It has everything - drama, action, power, fragility... the imagery is like classical mythology! I don't read romance novels, but skiprow is right about this being perfect as a cover. It's certainly among the sexiest and most romantic images I've seen in a while. *swoons*
i have two takes on this photo. first, as an candid capture: i sense that this strong man is a bit out of his element; his look of uncertainty, and how he is rigidly upright, looking at the back of the horse's head rather than looking ahead or around at where he is. it's almost as if he's uncomfortable enough to not be enjoying the exhilaration of the moment. as a candid, this is exquisite.
second, as a stock image: except for the subject's posture/expression, this image rocks! the colors, lighting, action--wow! this type of image would explode off the cover of a romance novel.