Penning Photography Daily

One of the many entries in the annual Midwest Charity Horse Show, held in the Coliseum building of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

One of my co-workers spends all his free time working as a master of ceremonies for equestrian horse shows. I went to this afternoon’s event, curious as to what this work of his was, and to see what photographs would come of the experience.

I came away with a respect and admiration for all involved. It was a very humid and hot day, and the unconditioned building, along with the effort of the horses, combined to create a challenging place to showcase years of training and skill. I saw my friend, all dressed in a red wool costume and black top hat, mop his entire head, many times during the few hours I was there. I imagine the horses were cooled down before and after their performances.

There were many classes of events, some with horse and buggy, like this, and some with just horse and rider. All showcasing the training of the horse and the person guiding them through various tests. Slow walks, fast canters, special trots, forward and backward, first one direction in a circle and then the reverse and finally a well executed lineup in the correct order as called by the man in the top hat.

I wouldn’t want to do any of this work, but you could tell it was a labor of love for the people involved. I hope the horses liked the work. I’m sure they are among the best treated of horses.

This sense of movement, in the composition, gives a glimpse into the speed of this particular portion of the trial. Just the right pacing, the correct height of the legs, angle of head, and that tail, that has to be sticking up in the air. The concentration on the rider’s face, shows a bit of how difficult this task is to communicate between horse and rider. To keep the delicate dance at just the correct pace.

An experience that I gladly would repeat some day. Perhaps when a bit cooler.