CONGRATULATIONS to Horse World photographer Aisling Deverell, who was awarded Irish Professional Pets and Domestic Animal Photographer of the Year 2026 by the Irish Professional Photographers and Videographers Association.

“When I joined the IPPVA a couple of years ago, I never thought I would achieve anything like this,” Deverell said.

“I must thank all of the horses, dogs, cats and even cattle I have photographed along the way - and of course their super owners who have trusted me. To have my photography recognised at this level is just amazing.

“I would also like to say a huge thanks to all involved in the IPPVA Awards and Gala. I have learned so much since I joined and the committee have put in so much work behind the scenes. Special thanks to Vivien R and R Photography and also to Mark Duffy for taking a super photo of my trophy. I can’t wait to see it when I get home from South Africa!”

Deverell was not the only Horse World photographer to be a finalist in the awards, with regular contributor Rynes Walker a finalist in the two categories, Reportage and Creative and Fine Art.

She was named overall runner-up in the Reportage Photographer category at the gala event last weekend.

“A huge thanks to all the organisers and judges for their hard work,” she said. “I am always grateful and ultimately thankful to work alongside my longstanding clients, and to have images from the Connemara/Mayo Blackface Breeding Group Annual Premier Breeding Sale at Maam Cross Mart, The Connemara Pony Sales Clifden, images from the Sibyl Kane Walter Project and images taken in my own garden, representing our part of the world and life means the world to me.”