Rahvan
Johanna Picker is a horse breeder and trainer living in the rural area of Selçuk, İzmir. Her work focuses on horse rehabilitation and breeding, maintaining an approach that is not centered on racing. This photo documentary, jointly led by Ilgın Başoğlu and Okan Cihangir, aims to document the current state of Rahvan horses and Rahvan horse practices in Turkey through Johanna Picker’s life. It examines human–horse relationships, training processes, and care practices. The Rahvan horse is a central focus of the project. Its four-beat gait, endurance, and comfort over long distances have historically made it significant in Anatolia. Today, it faces challenges such as lack of official registration, crossbreeding, and racing pressures. The project records daily interactions with Rahvan horses, rehabilitation and breeding practices, as well as training and racing-related routines. The study, alongside Johanna Picker, covers individuals, farms, and race venues across Turkey that breed and race Rahvan horses. Regional methods and approaches are examined together.
