Hello all, how are we all doing? In a time when we all genuinely mean that question, rather than the pleasantry it until recently was. How are you all? Keeping sane, keeping motivated or struggling a bit? FEI TV service is free until June and Badminton have put the links to their live-streams from last years event on their Facebook page, so there is plenty of free equestrian action to watch and while away some time. I hope you are all safe and well.
With the continuing restrictions, I have done the obligatory garden and house tidy, then I started the online tidy. The trawl through the archives to tidy and refresh. And this got me thinking - now I will admit the search initially started with my top 10 photographs and this became a little impossible, so that grew into 15 before settling on my 25 favourite images. The soundtrack to the afternoon would have gone ’99 photos and I can’t pick 1’!
So here goes, my favourite images - either chosen by subject matter, memories that the event had for me or they just simply hold a special place in my photography journey. I have run though them below, with some thoughts on why they are special, what it took to create them and hopefully some inspiration to some of you if you have been wondering how to get a similar shot.
Ros Canter & Allstar B, Badminton 2017
Ros Canter & Allstar B, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, May 2017
I have been very lucky to have photographed this championship partnership many times over the years now, one of the ultimate equine partnerships - one paper it shouldn’t work, the Dutch bred 17hh giant and the pint sized rider Ros - but it actually produces one of the ultimate partnerships. And this is my favourite photo of the gold-medal winning duo.
I was incredibly lucky to be at Badminton that year, assisting my Fence Judge colleagues Victoria and Peter to judge fence 17, the tricky Mirage Pond combination - the worlds best jumped through there that day; Ingrid & Hale Bob, Micki and Sam, Nicholson & Nereo to name a few - but none did it as smooth and without drama as this pair.
Photographing this horse has taken me to some amazing places; Badminton, Burghley and all the way to the Strzegom Europeans. Always a pleasure to capture!
Oliver Townend & Cillnabradden Evo, Badminton 2019
Oliver Townend & Cillnabradden Evo, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, May 2019
I have written loads about this horse, who is my worthy favourite event horse. A master of his craft and a cheeky personality.
It was an absolute privilege to be at Badminton last Spring to watch this beautiful horse fly around his first Badminton, casually smashing a dressage record whilst he was at it. He delivered on the promised faith that his rider and owner have always had in him.
The sun shone and although, I will forever kick myself at the couple of photos I didn’t quite pull off for his owner, I will always be proud of this photo. For me, it captures his enthusiasm, his total love of the job and the wonderful partnership he has struck with his rider, Oliver. The sunshine brings out his gleaming shiny black coat, meticulously readied by his devoted groom Charlotte.
A 5* horse, who will always hold a special place in his connection’s hearts, alongside the front and centre of my photo gallery.
Andrew Nicholson & Swallow Springs, Barbury 2019
Andrew Nicholson & Swallow Springs, Barbury International Horse Trials, July 2019
I have been lucky enough to attend the beautiful Barbury Horse Trials for some years now, the jewel in the July fixture list, the course meanders its way along a chalk hillside in Wiltshire. Picturesque, with some of the most imaginative and iconic cross country fences on the circuit, including a combine harvester. The fence that has always stood out to me has been the Stone Henge combination, a replica of the nearby World Heritage Site, the fence has always intrigued but eluded me in getting a shot that I am happy with.
Last year, as most years at Barbury, the sun shone and the temperatures soared. The meadow flowers bloomed and the stars of the equine world came out to compete. Then the King of Barbury took to the course. Nicholson has won the showcase class at Barbury now six times and you can see why, he seems to know every blade of grass at his local event.
I often plan an image, spend a while setting it up, but it’s not often that everything aligns and I can truly say the image is pulled off. But here I can. The King of Barbury, over my favourite iconic, Barbury fence, who went on to win the class.
Olivia Wilmott & Zebedee de Foja, Belton 2019
Olivia Wilmott & Zebedee de Foja, Belton International Horse Trials, March 2019
For all the planned shots, the set up and the planning; sometimes a photograph just happens and this was one of them. A combination I have followed with interest, Olivia & Zebedee were having a great round at Belton. This horse has such an enthusiasm for the job, which is reflected in his photographs. I did deliberate for a while over this one, or one I have of him launching into the Kidney Pool at Bramham.
The focus, the connection between horse and rider and the stunning black and white silhouette against the Belton parkland.
A real favourite of mine.
Laura Collett & London 52
Laura Collett & London 52, Belton International Horse Trials, March 2019
A real superstar combination, that I have been lucky to follow since their debut a couple of years ago. This combination are easy to photograph - a great partnership, both with a passion for jumping.
Another photograph from Belton, with the beautiful parkland as a backdrop - this was a great jump over the rail, ditch, rail combination that displayed the scope and power that the gorgeous ‘Dan’ possesses in spades! The spring sunshine shone down on them, ears pricked, enjoying their job - this was a great round that helped secure their ticket to the Europeans last summer.
Piggy March & Cooley Monsoon, Blair 2018
Piggy March & Cooley Monsoon, Land Rover Blair International Horse Trials, August 2018
I do love Blair - for anyone who wonders about making the trip north - do it! You won’t regret it. Stunning location, beautiful scenery, Highland hospitality and a feast of equestrian action.
After my trip to the Europeans back in 2015, I knew I needed to go back and visit again and finally the stars aligned in 2018 for me to head back. And this has long been a photograph that I wanted - the castle shot.
The first day of cross country action was, well it didn’t start well. Blair does have its hills and after climbing to the very top before the start of cross country, I realised every silly photographers mistake - I had left an essential bit of kit in the car, the car at the bottom of the many hills I had climbed. If anyone asks me what it takes to be an equestrian photographer - the first answer I give is fit. After a sprint down the hills to collect the item of kit, I made it back up the hills having only missed the first 15 mins of action. But I felt like I needed a new pair of lungs. That wasn’t the only bad bid of luck that day, but thankfully, not photography related - the sun shone (it either pours with rain at Blair, or you get sunburn) and enough blue sky appeared to get this shot of ‘Eddie’ and Piggy flying the castle log drop fence.
Oliver Townend & Cillnabradden Evo, Blair ERM 2018
Oliver Townend & Cillnabradden Evo, Land Rover Blair International Horse Trials, ERM leg, August 2018
Staying with beautiful Blair, the real reason for my trip north was to watch gorgeous Gary compete in the Event Rider Masters. A chance to add some stunning Blair backgrounds to my bulging collection of photographs of Gary. Again, the weather gods answered my many prayers and sunshine was delivered, along with the stunning dressage test from Gary.
Wills Oakden & Cooley Ramiro, Blair ERM 2018
Wills Oakden & Cooley Ramiro, Land Rover Blair International Horse Trials, ERM leg, August 2018
Blair is always worth the drive north, but if you only pack one thing, pack the waterproofs. Don’t let that put you off though, the Highland Estate still looks majestic, even in a rainstorm.
The weather gods deserted me for Cross Country day for the ERM class and down came the rain. Again this photo is a lesson is always be prepared for the unexpected. Wills took the alternative at the Forth Bridge combination, and ended up jumping this fence - with the scopes leap from ‘Ernie’ and the rain lashing down against the Scots Pine background - they is my favourite ‘poor weather’ photograph.
Pippa Funnell & Billy the Biz, Bramham 2016
Pippa Funnell & Billy the Biz, Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials, June 2016
Bramham has been a favourite of mine each year, great Yorkshire hospitality, beautifully designed courses and world class sport. The Womble Bond Dickinson Water has been a happy hunting ground. This year, I got many photographs I am proud of - water spray, horse & rider focussed on the skinny fence - being an Olympic year there were plenty of stars to watch. I particularly love this shot of Pippa and Biz; the focus, concentration and water spray - everything I love about Cross Country Photography all neatly in one photo.
This photo was the runner up in the Horse & Hound Eventing Photography competition, and will therefore always holds a special place in my heart. A competition that did so much for starting my journey in publication work.
Piggy March & Vanir Kamira, Burghley 2019
Piggy March & Vanir Kamira, Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, September 2019
For as much as we go to ‘capture the action’, I get just as much enjoyment out of the photographs that tell a story.
Whilst this photo is after the Badminton victors had actually completed their test, it was the moment that the provisional result popped up on the big screen, confirming their leading score. That moment of jubilation, where all the hard work had been delivered and the competition was on! I love Piggy’s reaction, but I love ‘Tillys’ reaction more, the ears pricked, looking adoringly at her fans for admiration and lapping up the applause. A special moment captured.
Oliver Townend & Ballaghmor Class, Burghley 2019
Oliver Townend & Ballaghmor Class, Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, September 2019
I have been going to Burghley for as long as I can remember. The event is the autumn highlight of my year and I always seem to spend an age before the event, reading all the event previews and eagerly anticipating the course preview video, that is released beforehand. This has, in the last couple of years, helped me plan my route around the iconic cross country course. I have finally come to the sensible conclusion that my vertically challenged legs will not cover every blade of grass around the course and some fences photograph better than others, along with sponsors requests etc.
Personally I like my photographs to have context, to reflect the event from which they are taken. This photograph has been on the wish list for a long time, the iconic shot of a beautiful jump, with the stately wonder of Burghley House, in the background.
Last autumn I finally pulled this off. I arrived far too early on the Wednesday - long before the media centre opened so I had a couple of hours to kill. Off I set, on shank’s pony, to walk Captain Mark Phillips formidable course. Apart from a couple of also-eager debutant riders, I had the course to myself. I analysed each fence for suitability for photographing and firmed up a plan of attack for the Saturday. This had been a goal for the year, less winging-it, more planning. And I can hand on heart say that Saturday went according to plan. I made it to the start/finish area for the final few riders on course and was fortunate enough that all the photos worked as planned. Some of the photographs I have been most proud of capturing - including this one of 5 star machine ‘Thomas’, which has now delivered 5, top 5, 5 star performances from as many starts at the level. What a horse!
Phoebe Locke & Cooley Challenger, Chatsworth 2019
Phoebe Locke & Cooley Challenger, Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials, May 2019
Chatsworth is one of the highlights in the Spring Eventing calendar - Eventing really does take us to some stunning venues, and this gem in the heart of the Peak District s no exception. Whatever the weather, it delivering spring greens, breathtaking scenery, world class completion and varied terrain.
The Ice House Pond water combination has always been a favourite spot of mine, the backdrop of the rolling Derbyshire countryside and the splash of the water always delivers a vibrant photo.
This is one of my favourite photographs in all the thousands that have been taken at Chatsworth. The colours, the vibrancy, the scopes jump by Cooley Challenger and reflection of the admiring crowd around the water.
Ros Canter & Zenshera, Chatsworth ERM 2017
Ros Canter & Zenshera, Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials, ERM Leg 1, May 2017
Again, as I mentioned before, the Ice House Pond water combination has always been a favourite spot of mine and I have been lucky to be there to watch every series of the Event Rider Masters from its first visit to Chatsworth.
Ros and superstar ‘Alfie’ are a favourite partnership of mine, bought for a sale price tag in Eventing terms, this pint sized little horse has made some of the toughest tracks in Europe look easy and this was no exception. They flew through this combination and and I love the colours of this photograph, along with the enthusiasm on Alfie’s face and those ears pricked, focusing on the next element of the jump.
Oliver Townend & Cillnabradden Evo, Festival of British Eventing, 2018
Oliver Townend & Cillnabradden Evo, Festival of British Eventing, August 2018
Wow that was a hot day and although this result on paper wasn’t his best, this photo has to be one of my favourites of Gary showjumping. The colour, the weather, the shine in his coat - sometimes it all just comes together.
Nicolai Aldinger & Newell, Blenheim 2018
Nicolai Aldinger & Newell, Ssang Yong Blenheim International Horse Trials, September 2018
When I set about this challenge to whittle down my many of thousands of photos to a select few - this photo stood out from the very beginning.
It’s the most stunning backdrop in British, if not, International Eventing. And it has been a pursuit for a few seasons now, to nail the perfect Palace shot - and this is as close as I have managed to get.
The horse and rider, bang on the centre line, in perfect symmetry with the Palace behind. Of course it happened to be a gorgeous grey in Newell (who I was so looking forward to seeing at Badminton this Spring, fingers crossed Nicolai brings him over next year) the beautiful Hanoverian gelding is the perfect subject for this photograph. This photo sits proudly in my kitchen, some 3 foot wide and remains me why I go out each weekend, whatever the weather, in pursuit of the perfect equine photograph.
Tom Carlile & Upsilon, Barbury 2017
Tom Carlile & Upsilon, Barbury International Horse Trials, ERM Leg, July 2017
Sometimes the course designers are on your side. I had already captured Tom and his gorgeous Grey over the fence I wanted to, then the track twisted back on it’s self and gave the opportunity for this shot of the eventual winners of the ERM class, to come almost head on towards me. I love the focus and drive in this photo. The love of the sport. The passion in both of their eyes. In an ideal world, I would have been standing a few feet back if I was planning this shot, then I could have got them all in, note the missing hoof. But despite it’s imperfections, its still my favourite photo of this gorgeous horse. Looking forward to watching his offspring out on course in a season or two.
Oliver Townend & Innislusky Paddy, Eland Lodge 2 2018
Oliver Townend & Innislusky Paddy, Eland Lodge Horse Trials, July 2018
The gallop towards home - a photo I often capture on course, when the opportunity arises. I love this one - the focus, energy and connection of both horse and rider here is what I love about this one in particular. Another gorgeous grey, the photogenic ‘Patrick’ is firmly in Hannah’s list of favourite horses. He is extremely talented and one I hope to see out again soon.
Kitty King & Vendredi Biats, FEI European Championships, 2019
Kitty King & Vendredi Biats, Longines FEI European Championships, Luhmuhlen, Germany, August 2019
My trip out to the Europeans had been long planned, I have seen so many wonderful images of the Luhmuhlen event site, that I had spent a while (hours) of image planning and creating a wish list. The heather that is scattered across the site, obliged graciously by blooming for the championships.
An early start on the Thursday was a disaster as a freak thunderstorm soaked us all, but Friday’s early start was rewarded with the gorgeous combination of Kitty and Froggy schooling in one of the practice arenas. I took many photos (of course!) but this one is my favourite. The gorgeous grey, the heather in full bloom, the early morning light. Stunning.
Ingrid Klimke & SAP Hale Bob OLD, FEI European Championships, 2019
Ingrid Klimke & SAP Hale Bob OLD, Longines FEI European Championships, Luhmuhlen, Germany August 2019
I have been very lucky to have watched and photographed Ingrid and ‘Bobby’ on several occasions. And yes, the connection in person is as good or better than you see on screen. They are a true partnership, one of the main reasons they have achieved so much together.
My favourite photo of them was this one, from the European Championships, claiming their second consecutive European individual title. The flair and composure they have in the dressage phase is wonderful to photograph. The flying change came so easy, it was almost difficult to anticipate it to photograph. I am so glad I did, one of my favourite dressage photos from the archives.
Tim Lips & Bayro, FEI European Championships, 2019
Tim Lips & Bayro, Longines FEI European Championships, Luhmuhlen, Germany August 2019
My heart breaks for Tim and all connections of Bayro, following the sad news this spring, that Bayro had succumbed to colic.
This partnership were truly as one, and tackled a tough combination - this northern German great tit as Harry Meade had christened, claimed many victims that day at the Europeans. Yet Tim and Bayro made nothing of the combination and galloped out of the water towards the finish, with a top placing within their grasp. I love the movement in this photo, the speed and the focus. One of my favourite spots on cross country is often at the exit of a water complex for photo opportunities like this.
Sebastien Cavaillon & Sarah D’Argouges, Hartpury 2019
Sebastien Cavaillon & Sarah D’Argouges, NAF Hartpury International Horse Trials, August 2019
I have been lucky to watch this horse now for a couple of seasons and had a few photographs to chose from with this mare. She is a game, tough mare who loves galloping cross country. This leap into the second water complex at Hartpury last spring just epitomises her brave attitude. She launched off that step into the water, there’s no hesitation, no backing off just guts. I love the movement in this photo, I can picture the enormous splash she made, the sound of the water and the speed in which she came through. I look forward to watching her tackle more of our courses next year.
Alex Bragg & King of the Mill, Hartpury 2019
Alex Bragg & King of the Mill, NAF Hartpury International Horse Trials, August 2019
Hartpury is a fantastic cross country course, built by the maestro that is Eric Winter. The course is always bold, well up to height and challenging enough for those prepping for big autumn targets.
Last year’s course was gifted she new fences, including this mighty double-trakehner. Feared by many a rider, there was a lot of chatter about this fence. I have to say though totally unfounded, as the horses I watched all met it on great strides and produced some text book leaps.
This photo for me stood out from the moment I took it, the scopey ‘Miller’ flew the fence and I had finally angled the shot to go some way to portray its size and depth.
Oliver Townend & Armada, Burghley 2015
Oliver Townend & Armada, Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, September 2015
Much has been written by me, waffling on about how much this photo has done for me. And it’s true, it really did.
For those new to the blog, this photo came about when a kind American visitor turned, noticing how short I am, kindly let me stand in front of him at Burghley back in 2015. I managed to get a great photograph of Oliver and one of my ultimate cross country horses in Armada. The photo worked out well and I nervously entered it into Horse & Hound’s Eventing Photography competition. Much to my shock, the photo appeared a few weeks later as the winner, with my prize of press accreditation at Badminton the next Spring. This exposure got me my work with my first publication and the rest they say…
Oliver Townend & Cillnabradden Evo, Oasby 2, 2018
Oliver Townend & Cillnabradden Evo, Oasby 2 Horse Trials, October 2018
I love this photo for the composition that fell into place; the autumn colours, the text book bascule jump, Gary with his ears pricked at the end of a challenging track. But I also love the background to this photo - I had just been told that this was the prep run for the ultimate eventing target. The next 7 days were a frantic blur in which I hatched a plan to drive to the South of France to watch this gorgeous boy’s 5* debut at Pau.
Alberto Giugni & Mischievous, Withington Manor, 2019
Alberto Giugni & Mischievous, Withington Manor International Horse Trials, April 2019
I arrived at this event, for the first time, in the midst of Storm Hannah last year. It was blowing a gale, thankfully the strength of the wind kept the rain clouds moving and somehow I stayed dry, but almost blown from the top of the many hills at Withington. Fantastic course for those who haven’t ventured to it yet, nestled on the edge of the Cotswold, it is well worth the journey.
The day offered many new vistas, great bold cross country fences and plenty of competitors.
I just loved the galloping course and the photo possibilities that it gave - and who doesn’t love a galloping grey?! One of my favourite galloping shots.
Phew, well done if you made it this far, you have four-star stamina. I hope you enjoyed that look back through the archives. Do feel free to ask me any questions via my social channels if you want to know more about the photos.
If lockdown gives you one gift, it’s definitely the gift of thought time. Time to digest everything, plan everything, prepare for hopefully some normality to resume.
Fingers crossed the news will improve and some restrictions, at least, may be relaxed when the time is right. Whether this brings us any eventing later this year, or we have to wait patiently for next season - I am still looking forward, still have the big plan, it’s just taking me a little longer to get to those goals.
Stay safe and keep going