New Horizon Ranch is a place that over the years has been very familiar to me and where I did a lot of my learning as an equestrian. I have always been grateful to their support of my business and that they choose me as their photographer and it was a pleasure to be back at their property to photograph for them.

It had been a few years since I was last out and since our last session, where I had photographed their two stallions. It can be a little overwhelming walking onto a property with dozens of horses free in a field but it is also the perfect opportunity for a photographer to try out new things, test the limits and enjoy a variety of subjects. It was a very enjoyable day, despite the muddy weather. I was certainly glad I brought my rain boots. Following free running horses in an open pasture, with nearly complete freedom from your client is a very rewarding and engaging experience as a photographer. It allows you to be uniquely creative and explore as an artist. Playing around with foals that are only a few months old is certainly a bonus as well.

The highlight of the session for me was getting to photograph their 21 year old Friesian Stallion who still looks to be as much in his prime as I can imagine he ever was. He captured the attention of the camera instantly and was impossible to ignore. With a forelock that extended nearly past his muzzle and the stance that only a Friesian can have, it was amazing to capture images of him. Although he certainly had the attitude of a Stallion, I was impressed to learn that he was able to be ridden and was very well behaved under saddle. As a photographer, it was a dream to capture images of him and his larger than life character.

The colts and fillies were certainly star's of the day as well, it had been years since I had spent time with foals and I had forgotten how much of a joy it was to see them discovering life and running around on their toothpick legs. There was three foals at new Horizon, with one more waiting to drop, two warmbloods, a filly and a colt as well as a pinto cross filly. The two fillies were both rather shy and kept their distance but the colt was the exact opposite. His presence commanded attention and he loved getting his picture taken, as well as getting some chest scratches. The only problem we had was him trying to get too close to the camera, which doesn't work too well with a zoom lens.

It was a pleasure as always to visit New Horizon ranch and to see all their animals, from chicken and cows to horses and llamas, there is something for everyone and you are always guaranteed to find and least one animal that will make you smile. Hopefully it won't be my only visit of the summer!

Visit their website at ; http://www.newhorizonranch.ca/