An Enduring Equestrian Legacy
When Kohler approached me about creating an original collection of fine art photographs, I was immediately drawn to the extraordinary possibilities of what we might create.
Nina Kohler and the project’s designers had already selected several of my equestrian photographs for the property. But as their vision for the hotel evolved, so did the opportunity. Rather than filling its walls with images of horses from around the world, what if we created an entirely new body of work celebrating the family's own remarkable equestrian history?
This was an invitation to unite two of my greatest passions as a photographer: storytelling and horses.
Discovering the Story
Before envisioning what the photographs might look like, I needed to understand the story we would be telling.
Lily, my studio director, and I traveled to Kohler, Wisconsin, where we spent several days exploring the family's properties, visiting the stables, and learning about a legacy that began in 1970, when Herb Kohler purchased a Morgan stallion named Vigilmarch. Over the following decades, Kohler Stables would become one of the most respected names in the Morgan horse world, producing generations of champions.
What resonated with me was how deeply this equestrian heritage was woven into Kohler's identity. The horses represented far more than a celebrated breeding program; they embodied decades of personal passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I wanted the photographs to honor that history.
Equally inspiring were the landscapes. I was particularly captivated by Whistling Straits, where undulating hills and windswept grasses meet the shores of Lake Michigan. The dramatic setting felt as though it had been lifted from a storybook. I began imagining the horses moving through these expansive surroundings, their sculptural forms creating a striking contrast against the landscape.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Over the following months, we developed a photographic approach built around two distinct perspectives: intimate portraits revealing the horses' individuality and commanding presence, and expansive compositions placing them within the landscapes that have been part of their story for generations.
When we returned in the fall, we had five days to bring that vision to life.
With extraordinary access to Kohler's properties and the ability to bring horses into locations I had envisioned during our initial visit, we photographed among the rolling hills of Whistling Straits, beneath towering trees, alongside historic stone architecture, and in quieter moments around the stables.
Each setting offered something different. The open landscapes emphasized the horses' monumental presence, while the intimate portraits revealed the details I find endlessly compelling: the curve of a neck, the texture of a coat, the quiet intensity of an expression.
I also wanted the photographs to reflect the refinement and craftsmanship so closely associated with Kohler. Elegant leather tack, carefully-honed compositions, and the simplicity of black and white helped create images that felt both contemporary and rooted in tradition.
My ambition was to create photographs that could stand independently as works of art while contributing to a larger visual narrative.
A Lasting Tribute
Throughout the commission, I kept returning to the idea that these horses represent something much larger than their individual achievements. They are part of a lineage carefully cultivated over decades, connecting the champions of Kohler's past with the horses that carry its legacy forward today.
The finished series is woven throughout the newly redesigned Carriage House at The American Club. From every guest room to the hallways, lounges, and gathering spaces, the photographs are featured throughout the property, making Kohler's equestrian heritage an integral part of the guest experience. Rather than simply adorning the walls, the images help tell the story of the place itself, connecting visitors to the horses, landscapes, and generations of dedication behind this extraordinary legacy.
For me, the greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that these photographs will become part of Kohler's own story. Visitors to the Carriage House will encounter not only the beauty of these horses, but a visual history of the family, the people, and the dedication behind them. To create something that honors the past while becoming part of Kohler's future is what makes this commission so personally and professionally meaningful.
The Drew Doggett and Kohler teams working to bring this project to life.