Equestrian

This morning was heartbreaking. Waking up and finding out your first horse  passed away tragically last night – there are no words. I handed Ryan (my husband the phone) as the tears poured out and
the uncontrollable sobs swept in. Julie, “Tim’s” current owner messaged me about what happened. “Literally in 2 hours he went from happily eating an apple and cribbing to being gone. I gave him a kiss from you on his soft nose and told him what a good boy he was. I miss him already, I’m exhausted, but I wanted to let you know first, because I know he was special to you too.”

Truly, he was a special horse. He was my first horse that I owned – I was so proud of him, even for the silly 4 year old he was at first. We spent so many beautiful moments together; out on the trails, jumping around the arena (crazy homemade jumps that he could’ve cared less about), galloping along the grassy lanes near the barn – we even played hooky from work one snowy sunny day and went for a trail ride with our besties (Amanda + Esperado). He gave me confidence to jump big, as he jumped everything I put in front of him – I could gallop him around bareback with a halter and lead rope. If you’ve ever owned your own horse, you know the feeling, the bond that is only between you and your horse. (more…)

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 (more…)

These past few weeks have been unbelievable for me. Although I came very close to attaining Media Credentials for the Olympics in London, I just didn’t quite make the cut. I’m over it, promise. I believe there’s a reason for everything, so I’m looking forward to whatever that is during the last few weeks in July and into August. Out of all the places I’ve travelled to this year, Spruce Meadows (Calgary, AB, Canada) takes first place. All 4 +1 alternate USA Showjumping Team members were (more…)

The shadows came out to play today!

So much history behind eventing – especially the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day, I felt black and white would be a creative Closing out my 3rd Rolex and it was off the charts this year! Thank you to everyone for (more…)

Second inspection finished up this morning (9:32 EST) with 4 combos deciding to withdrawl from the final phase of competition – showjumping. Karen O’Connor, Marilyn Little-Meredith, and Allison Springer kept it hot on this chilly spring morning. Show jumping will (more…)

Well, let’s be honest, it’s actually 2 days that I’m wrapping into one post. Might be a bit longer, but you can just scroll through the photos and read later =)

Power-packed would be the understatement of the century for the 2012 Rolex 3-Day CCI 4*. Arriving 1 hour before the jog on Wednesday (oops! Forgot that time change from Nashville, TN to Lexington, KY) I have been going non-stop. Rider’s reception, Alltech Dinner, ROLEX RIDE THE COURSE, and not to mention all the photos I get to take on a daily basis! Rolex has been a bit like the battle of the sexes – the ladies (more specifically Karen O’Connor) took the win for (more…)

Bright red sox, polka dots, high-heels, bling and a slip?

Horse and riders alike were dressed to the 9’s for the jog and start of the 2012 Rolex Kentucky 3-Day CCI**** Event. A slight breeze and the warm sunny afternoon made for the perfect studio to capture these fashionistas. 43 Americans of 57 total competitors will be moving forward to compete in Dressage over the next 2 days, including Philip Dutton’s mount (1 of 2) Mighty Nice, who had a slip during the jog. After inspection, Mighty Nice (more…)

One of my first outings with my new DSLR was The Event At Rebecca Farms. I asked to tag along with my friend Patricia (an exhibitor) and I remember checking out the Order of Go for the Advanced and upper level divisions. Being relatively green to the who’s-who of the eventing world, there was pretty much only one name that stuck out to me.  One name that I recognized watching compete (on the dvds, yes I purchased them) in the 2004 Summer Olympics (Athens, Greece) — what Washingtonian didn’t know her name? Amy Tryon. She was my first run in with fame, and I couldn’t believe (more…)

I can’t believe it’s April and the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* 3-day Event at the end of this month!! This event is especially close to my heart as it was the first event that I traveled east for in 2010. LEARNING and LISTENING were the name of the game – and still are. Being in the midst of greatness, on so many levels (horses, riders, photographers and media), is such a privilege and I look forward to this trip annually.  Being an Olympic year, the (more…)