Vale Maude

On Tuesday this week I found myself leading my dear old friend Maude across the paddock, un-clipping the lead one final time and allowing her free and unhindered passage over the rainbow bridge. Her passing was peaceful and dignified - She gave me so much over the years that the very least I could give back was this. 

We first met 13 years ago and it was love (and more importantly, respect!) at first sight. This majestic and magnificent Irish mare, a Kingsway Diamond daughter, had a sparkle in her eye and a presence that couldn't be denied - you could see that right from the start, she wanted to do things her way! What a great mare she was! Proud and strong and an absolutely wonderful mother. It’s true I would curse her for the first few days of each new baby’s life as she would lead me a merry dance around the paddock refusing point blank to allow me to touch her or, more importantly, HER baby and this never ever changed, even after she had produced six foals. But that was her way and that was part of what made her so special and besides, she always came around, eventually.

Maude produced our very first foal by TF Hamish (TF Malteser) and went on to give us three more to Hamish (TF Rafferty, TF Liath and TF Aisling) and the two sisters Aine and Enya (TF Summer Solstice and TF Celtic Moon) by TF Life O’Reilly. All foals are now grown or growing up in wonderful homes with people who love them and I am so proud of her and what she produced for me. I will also be forever grateful to her owner, Caroline, who let her come and live with us all those years ago and to Sara who ensured that she left us with such dignity. 

Run free old girl, til we meet again on the other side. I love you.

TF Holden and TF Finn - Together

I had the opportunity to see two of my boys in action in the same classes at a local show over the weekend. It was quite a proud moment for me and rather lovely to see the two of them line up next to each other. The classes were large (over 20 competitors) and competition was pretty tough but both boys behaved impeccably. In a big line up of horses, many whom were clearly feeling very spring fresh, neither boy put a hoof wrong. I was particularly impressed with Holden who was at his first show and was being ridden by a 14 year old. He was quite the star and just pootled around on a long rein without a care in the world. The classes were show classes and neither boys were ever going to rate a look competitively, especially as the classes were show hack classes (and lets face it, neither of them were bred to be show hacks!!) but they were absolute winners in my eyes. Here are some of the photos:

Eventing Wairarapa Spring Horse Trial 2013

Phew! 13 hours shooting and around the same amount of time post processing and another Spring Horse Trial is done and dusted! This year Talisman Farm sponsored a 'Best Mare' prize which went to Monica Oakley whose stunning mare Saltadore came 2nd in the 1* class and won her owner a service to Crossiebeg Brennan - We're now negotiating breeding options. Lucky Brennan!

This year I tag teamed with my good friend Pip and we shared the gargantuan task of photographing all classes at the Horse Trials. I think we did a pretty damned awesome job of getting photos of everyone and would be surprised if there are any competitors who were there who were not captured by one of us in at least 1 and most likely all 3 disciplines. If you want to check out the photos, the albums are all HERE.