Taken during a dressage show this past August, at Spiritwood Farm in North Gower, Ontario.
I was sitting as still as possible anyway, camera on tripod, a good 20 ft away from the area designated to me by the show steward. The light was gorgeous so I wasn't using a flash. I could tell that this horse was a handful and was extra-careful to be still, but I could see him getting ready to blow, so it was more a question of when than if. It was as they were starting a canter circle that he finally lost it. It wasn't the first time, however, and yes the rider was unhurt, as was he. And no, I was not the cause of the rear; he reared, then heard the shutter going and rolled his eye at me. He is now going to start showing in the hunter ring.
I didn't post this image in the online photo album as I didn't want to embarrass the rider, but did post some shots I got before the meltdown. It was while she was picking up the prints that I mentioned getting shots of the rear. She saw this and ordered an 8x10, was happy to give permission when I asked if I could enter it in Best of 2011, and I'm sure she'll be thrilled with the final placing. I know I am :-)
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Superb timing and shutter speed to match! Pity the railing cut the horse's foot off but how can I penalise you for that?? Those jods are not going to be white in about 1/500 seconds time.
Yes, been there, ouch doing the half pass out. Maybe the rosettes are too tight. Good landing though, but that's probably a small part of the story. Great in the moment shot.
Very well captured, focus and composition are great despite the clearly candid moment. Hope the rider was Ok, looks like it could have been a sore one, the poor horse looks scared to death. Excellent shot all round.
A local 4-H club asked me to take some pics for their achievement days last fall - it involved a few horses and riders. I understand the difficulty in this shot and appreciste your efforts. Great shot!
have you altered the horses eye? looks a very peculiar look on a horse almost comical hehe, good capture unless you were stood there with some flags and an air horn ;) lol
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