Deanna & Speedy & Surilla

Deanna’s session was the end of my Calgary trip and such a fun way to end it! As I entered the driveway, I could already tell that this would be a beautiful session. The driveway was preceded by a large gate and lined on either side by beautiful trees, I could only imagine how beautiful they would be in the summer. The sky was a beautiful blue, with few clouds present and the snow illuminated in the sunshine. Looking outside you would never guess how cold it was.

It was frigid though and so the horses kept their coolers on as we braved the winter weather. We started the session with Deanna’s faithful gelding, Speedy. The two had been a partnership for 13 years and their bond was immediately obvious. As the steam rose around the pair, I set to capture a moment in time of the 13-year relationship. I had known of Deanna and Speedy from their days at Killarney, they were a force in the jumper ring and went on to compete up to the 1.25m at Spruce Meadows. Even now at 15, he stood with impressive stature and the attitude of a champion.

Surilla is Deanna’s new up and coming mare, she is only 4 and it was her first experience in front of the camera. She was adorable and cuddly in front of the camera and had an amazing attitude for a 4-year-old, not much seemed to phase her. It is special to capture the early stages of a relationship between horse and rider, knowing this pair will likely go on to impressive moments together and hopefully can look back fondly on these memories of their early days.

Getting to spend the day with Deanna and her horse’s was such a joy. The connection she shared with both the bays was obvious and yet unique. It was an honour to meet the seasoned champion Speedy, and exciting to meet Surilla and envision the future she would have. Deanna embodies the equestrian I think most of us inspire to be, hard-working, surrounded by horses and grounded. She came from generations of horsewomen before her and was clearly making a name and way for herself in the equestrian community. I hope I can return to tell more of her story and capture more beautiful images on this iconic horse property.