Hello 2023
The 2023 show season has finally arrived! As a horse show photographer, I was excited to get out there and capture some unforgettable moments but also see how riders had developed over the last few months. For many riders in Windsor-Essex County, the primary show season concludes in early fall and is limited to small in-house barn shows till Spring.
Despite the chilly weather, there was great energy in the air as riders and their horses prepared for the first Cidermill In-House show of the year and parents and spectators stayed warm in the brand-new viewing room!
As a horse show photographer, it’s my primary objective to capture the action, all the thrills and spills in the arena. However, I’ve made it my goal to capture the moments outside the competition, and Sunday’s show provided some very sweet moments.
I often find myself reminding some of the younger riders that they should be having fun, embracing the time with their friends, not taking the competition too seriously and remembering to always smile! So while riders celebrate their highs and lows as the show photographer, I am sneaking around, ensuring I capture those moments for them.
It’s a true privilege to experience the show season from start to finish in my area because, from behind the lens, I get the fantastic experience of watching as riders grow and gain confidence all year long. If I learned anything this weekend, it’s that 2023 is going to be an incredible year for Cidermill riders!
