Alamo Arabian Horse Association- Spring Fiesta
Mar 23-29, 2015

AAHA by San Antonio Texas Equine Event Photographers Genie Images

I find the Arabian horse to be the most beautiful horse in the world. They are a living piece of art; blending their fluid shape and motion into a perfect creature.  If you have not had the opportunity to be around Arabian horses . . . you have missed out on a special relationship.  They are very much like the smart kid at school that has loads of questions, can't sit still with enthusiasm, and always takes the lead in the school play.  They don't care much for being alone and recognize their human friends immediately for companionship. They are so special.

I have been lucky . . . no more than that . . . I had a charmed career with horses and primarily the Arabian horse.  When you work with them everyday, you begin to see them as a normal everyday horse.  You become accustomed to their clever and quirky ways. You come to expect their silly nickers for treats and random snorts at the water bottle that fell over.  But, since I have stepped out of the training arena and am now behind the lens, I can see with new eyes.  Arabians are truly stunning.

The horse in the image above is multi-champion Chase the Dream, ridden by nationally acclaimed trainer Gordon Potts of The Brass Ring.  He caught my eye as soon as he entered the ring with his carriage and presence; every step was perfectly placed.  His ears pricked forward with interest.  The face worthy of the breed description; large dark intelligent eyes and sculpted muzzle with flared nostrils.  The incredible arch of his neck balancing the roundness of his hindquarters.  And his color . . . a perfect gray coat with charcoal hints, dark points, and silver reflecting throughout.  He was ridden with a light touch and changed gaits effortlessly with a willing attitude.

I must have taken 30 shots of just this horse; I just fell in love.  He is a rare find and I hope the owner knows what a treasure he/she has. 

Jeanne Harford

www.genieimages.com

San Antonio Photographer

San Antonio Equine Photographer

San Antonio Event Photographer

Texas Horse Show Photographer

Texas Event Photographer

Gulf Coast Arabian Horse Club- Spring Fling
Mar 16-22, 2015

GCAHC by San Antonio Texas Equine Event Photographers Genie Images

Children and horses= happiness!  I took a lot of pictures this last week (beautiful horses and a beautiful woman in studio) but this image just made me smile every time I cruised past it in editing. These two were in the Leadline Division; they get all dressed up, put on the horse, and an adult leads them around the arena as if in a parade.  The children are either beaming from ear to ear or grabbing the horn/pommel in distress.  It does not matter though . . . to their surprise (every . . single . . . time), they win a beauitful blue ribbon and usually some toy or candy.  The rest of the day they wear their show clothes, eat their candy, and have their ribbon tied to a button or belt loop for all to see.

I was photographing the Gulf Coast Arabian Horse Club Spring Fling Open Show in Conroe, TX this last weekend.  The weather had turned to crap with rain, wind, and dropping temps.  It was a slow morning and I decided to grab some lunch at the snack shack on the grounds. I was making my way to get the obligatory concession stand hot dog and I turn to see these two playing.  I watched them for a few minutes and saw how the small things made them giggle with joy; like flicking a tiny pebble back and forth on the bench hoping it does not fall.

They played until a parent called to the girl for the fifth time.  The girl trotted off to sit in the stands and the boy decided to find more dirt and rocks.  By the end of the afternoon, his shiney boots were caked with mud.  His pristine jod pants had chocolate streaks from multiple hand wipes. And the jacket . . . well we just won't go there now will we.  But, it did not matter because it was fun . . . all of it.

I had someone ask me about another picture I had posted with this little boy setting rocks on my leg while shooting.  They wanted to know why the Mom was not patrolling this child.  I told them that a horse show is a village and we are all Mom's for a day.  We all understand how to watch for dangerous moments, school the youngsters on good show manners, and allow them to have freedom to go explore and get into life.  It is a very good thing!

Jeanne Harford

www.genieimages.com

San Antonio Photographer

San Antonio Equine Photographer

San Antonio Event Photographer

Texas Horse Show Photographer

Texas Event Photographer

Magic at a Wedding 

Mar 9-15, 2015

Creel Wedding by San Antonio Texas Event Photographers Genie Images

What a wonderful wedding it was. 

Ashely Lasaster and Dan Creel got married at Red Corral Ranch in Wimberley, TX yesterday.  This was my first time to shoot professionally at a wedding and the stars aligned for this one.  It turned out to be one of the most amazing nights.

My long time friend, Arabian horse enthusiast, and photographer Bea Simmons hired me to be her second shooter for this wedding.  I knew it was going to be good when she said the client was an old riding student of mine; I would be amongst friends.  Bea is very accomplished and I knew she could guide me through the in's and out's of weddings and the big do's and don'ts!  This is one of the most special days in someone's life and the photog captures it all.  MUY IMPORTANTE!

Bea and I drove up to Wimberley and turned down the caliche road leading to the ranch and instantly knew this place was going to rock.  The sky was gorgeous, the temps were perfect, this outdoor wedding was going to go off with out a hitch (except of course for the folks getting hitched!).

Bea settled into bride mode and asked me to head off to take detail shots and random candids.  I wandered around, clicking away and got caught up in the beauty of this ranch.  There were stone cottages, creeks, lush landscapes, and PEACOCKS!  Peacocks were everywhere, at least 8 from my last count.  There were the standard beauties filled with amazing colors and then there where wedding white ones . . . simply amazing.  One particular male (the one in the image) was a very proud gentleman and absolutely fearless.  He courted his gal for awhile and when she became disinterested he turned to me.  He strutted over, shook his tail feathers, sprouted his fan, and did his dance for a good 5 minutes.  I was mesmerized!

But, time was ticking and it was wedding time.  Bea took the lead position and I headed for the top corner to catch what I could.  The guitar started to play, everyone stood up, and then . . . as if on cue, every peacock on the place started to call out.  It was like nature was presenting the bride!  It was harmonic and with definite intention that these majestic birds let the rest of the world know that another beautiful being was headed their way.  The crowd gasped, then smiled, and then gasped again as they saw the beautiful bride round the corner.  The calls of the peacocks, the setting Texas sun through the oaks, combined with the love and joy of 150 people made this one special moment that I will hold in the happy memory section of my brain.

Jeanne Harford

www.genieimages.com

San Antonio Photographer

San Antonio Equine Photographer

San Antonio Event Photographer

Texas Horse Show Photographer

Texas Event Photographer

San Antonio Saddle Horse Association- Spring Show

Mar 2-8, 2015

SASHA by San Antonio Texas Equine Event Photographers Genie Images

One of my favorite horse shows of the year is the annual SASHA spring show.  This has to be my favorite, because it was the very first horse show I ever attended as a child.  I can remember my folks buying tickets to the exhibitor packed event at the Joe Freeman Coliseum.  Back in the 1970's, the show was called the SA Charity Horse Show and was a multi-breed extravaganza.  The energy in the dome was electric as the Saddlebreds, Arabians, Hackneys, Morgans, Tennessee Walkers, and Show Ponies strutted their stuff to wild applause and cheers.  I was hooked!  I rode with Irene Brewer and Buehla Cates to get my saddle seat fix on a weekly basis.

Years passed and horses stayed in my blood.  After I graduated college and came back to San Antonio, I ran into an old high school and showing buddy, Kelly Koger (now Martinez) who was leaving town and needed a replacement instructor for a large riding program.  I had never taught before, but jumped at the chance for employment.  I began working for Trish Broersma in 1988 and found my passion for instruction. We were lucky to have some wonderful horses and clients that energized my teaching; Dianne Pool (in the image above), was one of those amazing folks.  Seeing her in the ring today with this amazing horse, Out of Hand, put a smile on my face and goosebumps on my arms (not to mention a flood of fond memories!).

The American Saddlebred is such a special horse and I am so pleased that this show continues to showcase the breed for everyone to enjoy.  The group that runs the show are long standing members of SASHA and TASHA .  The local barns in our area are  Beasom Stables and Marty Allen Wernle. Marty was recently inducted to the ASB of Tx Hall of Fame!  Over 175 people joined in the awards dinner to celebrate this show, these horses, and the people that support them.

Jeanne Harford

www.genieimages.com

San Antonio Photographer

San Antonio Equine Photographer

San Antonio Event Photographer

Texas Horse Show Photographer

Texas Event Photographer

S.A.L.E.- Showmanship

Feb 23-Mar 1, 2015

S.A.L.E. Showmanship by San Antonio Texas Equine Event Photographers Genie Images

Showmanship is one of my favorite classes.  For the guy off the street . . . it may not be the most exciting classes unless you look a little deeper.  I sat in the stands waiting for a past student to show his new Quarter Horse, so in the meantime I observed current trends and rising superstars.

I was looking through the lens and behind me I heard two ladies chatting about the class, wondering what the heck was being judged?!  I turned to them and asked politely if they would like an overview . . . they said, "oh, yes please"!

Speaking in plain terms, showmanship is being judged on the handler and how they ask the horse to perform the set pattern.  Their attire and how well the horse is groomed is paramount.  The horse is a prop . . . he/she should perform effortless turns on the haunches, back easily, move off at the jog instantaneously, stop on a dime, and stand quietly so the handler looks like a superstar.  "Sounds simple", they replied.  HA!

I pointed out this particular girl and commented on how her trousers, hat, and boots were perfectly color matched and the top coordinates exactly.  The outfit alone probably cost $2000 from a custom tailor.  There will be no wrinkles nor gaps in her top, well fitted trousers that are the proper length, and the hat has a crisp shape . . . it is all about the details.  The silver show halter that the horse wears is fitted perfectly to his/her head and cleaned vigorously to bring out the brilliant shine.

This duo probably trains specifically for this event 2x a week at the trainers after school or on weekends.  Practicing pivots, low running jogs, executing stops, perfecting their timing on changing quarters to position themselves for the judge, and showing.  "Isn't the whole thing showing", they asked?  Showing is the standard performance PLUS the look in the face, the body carriage, and the overall confidence the exhibitor exhibits to the judge and spectators.  You can almost pick your top 5 handlers from the moment they enter the ring; champions all have that special something.

This ever so simple class, allows most all exhibitors the chance to showcase their style and charisma to the judge.  Talk about character development!

Jeanne Harford

www.genieimages.com

San Antonio Photographer

San Antonio Equine Photographer

San Antonio Event Photographer

Texas Horse Show Photographer

Texas Event Photographer