques, Dressage, Driving, and Saddlebred. Throughout the book, Jordan explores what horses represent to various individuals. “The art of horses represented love in one home, pure strength, true beauty moving through life, the unconditional love, a calm and peace, and also freedom. In another home the horses brought back childhood memories, and in another the decor represents “making it” and being able to live in the country,” she writes.

Jordan’s personal love of horses came from her father. When she was 11 he bought her Prince, an albino half-Arabian half-Morgan that was her first horse. After intensely focusing on her career for many years, one day Jordan thought to herself, “I work too hard. I need to enjoy life more.” Thinking back on her childhood she thought of Prince and at 38 she bought Johnny G, her first American Saddlebred. “It gave me back living in the moment; it gave me back a peace of mind and an appreciation of life. It helped me escape the rat race. It brought me back home.” TH&L