Friday, March 26, 2010

Back in the Saddle Again

It's been a very sad couple of years without horses,
but yesterday we were able to end that horsey drought,
with the first of many riding lessons at Cavallo Farm.

Julia rode Luke...and loved it!

Her riding muscles were a little out of shape,

But for the most part, she remembered everything and did really well!


Quincy rode Red.

Let me just tell you... Red is a beautiful horse.

and, according to Quincy, lot's of fun to ride.

And this mommy's heart is happy.
I'm finally able to give the girls back a part of their lives that they were missing.
(They've both been riding since they were four and practically grew up around horses.)

On a photography note:
I only took 260 pictures at the barn yesterday.
That's all.
Of course, 245 of them were not so great,
but I was able to play with a few more settings on the camera 
and I'm thrilled that I was even able to get any shots in the arena and barn.
It's notoriously difficult to take pictures in those areas because of the low light, 
but my 50mm did an amazing job.
And...
While I'm pleased with the pictures I posted here, 
I feel like they are just begging to be edited.
I'll let you know how that works out.

Oh... and I can't get this song out of my head.

15 comments:

Julie said...

I would say that I am jealous, because it looks beautiful riding those horses, but I'm not. The last time I got on a horse (for a very slow, guided walk) I vowed it would be my last. It's a lot harder than it looks! I'm impressed. Glad you all got a chance to do what you love.

Jay said...

Oh, I'm envious!! Between my shoulders and the various other health problems I've been having, riding has had to be shelved. I miss it!

I'm so glad you were able to give this back to your daughters! Their faces show how much it means to them! And yes, Red is a beautiful horse!

Jientje said...

They look so skilled! Well yes, of course they are!

T.J. said...

what a beautiful day for you- your daughters on horses and an adept camera to capture the moments! NO blurry horses here! Glad you mentioned the edits 'cuz that third one of Red with the wall behind him like that and the light just so could be really fun to work with!

koreen (aka: winn) said...

Very nice. Red is definitely a pretty horse. =)

Dan said...

This dad's heart is happy too!

Unknown said...

Nice photos Colleen, must be difficult taking pics with them moving so fast - did you use sports mode?

Grammie/Mom said...

The smiles tell it all. I'm happy they're back to riding too. I knew what I would find at the end of your post right after I read the title. You didn't disappoint me!

Drew said...

I think you'd be surprised how many pictures it takes to get a good one, even from professional photographers. (At least that's what I tell myself!) :) I'm glad you were able to get the kids back on horses. I have a student who was just telling me today how much she misses being able to ride. She had a horse barn near her in the town she used to live in, and now she lives too far away from it.

BTW...The Blogger in Draft is available now. I redid my layout with it today. It's pretty darn cool!

Bengbeng said...

i was jus thinking if i were on a horse n looking down, it would seem sort of high n i would fear a little of falling down

Alita said...

Great shots!

They have been on horses since they were 4? Was it easy getting them to ride at that time? Do you remember if they were scared?

I grew up around horses, too. I did not get on until I was about 9 though. I knew how to feed them, brush them, clean them, and how to walk them with a lead. That was about it. My best friend raised race horses and my other bff had about 3 that she show jumped. I was way too chicken to get on.

KUDOS to your girls! I'm glad that they were able to get on and enjoy their time! I love the 2nd to the last pic of Quincy on Red. What a beautiful horse.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Michelle said...

Your action shots are great! Have you tried the "continuous mode" yet? It works great for action photos.

Michelle said...

Your action shots are great! Have you tried the "continuous mode" yet? It works great for action photos.

Kathy Campbell said...

So much fun! Horses are the best. And they have great posture!

allhorsestuff said...

Happy Easter!
Popped over from Regina's place to someone else's...and here I am! Some days It is fun to go a wandering about, meeting new people. I find that Your daughters (and you) share my Joy of riding Horses!
Come over sometimes and visit!
I do try my hand at photography...but still have not taken classes..another someday!
KK