Some projects start with a simple idea, while others unfold from chance meetings and a shared passion. The Zenozoic Photo Halter is one of those stories—one that began at a Mare and Foal Sanctuary event, where I first met Fiona Crawford, a renowned equine photographer with an eye for detail and a drive to improve safety in her industry.
The Commission: Creating Something Better
Fiona had seen firsthand the dangers of existing photography halters. Knots and loops that could snag, designs that didn’t sit
right or stay put on a horse’s head, and an overall lack of safety features. She knew there had to be a better way. That’s where I came in. Having spent years designing rope halters with horse welfare at the heart of my work, I was eager to take on the challenge.
We met at her yard with her horses to break down exactly what was needed. The halter had to be sleek, safe, and easy to use while remaining discreet enough for photography.
And so began the journey—one that involved hours of staring at rope, trying to work out the safest, most practical design that still looked elegant in photos.
Roping in Reinforcements (Literally)
It quickly became clear that I couldn’t do this alone. Enter Lou, of LG Leather Works, the magician of leather work, who was vital in creating the essential leather stoppers that made the halter secure and easy to handle and then the popper for safety on the lead rope.
Meanwhile, Fiona brought her deep knowledge of equine photography and business expertise to the table, ensuring we stayed focused on both function and marketability.
The Chaos of Prototyping
What followed was a whirlwind of prototyping, tweaking, and testing. My house? A disaster zone. Any spare moment was spent making and adjusting, sending Fiona prototype after prototype to test. Spare rope littered the floor, and my once-tidy lounge in
my new house (because I moved in the middle of all this) became an obstacle course of halter parts and tools!
Fiona, ever the perfectionist, gave invaluable feedback, leading us to numerous revisions, each one getting us closer to perfection. At one point, we found ourselves sitting in my van with her adorable dog, Frank, wrestling with leather poppers, only to mess them up completely and having to go back to Lou for help. Sorry, Lou!
The Moment of Truth
Once we had a final version, it was time to showcase it. Fiona, with her exceptional talent behind the lens, captured the stunning Lily, the perfect model for our big reveal. Watching the video she created was a surreal moment—the culmination of months of hard work, trial and error, and sheer determination. And, to our absolute amazement, there was only one blooper (which, let’s be honest, is impressive for any equine-related project!).
Crunching Numbers and the Final Launch
Our final meeting was a number-crunching session, ensuring that the halter was priced fairly while reflecting the quality, craftsmanship, and innovation behind it. By this point, Fiona was chomping at the bit with excitement to get it out into the world.
Of course, what’s a product launch without a tech headache? I bravely attempted to create a landing page and set up the product listing myself—a venture far outside my comfort zone. After much frustration, I admitted defeat and called in the pros (thank you, Emily and Joe @Precise Impact!).
The Result: A Game-Changer for Equine Photography
All the effort, chaos, and moments of near rope-induced meltdowns were worth it because we’ve created something truly groundbreaking. The Zenozoic Photo Halter is now available for professional equine photographers worldwide—a safe, practical, and beautiful solution that makes their job easier while keeping horses comfortable and secure.
So, here’s to chance meetings, crazy ideas, and the magic that happens when you bring together people who are passionate about making a difference. We did it! 🎉
Hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the world of creating something really special in the world of Equine Welfare!
Keep Safe, Shirley x