Busy week-end = lots of editing

I spent most of the week-end at the Princess Louise Park Show Centre in Sussex, NB. My student, Zara Morrison, was competing on two horses this time: her own Fadjura's Ajiba NA+, with whom she achieved the horse's Legion of Honour designation AND received the Rider of Champions Award; AND NF Satori (owned by Jessie MacLean of Sussex Corner).

This whole dressage thing is new to Tori. The 15-year-old gelding has only been in dressage training for about a month and this was his first Dressage NB show. Although a novice, he performed well and, when all was said and done, Zara and Tori captured the Training (Junior division) Championship for the week-end AND Zara and Ajiba were the Reserve Champions for the same division.

Zara and Tori

Zara and Ajiba

None of these achievements would have been possible, however, without the tremendous support of family and friends. Zara's mother, Marion, is the backbone of the support team, making sure that both daughter and horse(s) are ready, gleaming, hydrated and ready to go - with help from Nicky (designated team support person), me (the coach / photographer / publicist) and this time, Jessie (Tori's owner).

And speaking of family, once the horse show was over I dashed off to do a 3-generation family photoshoot. What a great group to work with - just too much fun. And, of course, Marv the Burmese Mountain Dog got into the act too.

All in all it was quite the week-end!

 

January means...

In New Brunswick (probably as in most of the northern hemisphere at least), January means more unpredictable weather. We fluctuate from torrential downpours and temperatures between 5-10C to bitter cold (-25C or worse) with gale force winds to remarkable snowfalls exceeding 30cm (1 foot) in a short period of time. In other words, January is the definition of winter.

Locally, though, if you have even a passing interest in things equine, January also means it is time for the annual January Thaw Equine Expo! It will be held in Fredericton this week-end at the Capital Exhibition Centre on Saturday, January 22nd from 9-5. As it currently stands, there are more than fifty exhibitors in the trade show itself plus there will be informative presentations going on all day long. For details check out their website at www.januarythaw.com

Designed by Lisa Boudreau Imaging and Design


I've been toying with my display booth content for the past few weeks and have finally decided to cut it back, simplify and make it easier to set up, tear down and yet keep the visuals. Wish me luck. I'm trying out the new system tomorrow.

Mother Nature is threatening to make life a bit miserable tomorrow afternoon and evening so I'm heading up early in the a.m. to get my booth set up before the storm hits. Hopefully it will blow itself out quickly so Saturday can dawn clear and clean and people will be able to get out and about!

Hope to see lots of folks on Saturday and be sure to drop by my booth to say hello, fill out a ballot for my door prize, and catch up on what's new.

Proud moments

Sometimes you just know things are working - and working correctly. Whether it is something you write, a photo you take, or the accomplishments of your students.

This week-end I had the pleasure of that experience. Zara and her horse Ajiba performed exceptionally well in every class they entered at the 2010 ACAH horse show. Their success is the culmination of all they have learned from several coaches over the years and I happen to be the fortunate one who is putting the 'icing on the cake' so to speak in refining their skills.

So, how do people commemorate those moments? For many it is a photograph - perhaps one of the presentation of a trophy, such as the one above. For others, the joy is in capturing the action as it happens that results in the awarding of prizes.

The hand gallop that speaks to strength, fitness, obedience and pride.

The lengthened stride that demonstrates longitudinal flexibility and strength.

What ever it is, those moments are fleeting and to be enjoyed again and again in an image that truly captures the memory.

As photographers, that is what we do.

Dobbin's portrait session

If you're planning on having a series of photos done of your horse, there are some things you should keep in mind in preparation for the big day.

First of all, communicate with your photographer. Let her know how you want to use the photos. For example, will they hang on your living room wall? Or do you want to use them to promote your stallion or mare for breeding purposes? Or perhaps you're planning on selling your horse and want to use a photo in the advertisement. Each of these situations requires a slightly different approach including the selection of a suitable background area, level or sloped ground, lighting, soft or sharp focus, positioning etc.

Regardless of the end use, some things shouldn't be ignored. Make sure your horse is shiny clean - all grass and manure stains removed along with any knots in the mane or tail. Whatever tack you are planning to use should also be clean with any metal work polished and gleaming.

If you want to be in the picture with your horse, make sure that you are ready too with your hair combed, modest and appropriate make-up applied (for the ladies) or freshly shaved (for the men). Select a simple outfit with minimal patterns to avoid drawing attention to your clothes instead of you and your horse and the connection between the two of you.

Make sure that neither you nor your horse are hungry. There's nothing more distracting than a rumbly tummy - from either of you. If you're both content, it will be easier to get those happy images.

At the last minute make sure you've applied fly spray to keep the wee pests at bay, coat polish and/or baby oil for that extra glow, and keep a towel handy for wiping up those occasional slobbers or dust that may settle.

Ready now? Have fun!