THE Irish weather and long days are not a challenge for me, but an opportunity to become creative and get a different shot,” explains photographer Tori O’Connor. This young woman is a familiar face at equestrian events across the country, having spent the last eight years building up an impressive portfolio, which includes events and private commissions.

Although Tori wasn’t born into a family steeped in equestrian history, her love of horses saw her pursue a career surrounded by them. “No one in my family rode or had an interest in horses. I started at the local riding school and loved every minute of it. I went to events with my friends and I later went on to get my own horse and do a bit of amateur dressage. I have a 10-year-old horse now but I have no ambition to jump 1.30m or even close,” she says with a laugh.