Melanie Walker + Jolene


Melanie and I have known each other for almost 10 years now! She is the sweetest! For years my younger daughter called her Miss Melody and she just adores her. Melanie grew up in Dixon, CA, but now resides in La Grande, OR and is the owner of Walker Performance Horses. Her focus is starting colts, lessons, tune ups, and general training with an emphasis on cow work.

Her adorable bay mare, Stressin Over Chex (Jolene), will be 5 years old this year. The whole time I was editing this shoot I was singing none other than...you guessed it..."Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, I'm begging of you please don't take my man..." Who doesn't love that Dolly Parton song!?

And, of course, I can't forget about her mini dachshund Beau. He follows Melanie around like the cute little puppy dog that he is.

A person in a yellow top poses with a brown horse and small dog against a dark background.
A person in western attire kneels beside a grazing brown horse against a black backdrop.
A person in casual attire sits beside a majestic brown horse in a dark studio setting.
Close-up portrait of a bay horse with bridle against black background.
A person in tan coat and yellow top stands beside a brown horse in a studio setting.
A horse and dog share an affectionate moment in a barn with their companion wearing a yellow top and jeans.
A brown horse and its companion pose together against a white building exterior.
A brown horse with black mane stands beside someone in a tan jacket and yellow top.
Beautiful white fur coat contrasts with a brown horse in a spring orchard setting.
A person wearing a white fur jacket and gown stands beside a majestic brown horse in a grassy field.
Elegant white gown and horse portrait in a dreamy spring landscape.
A tender moment between a black horse and someone in a flowing white dress.
White-dressed figure stands with brown horse among spring blossoms.
Serene portrait with flowing white dress and brown horse in blooming orchard.
A beautiful sunset portrait showing an intimate moment between a horse and rider.

Follow me on Instagram

@lauren.ann.photo