Contest Results, Good News!

The results from the 2007 Spring Equine Ideal Contest have been released. 4 out of my 5 top ten images placed, which is SO amazing and nearly unbelievable.

I feel very blessed, especially since this was an international contest and I almost beat one of my mentors! ;)

Here are the images that placed:

Black & White - 2nd Place
Jill and her Icelandic



Head Studies - 3rd Place (Just shy of Scott Trees!)
QH stud colt from last year's retreat



Horses & Humans - 5th Place
Darling Ariana and her pony Bandit



Details - 6th Place
My mare's eye and my gelding's silhouette



Can't wait for the next contest - I want a blue ribbon! ;)

The Horse Drive

I think the highlight of the entire retreat was probably the 400 horse drive, which covered 60 miles, and was completed over the course of two days. We had our own personal drivers and chose where to stop along the pre-defined course from the winter pasture to the main ranch. And winter it still was - there was snow on the ground that morning.

First, we shot at the corrals as horses of all breeds, colors, and sizes came to us in herds, driven in by riders. Many of the cowboys mounts were also fresh off the range and put on quite a show. I've never seen so many horses in one place!



While they counted to make sure all horses were there, we drove ahead to set up our shots. After awhile, the thunder of 1600 hooves started shaking the ground and we knew they were on the way. It was nearly mind-boggling to see all these horses running together.







The rest of the drive was a much slower version of the leapfrog game we played that morning. I was able to get some decent video with my little camera while shooting the herd coming by.



Getting a good roll in while on a break. Of course it's a grey.



Comfort from a friend.





Trotting right up the road. Talk about stopping traffic!



If you're ever up in NW Colorado in early May, the drive is great eye-candy for any horse lover. Such a rush!

Sombrero Steak Fry

Today we had a little time to relax, then had a great steak fry to meet the riders participating in the drive. More great food!

Thanks goodness they had two campfires going, it was snowing a bit on the way up. Figures, sunny and hot in the beginning, now it's freezing. Colorado.

Sombrero Ranch - Day 2

Really, we felt as if there was nothing these guys (and gals!) wouldn't do for us. They drove huge herds of horses though those big pastures, up and down steep hills covered in sagebrush, and through rivers - mostly at a full-out gallop. Ed particularly loved to make a few extra passes for his adoring lady fans.



We started the morning shooting the ranch hands driving the horses through a stream. Then we moved to the biggest pasture I've even seen (fences? couldn't see any for miles) to capture the drama of a large herd galloping towards us. I felt like I was in the middle of a movie, it was amazing!





After that rush, we headed back to the corrals to shoot some roping. There were great opportunities for head shots too. Of course, Ed couldn't resist being a ham. ;)







Roping practice finished and we trooped to the kitchen for another hearty brunch. Man, those gals can cook! And I didn't miss my daily Starbucks too much with their strong "cowboy coffee" at hand.

Once the food had settled, we headed back up the hills so the cowboys could do some more modeling for us. This time they ponied horses down the hill.





Of course, Ed had to barrel down my way at full steam. Scared the bejeebus out of me, but I got this great shot out of it!



Three Amigos or Three Stooges? ;)

Wild horses in Colorado

For those who don't know, I'm up in CO for 2 weeks photographing wild horses, the famous Sombrero Ranch, and also an 400 head horse drive. Yes, I'm in heaven! :)

Here are some of my wild horse shots so far, nothing spectacular, but I'm having an absolute blast! Did my Photoshop presentation for the group tonight, which was honestly a little nerve-wracking in front of Scott Trees. My worries were totally unfounded, as he's such a down-to-earth, friendly, and knowledgeable guy.

Tomorrow we head to the Sombrero Ranch to shoot the cowboys riding, branding, shoeing, breaking, training, and more. Scott will be along to help us "find the light" he's so famous for. He did a impromptu DVD presentation tonight too, which was very inspirational.

Lots of good prizes have already been given away, like Red River paper, notecard starter kits, and even a sensor cleaner... I'm waiting for something special. :) The weather has been great, everyone is getting along wonderfully, and we're learning a ton. What could be better?

Some photos from the trip so far:


Our wild horse finder and guide yesterday, Jim Beall



Cute little bachelor band.



The group shooting the first trio.



These guys ran along side of the car for a bit...



This grey guy was too darn cute!



Here they are after they crossed in front of the car. "Do you think they still see us?"



Well off we go then, at a smart trot! This guy could be a lower-level dressage horse.

The last herd was quite a large one, especially compared to the others. There were two babies, but one mom kept hers quite far away up on the hill, so no great shots of that little guy.

Do you think they wondered what all us crazy photographers were doing? Looks like it!


The last herd, which we willed into existence.



Fun with the point-and-shoot


Finally, sunset after a long, hard, but enjoyable day.

Call for Entries - 2007 Equine Ideal Contest

Images to compete in an international equine photography online contest to illustrate the equine ideal in professional and amateur imagery. Judges are Shelley Paulson and Carien Schippers.

Entry Deadline: March 1, 2007
Peoples' Choice Voting: April 1 - 10, 2007
Winners Announced: April 25, 2007

• Entry Fee- $15 per image, Paypal and check payment accepted for entries.


• Entries must be submitted online as JPEG files


• PLEASE READ OFFICIAL RULES BEFORE ENTERING THE CONTEST

Further Questions to info@equinephotocontest.com

Sponsored by the Equine Photographers Network, membership not required for entry into the photo contest.