Elijah - otherwise know as Eli

The other day I went out to ride and much to my surprise Eli had arrived.  I knew he was coming at some point, but it was totally out of my mind when I left my house.  I usually try and bring my camera when I go out there but not that day so I had to wait until yesterday to get a few pictures of Eli.  He didn't let me down with photo opportunities with a bit of running around and antics of trying to kick mom.  Of course he is cute as a button!

Eli is a thoroughbred colt born Monday June 2nd.  He has a feisty personality that says "he is all boy".  One thing about him is that he is super friendly.  He seems to have figured out that people make great back scratchers and chew toys already (much to everyones dismay).  Mom has some work cut out for her with this one!  By the way he is not mine but my friends - Shelley & Shawna's colt.

Here are a few photos of him at a week old running, bucking, being curious and just hanging out with mom.  There will be many more photos to follow in the coming weeks/months.

Barbara Cimino Memorial Dressage Show & Combined Test

This weekend I photographed at the Barbara Cimino Memorial Dressage Show and Combined Test at Once Upon a Horse in Eagle.  Everyone rode great and the weather was a bit cold but otherwise it was a great day.  Here are a few pictures from the event.

For those of you that don't know what a combined test is - it is a dressage test & a show jumping round.  It follows the same levels as eventing - beginner novice, novice, training, etc.

I also photographed some of Jan's horses later in the day.  I shot some conformation and at liberty shots.  I will post a few later this week.

Summer Spectacular Hunter Jumper Show

This past weekend I photographed the Boise Saddle and Jump Club's Summer Spectacular Hunter Jumper Show at the Idaho Horse Park.  I had a great weekend photographing everyone.  There were lots of great jumping rounds and the horses looked fantastic!  

The hunter/jumper shows always bring back good memories of riding and showing my old horse, Simon back in Illinois where I grew up.  I occasionally pull out the old VHS tapes and watch a few of my rounds when I feel like reminiscing.  Maybe one day I will get back in the ring with my current horse, Denali when I am not photographing at one of the shows.

If anyone is interested in more information on the Boise Saddle and Jump Club their website is www.boisesaddleandjumpclub.com

Waiting for their next class to start.

Kringle & Vanya

On Saturday I had a pet portrait session with Mike & Kathleen's dogs, Kringle & Vanya at Eagle Island State Park. We had great weather and beautiful light for their session. I had a great time getting pics of Kringle & Vanya with both of them being so well behaved and photogenic!  

Mike & Kathleen own Kringle's Korner Pet Health Food in Star. Their store carries all natural and organic pet food with great prices. The store is named after Kringle who they rescued on Christmas Eve. They have a couple of great goals to benefit the local community - to build a no-kill shelter called Kringle's Haven and to collect donations for the locale law enforcement K-9 units. Stop in and see them when you are in Star!

Kringle

Vanya

Hank, Hailey & The Kids

Yesterday Ben & I went over to Chad & Katie's house so I could use the kids as models again. Our friend Adam was over there with his kids too.  All the girls were kind enough to let me follow them around snapping pictures and I even got them to pose with the dogs, Hank (the pointer) & Hailey (the yellow lab).  I had to bribe Addie to smile by letting her use my big camera to take pictures after we were all finished. LOL!

On Saturday I will be at Wag 'n' Walk at Eagle State Park and some of the cute kids & their dogs pictures will be on display.  

Ellie

Tillie, Hank & Ellie

Ellie & Hailey

Addie & Hailey

Boise Pony Club Jumper Show

Over the weekend I photographed at the Boise Pony Club's Jumper Show at the Idaho Horse Park.  This is one of the big shows for the pony club kids.  Everyone did a fantastic job with their rides, even if it was a little windy and cold!

For me personally it is great to see the kids riding better and moving up in the levels as the seasons pass.  It is a testament to the their hard work and dedication to riding.  Keep up the good work!

The Pony Club is a great organization that teaches riding and horsemanship in a safe and fun environment.  If you are interested in learning more about pony club or would like to join, please go to their website at www.boise.ponyclub.org

Idaho Dressage Festival

This past weekend I had the honor of being the official photographer for the Idaho Dressage Festival at the Idaho Horse Park.  This year we had fantastic weather unlike past years when it has been cold, windy and wet. 

I want to say I am sorry to anyone I did not photograph that signed up.  My shoot schedule got messed up with all the scratches and ride time changes especially on Sunday.  

Here are a few of the many great shots I got this weekend.  All the horses and riders looked fantastic!  Great job riders!