Sue Birch’s life-like horse portraits come from a life-time of adoration for the animal. Growing up around horses and going on to compete and judge Equestrian Australia C Dressage, Sue’s work is an exploration of both the delicacy and power of horses. Her graphite drawings render intimate moments, capturing their personality and emotion, while her oil portraits speak to their majesty and beauty, drawing on the harmony, precision and relationship between horse and rider that come from a lifetime observing and working with them.

In Sue’s work, the historical partnership between horse and rider takes a back seat to the generosity of spirit, intelligence and athleticism of the horse. With her honed and specialised technique with both the pencil and brush, her dynamic compositions and carefully considered drawing and painting surfaces, Sue’s horses come to life before the viewer. We see their muscles flex, can hear each whinny and blow, and feel the power of the animal with each graceful movement.

Sue was the recipient of the Presidents Choice prize and Traditional category prize in the 2025 Hawkesbury Show, and has exhibited her works in numerous group exhibitions. Living in Hawkesbury, Sue continues her work as an Equestrian Australia C Level Dressage Judge, National Para-Dressage Judge and Judge Mentor as well as tending to her own horse. She holds an Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts from Sydney Art School and completes works of other animals outside of her main practice.