Racing Barrels...

I had a mixed day at the Western Ranch show today.  In general, Western Ranch is kind of slow, especially when compared to the Hunter/Jumper shows.  Lots of walking, trotting and "loping" which is a slow gallop.  Add to that that I had to retreat to my car twice this morning due to rain showers and then, of course, the damned sun came out at around noon.  By 2:30 I was seriously considering packing up and heading home, but I was curious as to what the "Round Up" part of Western Ranch would be.  And so very glad I stuck around because I got to see some barrel racing which is very fun and very fast.  I chose this photo, not because I like white horses (especially under sunny skies) but because this rider, Joe, and his horse Ghost were just sublime to watch.  White most of the other competitors did the barrels at a trot or a lope, Joe and Ghost went in at a full gallop while being cheered on by all the other riders.  Clearly not their first "rodeo" because the run looked pretty flawless to me.  A portrait of Ghost in Extra.

I photographed this duo at the last Western Ranch event and my impression remains unchanged - this is a rider that sits his horse like they are one unit.  It's beautiful to watch riders like this who sit so solidly and seem to move with the horse at every twitch and turn.  It's really just lovely to watch.  

I came home with 1200 pics but have already culled it down to around 225 - I'm becoming ruthless!  I'm learning about leg placement in the photo and that helps me to quickly dismiss many shots where the legs aren't in the desired position.  

I'm planning to head over tomorrow for the Western Open Breed which will be all new to me.  I'm hoping that the sun will stay away for at least part of the day.  Honestly, it's just so freaking hard to adjust exposure when the sun is directly overhead.  Even under overcast, horses have a lot of bright spots that need to be adjusted in post.  

Hubs made us a delicious dinner and we are now preparing to watch a little TV before heading to bed early.  

xoxo
Debbi