A race, but not a race. A day for fun with friends and horses on a beautiful green course. Want to jump? Go ahead and jump. Don’t want to? Then just to around the thing.
In spite of the sweltering heat, people trailered in their Hunter Pace teams. Some with matching colored clothing, others more individualistic.
The Hunter Pace has several different levels from beginners to Masters. Each with increasing length and difficulty on the course. The team that wins is not the team that gets back first. Each team is individually timed on the course.
You see, the winning time is secretly timed before the day. The ideal time to arrive back to the finish line without going over. No one knows the secret time except the time keepers. The winners aren’t announced until all teams in the category complete the course.
It can be great fun, horses and girls gone wild. Some horses were great about jumping over fences.
Others, not so much.
Some gallop like wild banshees.
The Hunter Pace is a favorite for those wanting to enjoy the day with friends, family and horses. And if you’re curious, nope, Remy and I didn’t race this year. We just enjoyed others having fun.
Categories: 2013 Project 365, Equitrekking
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
It must have been hot as lathered up as the horses are. It’s a shame that the weather was like that for such a fun event.
I know. I was just standing in the open field and sweat was dripping off of me. I ended up not riding at all. Raining tonight and tomorrow and we’ll get a reprieve from this heat.
It cooled off almost 30 degrees here, so maybe you’ll have nicer weather soon.
This brings back memories! We had horses growing up and I took many riding lessons. Many a time, while learning to jump, my horse would stop short and I would fly over the fence all by myself! But you know what they say….
But I digress, I love your photos of these beautiful animals and their riders! Thanks so much for sharing.
Oh no ! I can just imagine you flying over the fences. I have a rule, if my mare can’t step over it, we’re not jumping it. Although one ditch she refuses to ever do. it’s always my opportunity to do a Half-Pass.
Thank you so much!
A wonderful collection of photos!! A day to remember, even if it was sweltering hot. Horses are graceful creatures…
They truly are. Thank you so much for your kind words Rebecca.
Beautiful photos, very well captured… 🙂
Really nice orange horse shoe… “hahaha”
Aren’t those crazy orange shoes? I found out this is a rescued horse from the racing tracks in Maryland. Seems he loves his new life.
They all look so elegant, horses and riding mates all working as one. Such a wonderful spectacle, I love the strong bodies and seemingly smooth rides (except when they aren’t going over, no way – no how – lol).
You are so poetic. Sometimes they work together..sometimes not so much. I’m with you, jumping? No thanks!
Terrific series Emily of an excellent event!
We are just getting the rain now and hopefully a cooling.
It’s definitely cooled off now the rain has passed. I’m off to Florida as I can’t live without the heat. 🙂
Do you have more photos of this event available? I’m looking for a few of the horses from Gentle Giants.
Oh darn! I wish I took pictures of your big boys but I didn’t. When I arrived I saw Lexie of Star Snapshots of your team. I didn’t want to step on her images as she does wonderful work. Brittany knows how to get in touch with her. I’m surprised she hasn’t posted the images yet as she’s usually pretty quick.
Thanks! We’ll keep a lookout for her pictures.
Adorable!!! Fun!! I love… “Some, not s’much.” 🙂 Hahahah!
LOL ! You are funny. Yep, that white horse was Nope..not going to do that. 🙂
I love these pictures! They’re so sharp and clear. I’m often around horses, but rarely with riders. I see that showing people riding makes much better pictures than horses alone.
You are so kind. It’s all that bird photography that I’ve been doing that really is helping my photography overall. I think horses alone can make some wonderful captures if you know how to capture their souls.
haha 😀 the dog portrait ist just gorgeous!
Isn’t he the cutest? thanks Evi.