Monday, December 6, 2010

Peaceful Valley Stables (Part 1) A horse and people story... :: Calgary Portrait Photographer

A horse and people story for sure, though not necessarily in that order.

It starts here though, at Peaceful Valley Stables, owned and run by Linda and Jack Johnston.
I was invited to come out and photograph  riders and horses in a Dressage clinic run by Gordan Dalshaug, who travels throughout Saskatewan and Alberta (and further i imagine) offering his expertise to a wide variety of riders.
The walk to, and through the stables is awesome. I love it out there!
Linda made sure we, and everyone was taken care of. Warm blankets, coffee, tea...

That morning in Calgary we were hit with a freak snow storm, and was pretty chilly. It cleared up by the time we got out to Peaceful Valley, however the clinic was moved  indoors, and remained indoors for the rest of the day. When we went through the big door of the counsette, we were introduced to Gordon, and he invited me into the middle of the arena, giving me some ideas of what to look for. 

On a side note, the photos are all taken with available light. The doors when opened, were the only source of natural light.

It was awesome to be in the middle of all the action. To see the horses and people interact with each other, the trust they have with each other is amazing! Lots of times I was on my knees shootin with the horses running right by, and was never nervous.


















I love being smothered by all these horses. I've even kinda fallen in love with one little filly.
It's beautiful out there. Jack and Linda are wonderful hosts.
There's lots more to say, and show. I learn so much each time I go out, and see and experience real cool things.