Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Happy Halloween!

Do you know what happens when I have a Spanish horse, a fun Baroque saddle pad and bridle, access to a sidesaddle, and Amazon Prime? That's right, a silly medieval princess photoshoot!
Yeah. This happened.
We snapped these photos after a long day at the hunter pace (recap coming) when I was running on about 4 hours of sleep. DH is obvs not a professional (by any means) and he repeatedly ignored my suggestions on settings, so I got a lot of blurry crap shots, and lots that made me laugh. But some, I think really accurately capture how truly lovely this horse is, the relationship we share, and how she's made me a braver and better rider.
 
Last Friday I threw a sidesaddle on her for the first time -- after a 40 degree temperature drop in less than 24 hours. She couldn't have cared less, and cheerfully packed me around the field while I sorted out how to balance with both legs on one side and equitation that probably would have horrified an actual sidesaddle rider ;) she also tolerated the clunky decorative curb bit that accented the bridle with grace (and a minimum of head tossing, because let's face it, nobody's perfect!).
The goats escaping their pen and running amok in the yard during the shoot did interest her though.
So in love.
Pretty sure the neighbors drove by and saw us taking this photo and think we are certifiably nuts -- which is probably not far from the truth! ;)
I think the most valuable lesson I've learned over the last few years with my horses is to just do what makes me happy. And this silly little photoshoot made me very happy. It's confidence-inspiring as a rider to take a horse from a yearling and raise her up into such a solid citizen that she doesn't bat an eyelash when I throw things at her like spending all morning at a hunter pace and all afternoon wearing a sidesaddle while I try to figure out how to deal with a dress (seriously, how did they ride in these?? haha). She puts her whole heart into anything I ask, and I'm trying to take that lesson and let her teach me to be less of a scaredy-cat about trying new things. New things like what, you might ask? Well stay tuned for the Hunter Pace recap, and photos of us.... *drumroll please*...... JUMPING THINGS. I know, I'm as shocked as you are ;) hahahaha.
Even if he's not a professional photographer, I think I'll keep him <3

32 comments:

  1. The second picture is my favorite. They're all really pretty though. The color of the dress really looks good with her and the fall backdrop.

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    1. Thanks! I was hoping for better fall colors, but ya get what ya get!

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  2. Husbands tend to be so resistant to suggestions, but you still got some great pictures!

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  3. You have a horse you can ride sidesaddle in a dress and a husband who can work a camera. That's actually pretty magical.

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    1. It is pretty magical when you look at it like that! Although I'd still love my own Alyssa.... 😆

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  4. You both look so beautiful!!! I love these so much! ❤️

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    1. Thank you! No warrior princess here, but we had fun 😊

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  5. The standing photo and close up are amaze, I nearly don't recognize You! I think it looks like a movie still...nice job guys. Kudos to you for having fun and not caring what other people think. You and Ruby make other people seem one dimensional...so multi talented!

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    1. Thank you! If you're not having fun, what's the point? 😁

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  6. aw these turned out really well!!!

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  7. Ruby is so awesome ❤️ you guys look fabulous!

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    1. She definitely salvaged this shoot 😂 but thank you!

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  8. These are so fantastic and you both did a wonderful job posing :)

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    1. Aww thank you ☺️ there were some moments of frustration but I do think some of the shots turned out well!

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  9. I think poor HJ did the best he could. Luckily he had some good models to work with :)

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    1. :-P best might be slightly overstating it, but he did try, so he gets an A for effort.... haha

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  10. I freaking LOVE these. Very well done, Leah!

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  11. Love this! That last pic (not the one of hubs, the one above that)! So many bloggers did gorgeous fancy dress up photo shoots lately. I love them all!
    Also, Ruby is wonderful. I already saw some jumping photos, and I totally think you need to switch career paths with her ;)

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    1. DH will be so offended you didn't like his pic 😂 (kidding).

      Haha I am too much of a weenie to pursue jumping full time, but I don't mind dabbling in it from time to time if the horse enjoys it (which she clearly does)!

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  12. I love everything about this.

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