Horse and Rider Session // Alexa & T.W Centerstage

Although I would love to say that everything about Alexa’s session was magical, that would be far from the truth. Between getting totally lost on the way there, a horrendous amount of mosquitoes and Swayze having a strong feeling against being a model, there was a few things that weren’t exactly going in our favour but nonetheless, the moments we captured and the connection between Alexa and Swayze were totally magical. I think it speaks in some ways to owning horses in general, it is not magical, it is frustrating, smelly, difficult and everything in between and yet we find such joy in it, because the horses have a magical capacity to make us forget all the stuff that isn’t perfect and just focus on what is. It was clear at the session that despite everything, and particularly Swayze’s antics after being on stall rest, that Alexa adored him and she easily explained how he was her heart horse.

Although I didn’t get the pleasure to meet the Lazy side of Swayze, as he was so nicknamed Lazy Swayze, I did love getting to know the beautiful chestnut who was Alexa’s treasured team mate. He had an infectious personality and was endlessly making us laugh, although mostly because he kept trying to slobber all over Alexa. It was obvious that the two had a strong connection and Alexa was able to calm the energetic gelding throughout the session, which is something I’ve rarely witnessed, as most horses get more antsy throughout a session, not less!

Before the session, I had known Alexa for many years, when she was just starting as an equestrian with her pony Blossom but it was clear seeing her with Swayze now that this was the horse that she had built a relationship and partnership with, her heart horse. She was a strong and confident horsewoman and it was heartwarming to get to see her again, years later! It is one of the things I adore about this job, is getting to meet new people and reconnect with old friends! As long as horses are involved, it’s easy to pick up as if no time has passed at all!

So perhaps the conditions of the session weren’t entirely magical but at the end of the day, those aren’t the things that matter. Every session I hope to capture the true connection between horse and rider and the love that each equestrian has for their horse and that was captured 10 times over in this session, and that is where the magic lies. There is nothing more magical than the smile on Alexa’s face when she looks at Swayze or the quiet moments they share where much is said without words and I would happily capture those moments all day, no matter how many mosquitoes I had to face in the process!