horse related accolades

Our vet clinic hosts an annual customer appreciation dinner, it's coming up in February. They offer educational features, and gift customers an equine calendar. This year one of the vets took on the task of creating their own calendar for the first time, featuring clients horses.

Brad's trainer was asked to submit photos, and she chose Cierra! She asked me if I would come out and shoot some recent photos of her. Hell ya! She helped us attempt to get good action photos. Easier said then done, especially when it's out of the normal routine. Pretty sure Cierra thought we were crazy, walking her to the end of the pasture. She would come flying running past me in a nano second, and stand by the gate. Have I ever told you how fast Cierra runs? Blink and you'll miss her. She could have been a barrel horse. I am not into cracking whips, flinging my arms or chasing them around to react. It's natural action, or no action shots from me. I did get some good ones, and much to Brad's dismay a prancing shot of Cierra our trainer wanted to submit. I submitted four, and am happy to say they chose to include two of my photos!!

March top photo

Ms. March

Quote they chose: The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and freedom."
Sharon Ralls Lemon

November bottom photo

Brad & Cierra (3 yrs old)

Speaking of the lovely Cierra, Brad achieved a couple bench marks with her during their 2018 show season that he should be proud of!!! This was in the Wisconsin Quarter Horses Association Annual 2019 Directory:

200 points accumulated in Amateur Ranch Riding, Trail and Conformation.

Note: he selected photo provided by show photographer/magazine creator

Brad & Cierra also received
High Point in Open and Amateur Conformation.

His well-deserved accolades came with some nice prizes, a blanket, gift certificate etc. But none add up to the memories of spending time with his girl while achieving his life-long dream of competing at the AQHA level.