Uh actually I asked for suggestions and advice. Which you didn't provide.
I know the none of the pictures I've posted are good-- that's why I started this thread, to show that I tried and didn't really have success, and thus to see if anyone had any experience shooting horses.
So, have you any tips on how to shoot or frame pictures of horses?
Personally I think you were a little unfair to Russ because I agree with everything he said. Nevertheless, FWIW, "Here are some things to keep in mind while photographing horses" (couldn't bring myself to type shooting).
Since you seem to be looking for some technical advice, lets start with why these images didn't work. The framing has already been commented on by others so we won't get into that, but judging by the grey skies and rain squall on the horses backs, it appears these were taken on a particularly gloomy day at the end of a long lens. Unless you have a good telephoto and a camera body with high IQ and ISO capability that can give you a fast enough shutter speed, you aint gonna get a sharp photo. Even the horse standing still has camera shake.
On a bright day, there's nothing better than getting a shot of a horse in full flight, but even then you need the right gear and to be in the right position to achieve it. If thats what your after, here's a suggestion how you might be able to get it. Wait until the horses are being moved to a new paddock....they will always bolt off at a rate of knots when first released. Another way would be if they have been stabled overnight and let into the paddock for the day. Don't then stand at the gate because all you will get is a good shot of the horses backside running in the other direction.....position yourself 50 metres or so inside the paddock before the handler lets the horse go. The distance will vary of course depending on what lens you have on and whether you can predict which way they will head.
I've often found that the best pics I've taken have been when I got closer to the horses with wider lenses.....more depth of field and different angles. To do this you'll have to hang out with them for a while. You cant walk into a paddock and expect them to start striking a pose for you. When you first go in there, they will most likely think your probably going to chuck them a slab of hay or something and swarm around you. This wont give you much either, although occassionally one might prance around with its tail in the air... more likely they will drive you mad looking for food. After a bit, when there is nothing forthcoming and they find you less interesting, they will wander off and do what horses do in a paddock. You of course will follow and get some beautiful natural and candid photos.
If you decide to follow this advice, there is one more thing I'd like to add....
.Be Careful. If you dont have any horse sense yourself, make sure you take someone with you who has ( I assume your girlfriend falls into this category). Horses have a pecking order....the dominant ones will bully the others when they think there is possible food on offer. Don't let yourself get surrounded otherwise you are likely to get bowled over by a fleeing horse or cop a stray hoof in the head. I often go into paddocks with half a dozen or more mares with foals, but I've been around horses all my life and don't ever let myself get into this position.
I'll attach a couple of shots that might give a couple of ideas......don't have a website at this stage, but one of these days I might get around to starting a blog or something that I can stick a few on.
Cheers
Brian