Amberlea Meadows Photo Day

Recently I was out at Amberlea Meadows for a full, 6 hour day of photographing! I got to meet so many amazing equestrians and their beautiful mounts and just had the best day getting to know everyone and capture their beautiful partnerships. Below I’ve included a couple favourites from each pair and a little bit about the horse and rider, and their unique connection!

Ava & Solice

Solice is Ava’s first horse and they have only been a partnership for a couple of months, although you wouldn’t know it by looking at them. I’m sure we can all remember the joy of loving your first horse and I see this ever prevalent in Ava when she is with her beautiful warmblood mare. The two already seem to have built a strong connection and a deep friendship which I’m sure will only build over the years as they encounter many adventures together and conquer many milestones.

Billie & Estrella

Billie struck me as a very strong horse woman, even at such a young age. It was clear she was strong, determined, independant and a thoughtful person. The way she handled Estrella was with such grace and patience, in open toed shoes no less and I thought spoke to their connection and understanding of one another. I imagine these two would perform effortlessly under saddle, the older thoroughbred mare seems like she would be an excellent teacher for a growing equestrian like Billie.

Elizabeth & Hera

The story of Elizabeth and Hera struck me the most from that day. I’m sure most of us know of Parkland Equestrian, which was recently forced to close and put all their horses up for auction. Hera was one of these horses, and Elizabeth her past owner. Determined not to let her fall to an unknown fate, Elizabeth and many at Amberlea rallied together and attended the auction to get her back. They succeeded and Hera has been back for a few weeks now. I hope Hera knows how many people love her and would go that extra mile to keep her safe, but if she doesn’t yet, I’m sure she will in the coming years as I am certain she will receive only the best care and the most love from Elizabeth. It was an honour to capture such a striking story and partnership!

Maya & Chloe

Before Maya had even arrived, I had made friends with Chloe over the stall door and had already totally fallen for the little black pony. I was secretly hoping that I would get to photograph her and was so thrilled to find out I would be! This little New Forest pony is so fun, friendly and easy going and looks like a warmblood shrunk down to half the size! I think she was just the most adorable and sweetest thing and had the perfect rider to match. Maya was equally kind and sweet and shared my affection and adoration of Chloe! It was clear that this pair had built a strong friendship and I bet that they are a force to compete with under saddle.

Petra & Ali

Petra and Ali were a partnership that I found perfectly matched in character and personality. They shared a kindredness of spirit in their patience, intelligent nature and quiet thoughtfulness. They each seemed to share a great respect for one another and I imagine that Ali, son of an olympic sire, must be an amazing teacher for the younger and learning equestrian. I think anyone would be lucky to have a horse as amazing as Ali early in their equestrian career and I could certainly see that Petra was grateful for him.

Simone & Riu

The behind the scenes of this session didn’t look nearly as peaceful as these images and of course the smallest rider got the most unruly horse. Riu may have been a handful and a half for his pictures but Simone struck me with her quiet determination, grace and fierce strength in handling the strung out quarter horse. Riu came from an auction as an ex-western cow horse and now serves as Elexis’s trail horse and the faithful teacher to the younger riders. It is clear he is loved by many, despite his quirk personality on the ground and I’m sure that he has had a hand in shaping many young equestrians, like Simone to be strong and fierce horse women.

Elexis & Vito

Vito is clearly a horse who has captured Elexis’s heart and watching the 18 year old warmblood prance around, it was clear to see why! He reminded me of my own gelding, with enough energy and personality for 5 horses. Some may call them high-strung, or opinionated but I think these horses are the special ones, the ones with enough spirit to accomplish anything and I certainly could see that in Vito!
“He is so special and I am so honoured to ride him!” I may have only got a glimpse of what makes him so special but I have no doubt that he and Elexis both have a partnership that allows the other to excel and perform at their best. It was honour to capture a moment in time for this special partnership!

Elexis & Fun

In Elexis’s own words, “Mr. Fun is so photogenic and has so much personality!” I couldn’t agree and had so much fun capturing his magical personality and infectious charisma, not to mention his stunning dapples! This horse is probably the most friendly, outgoing and personable horse I’ve ever met and it was clear that him and Elexis shared a strong connection, and a bright future from the pictures I’ve seen of him undersaddle. These two are clearly a very special growing partnership and I can’t wait to see their future!