Monday, March 24, 2014

A Study in Contrasts

I keep wanting to write a big post to introduce all the amazing pictures that Ellie took last week, but first I just HAD to do that conformation study and then I was staring at another shot and realized that there's one more post I needed to write. 


Who remembers Izzy? She was my stunning black bay Oldenburg mare. She was talented and opinionated and so, so bad for me. This was really the trademark picture of us together. She balanced and beautiful, but but always a little behind the vertical and my leg. Gorgeous, but ready to take advantage of any chink in my armor.

And then I was looking through all the pictures Ellie took and I ran across this one. Not only is it an absolutely lovely shot, but it's just so reminiscent of the Izzy picture. The trees in this shot are kind of twisted and scary, but in Izzy's shot, the only scary thing was her.

I guess this is the shot that was always meant to be. Here I am, once again seated on a short coupled, fancy moving, eye catching animal, but this time it's fun and safe and everything it's supposed to be. I didn't care that Courage was having an uncharacteristic wild day--I was having a good time. We're forward and happy and that's what matters the most.
And it's all because of this old man. <3 I know every day that if it wasn't for my time with him, my life would be in a totally different place. I would never have been able to take on Courage without my time with Cuna.

Oh, and we can all just acknowledge that Ellie takes a mean trotting picture. Am I right?

16 comments:

  1. You definitely look like you're having a lot more fun on Courage and Cuna. Happier. She does take some great pics :)

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  2. The pictures are great. I love Courage's expression, he looks so happy to be out doing something and that is definitely the way it should be.

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  3. And he is in front of your leg and not behind the vertical:)

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  4. Aw, what a great comparison. All three are so lovely, but your expression and self-carriage really tells it all and completes the photos. You look so comfortable with Cuna and Courage, and that's awesome. :)

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  5. What a cool comparison (and what great trot pictures, indeed)!

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  6. Laughing at your comment about pony club (on my blog) - I thought pony club was for rich kids too. (well, really, it kind of is). So I just played around in 4-H and had a blast, they had lots of ways to get involved even without having a horse!

    Ellie's trotting picture!? What about Cuna's!? Look at him GO! Not to mention that Courage is going to be AMAZING once he gets strong and learns to carry himself correctly :) He has super nice natural movement though! Love the comparison

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  7. I agree with Alchemy, Look at Cuna's legs, homeboy had style, AND helped his rider. Courage shows such promise, and you can really see the difference in your face and body as to how much happier you are than with Ellie.

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  8. ***sigh*** all the pretty pictures.....

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  9. Beautiful photos. I love that one of Courage!

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  10. Ellie takes such wonderful photos! But look at her wonderful subjects... ;)

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  11. Love you smile and confidence on Cuna! :)

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  12. Ellie takes fab pictures but her subjects are pretty special too.

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  13. All three look lovely in these photos!

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  14. She takes awesome pictures!! Look at the cute Courage. You look so good on him and so happy. :D I love that picture of Cuna...

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  16. Love all the wonderful pictures! I think it is great to see the evolution and the improved confidence that riding Cuna gave you, which is now helping you with Courage! :-)

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