If you follow equine sports in April – especially in Kentucky – you likely know this is usually the beginning of a crazy time. Keeneland runs in April, the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event at the end of the month, followed by the Kentucky Derby.
While I love photographing Keeneland and my first real chance to get out of the house, the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of my favorites every year. Even though I have been a western rider most of my life, I have always been intrigued by eventing so getting to not only see some of the top eventers in person but also have a chance to photograph them is extremely fun.
It is only one of about two non-racing equine events I shoot every year, so it is also enjoyable to get to stretch my creative muscles away from the track.
I’ve photographed the Kentucky event every year since 2013, bar 2018 when I was abroad, so most of my experience comes during Michael Jung’s reign. The ultimate professional, Jung always gives the photographers good photo opportunities and isn’t afraid to show his emotions – both things that make for a great photo.
It is this attitude that led to a near perfect type of photo showing the emotion of a win after he won his third Kentucky Three-Day event on Fischerrocana FST in 2017. The mare is partially owned by his parents, so it was no surprise that Brigitte Jung was extremely excited when the pair secured the treble.
As we waited for the awards to start, Michael was circling “Roxie” as he shared a quiet moment with his mother. Moments where a horse gets attention after a good run or performance are my favorite to shoot (I would shoot candid/celebration shots all day every day if I could), but what really made the photo for me was this private moment between horse, rider, and parent even in front of a crowd of thousands.
It was extremely relatable because I’ve had moments like this with my parents and my horses after a good run as have most others.
For me this photo is the one that stands out most from my years photographing the Kentucky Three-Day Event because it was a reminder that no matter what level you’re riding at, the emotions horses bring out in all horsemen is the same from the novice rider to the Olympic Gold medalists.
Beyond The Lens is a monthly blog looking at some of Melissa’s favorite photos and why they mean so much to her. Interested in scheduling a photoshoot with Pyrois Media or just want some photography advice? Email Melissa@PyroisMedia.com for more information.
