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Although my road to London ended at Spruce, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to have photographed the youngest equestrian athlete competing in London, Reed Kessler. She rides like a pro who’s been there and done that – truly, I think ice runs in her veins which I admit, made me a little shy to approach her. After a number of emails and texts, I spotted Reed schooling Mika on the flat under the watchful eye of her trainer and mentor Katie Prudent. As she trotted up to the rail where I was standing, she smiled and said, “Hi! I’m Reed!” All my nerves vanished immediately and it was as if we’d been riding buddies forever. Down to earth, absolutely — especially for a (then) 17 year old who is living every little girl’s dream of making the Olympic Showjumping Team and representing her country aboard her own horse. In The Chronicle of the Horse’s Road To The Olympics: Reed Kessler, Reed describes Cylana as not having “that much of a personality in the barn; she’s not a lovely and delicate little thing. But she’s all business in the ring.” A complimentary pair indeed – both are focused, ready to take on whatever course is thrown their way, without letting age or experience dictate the outcome. I’ll be cheering for these two lovely ladies (through my computer) and wish them all the best in London!

Thank you Reed, her team, and of course Cylana and Mika, for welcoming me back to their barn in the midst of competition. Thank you to Melodie at the Media Center at Spruce for helping me complete this assignment. Thank you to Chronicle of the Horse for the support and platform for these and other photos from Spruce Meadows.

[Photos were shot on location (Spruce Meadows, Calgary, AB) at The Continental Tournament, with a Nikon D90, 50mm f/1.-1.4, colored in LR3 using VSCO Film]