With decades of equestrian experience and a fine art foundation, Shelby Layne Ridgway brings a full-scale creative vision to championship horse shows nationwide.
At the Arkansas State Championship Horse Show, I had the chance to watch Shelby Layne Ridgway at work with her business, Renew Creative by Shelby Layne. Her setup is impressive—lights carefully arranged, multiple computers managing the workflow, and a stand-mounted camera she operates with precision. Shelby’s team included photographers who captured candid and action shots across the grounds and arena, a backdrop team to set up win photos, and a sales team to assist exhibitors in purchasing their action photos ensuring every detail was captured and handled seamlessly. She is also supported by her mother, Andi Beaty Ridgway and grandmother, Jerry Beaty; both of whom have been in the equine industry as show staff and exhibitors since childhood. Together, they create a full-scale production that reflects the quality and scope of Shelby’s vision. See some video from my visit here.
Shelby brings nearly three decades of experience showing AQHA horses to her work. Based in Benton, Arkansas, she combines that deep equestrian knowledge with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and over ten years of professional creative experience. Shelby says her faith has been central in her journey, and she sees many of the opportunities in her life as doors God has opened.
She is best known for her stunning fine art equine portraits, where perfect timing captures every detail—the horse’s ears, legs, expression, and overall presence. She also photographs horse-and-rider portraits, and in both cases her work requires precise timing and positioning to ensure every subject looks their absolute best. Through Renew Creative, Shelby offers equine portraits, horse show coverage, stallion and sales marketing, and graphic design, including logos, advertisements, banners, video, and digital campaigns for the equine community and businesses nationwide.
Shelby travels across the country for Renew Creative and other photographers working championship horse shows and high-profile events. In 2025 alone, she has covered the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, the Ocala Breeders’ Spring 2YO Sale in Ocala, FL, the Pinto World Championship Horse Show in Tulsa, OK, the Palomino World Championship Horse Show in Springfield, IL, the EMO Celebration in Las Vegas, APHA Zone One in Nampa, ID, and travels wherever her clients need her—from coast to coast and beyond.
Renew Creative is more than a business—it’s Shelby’s way of blending her love of horses with her creative vision. To see her portfolio or learn more about her services, visit renewcreativebysl.com.
Email: shelby@renewcreativebysl.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renewcreativebyshelbylayne/