Please check out the gallery of photos from the annual Upperville Colt & Horse Show I just posted. Held in Upperville, Virginia for the last 163 years, we enjoyed a perfect, albeit hot, sunny day. I photographed a variety of horses and riders ranging from young hunters to elegant ladies going sidesaddle. 

I'm always amazed at the myriad details that the eye misses but that the camera inadvertently picks up. I most enjoyed reading the expressions of riders in action; some of them tense, others surprised or pleased -- but mostly fiercely determined. There were some jump refusals, spills and mishaps which I did not include since I would be mortified if someone displayed similar photos of me. My favorites, rather, are the ones of fearless young riders, who even after losing a stirrup, charge forward toward the next jump determined to win their round.

Likewise, I have always admired the poised sidesaddle ladies, reminiscent of the hunt glamour of yesteryear, but still very present in the hunt field and in the show ring today. My intention was to take reference photographs for a future painting I have in mind, but I came away with so many choices that I may paint more than one...

In previous years, I have also photographed the Grand Prix riders and driving classes that are equally bold and elegant, some of which I've used to create paintings, as well.

I hope you enjoy the Upperville Colt & Horse Show gallery!