Horse & Rider Session // Kennedy & Picasso
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." - Winnie The Pooh
I just found out the heartbreaking news that Picasso has passed away and knew that immediately I wanted to write this blog. Kennedy, I cannot even imagine what you are going through and I know that these words won’t help ease the pain but I hope you can read them and know that your story and partnership touched my heart, as I’m sure it did many others, and that Picasso will be remembered fondly by many.
I hat met Kennedy and Picasso one spring afternoon at the barn where we both boarded our horses. I was struck by Picasso’s beauty, I remember instantly thinking that he would be a lovely horse to photograph. Picasso was experiencing some health challenges at that time and Kennedy wasn’t able to ride him, so she was spending time with him, just grooming, hanging out, and hand walking. It’s a tough challenge to go through when you have only just bought a horse. I remember thinking that she was obviously very devoted and cared a lot for Picasso, to accept an uncertain future for him with grace and compassion, rather than thinking of her own equestrian dreams first.
I was delighted when she reached out to book a photo session that fall, and we had the most wonderful evening together. Their connection was even more obvious here, in the quiet way they understood one another, the constant smiles and laughter, and most of all in the way Kennedy spoke of her beloved Picasso. Their bond with one another was striking and such a beautiful thing to capture. Looking at these images I see two things, joy and friendship, which I think are two really beautiful words to connect to this partnership. While it may have only lasted for a short while, I’m sure the bond they shared with one another will live a lifetime in Kennedy’s heart.
