Before Dark at the Park: VIP Access to the Horse Park of New Jersey

GKB Coal Magic

AUGUST 28 •SEPTEMBER 11 •SEPTEMBER 25

4:00PM– 7:00PM

A new summer series for Horse Park of New Jersey members. First date is TOMORROW, August 28.

$20 per session for Horse Park members. Not a Horse Park member? Sign up today and your membership lasts through 2014.

Does your greenie in need of a little schooling? Does your seasoned pro ready for a tuneup? Would you like to work out some show ring jitters? The Horse Park of New Jersey is offering an EXCELLENT opportunity for VIP access for Horse Park members to the indoor and outdoor arenas.

You can also reserve a time to school in a dressage arena or ride in a free Intro to Centered Riding session.

Visit http://horseparkofnewjersey.com/calendar.html  for full details, and download the information here:

http://horseparkofnewjersey.com/2013_PDF/Before_Dark_at_the_Park_Flyer_%28Page_01%29.pdf

http://horseparkofnewjersey.com/2013_PDF/Before_Dark_at_the_Park_Flyer_%28Page_02%29.pdf

Photographer Sarah Andrew: 2012- A Year in Photos

Fuzzy winter profile

2011 in Photos
2010 in Photos

2009 in Photos
2008 in Photos

Happy New Year! Thank you so much for all of your support and for making 2012 such a memorable year.

– On my road trips in 2012, I tried to put a face on the “unwanted” horse population, over 3,500 of them, wherever these horses were, from local rescues and farms to the horses at the auction. Each week, I met these horses and interacted with them. The horses continually surprised and inspired me.

– I embarked on my second-annual fundraising project with my friend Gina Keesling from HoofPrints and together, we created Horses and Hope: Faces of Rescue, a 2013 calendar of our favorite rescue photos. Gina volunteered weeks of countless hours designing and producing these calendars. The final product was not a simple 12-month, 12-photo calendar, but was instead a masterpiece of inspirational quotes and over 100 photos. Although the photos could have easily created a gloomy tone, we worked hard to keep the theme positive and uplifting.

100% of the profit is donated to One Horse At A Time. OHAAT is an appropriate charity, since they are not a rescue that houses horses, but rather an organization that helps horses in need across the country. What I particularly like about OHAAT is their gelding grant program- how wonderful would it be for photos of our own rescue horses to help control the unwanted horse population? We raised over $40,000 with the proceeds from the 2012 calendar, and have already raised over $50,000 with the proceeds from the 2013 calendar!

– My work was published in several books and a variety of web/print publications, and featured as album art for bands. Through the TDN, my freelance work, and my volunteer work, I’ve met some tremendous friends and colleagues. HUGE thanks to the folks at HRTV, who took the time to interview me and promote the Horses and Hope calendar- you can view the interview here.

And now… on to the photos!

Sweet Lil Lolly and the rest of her broodmare band in Maryland were rehomed with the help of MidAtlantic Horse Rescue.

Sweet Lil Lolly

Walter, a horse found wandering the streets of New Jersey, settled in for some square meals and a roof over his head at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue in Perrineville, NJ.

Walter at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue in NJ

No visit to Helping Hearts is complete without a photo of the best donkey ever, Jefferson Airplane:

What Helping Hearts Equine Rescue, Inc. visit is complete without a photo of the best donkey ever, Jefferson Airplane?

Havre de Grace won the Eclipse for Horse of the Year, but the OTHER Horse of the Year was awarded to Neville Bardos, a Thoroughbred with an incredible story.

Neville Bardos- the OTHER Horse of the Year

Star pranced and played at Horse Rescue United in Chesterfield, NJ:

Star- available for adoption at Horse Rescue United

The Retired Racehorse Training Project got off to an ambitious start with the Trainers’ Challenge, which took horses from the track to the Maryland Horse World Expo, then to the farms of their trainers, and then to the final showcase at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo:

Retired Racehorse Training Program: Trainer Challenge: Brazilian Wedding

Retired Racehorse Training Program: Trainer Challenge: Solidify

Retired Racehorse Training Project Trainer Challenge at the MD Horse World Expo

Tiffany Catledge and Solidify: Retired Racehorse Training Project's Trainer Challenge

Tiffany Catledge and High Level: Retired Racehorse Training Project's Trainer Challenge

Tiffany Catledge and Solidify put on their game faces and perform in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the finale of the Retired Racehorse Training Project Trainer Challenge in Harrisburg, PA.

Retired Racehorse Training Project's Trainer Challenge Finale in Harrisburg, PA

Meanwhile, I connected with yet another great rescue, the wonderful folks at Zoar Ridge Stables and Rescue in Newtown, CT. Belle was pretty as a picture during her photo shoot:

Belle- available for adoption in CT

Also in Connecticut is Scarlet Rose Farm Equine Rescue, where Stiletto Slim, a Saddlebred, strutted his stuff:

Stiletto Slim- Available for adoption. Located in Connecticut.

In February, Georgia was on my mind. I took a ride with Lisa Post of Helping Hearts Equine Rescue, and we picked up the Quarter Horse Mare and did her intake photos (you’ll see more of her later).

Georgia- intake photos

Georgia- intake photo

Back at my barn, I enjoyed photographing Suzie Hehn’s weekly lessons, especially when the students jumped leftover Christmas trees:

Kon takes a mighty leap during Lesson Night at Handy Acres

My horse Wizard was content to catch snowflakes on his tongue:

Wizard, catching snowflakes on his tongue

Camelot Auction’s temporary closure did not prevent people from abandoning their horses on the property. After a licensing issue was settled, the auction was once again open for business (these horses also found homes).

Camelot Auction saddled with abandoned horses

Three weeks of good food gave Georgia some much-needed weight:

Remember Georgia?

Here and there, I managed to get some time in the saddle:

Wizard and Me

In March, fan favorite Hansen won the Gotham at Aqueduct, much to the delight of an enthusiastic crowd:

Gotham winners Hansen and Ramon Dominguez gallop off into the sunset

Sweet dreams at Camelot:

Sweet Dreams

Horses and humans alike celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at Handy Acres in Jackson, NJ:

The Wearin' o' the Green at Handy Acres

44 days after intake, Georgia was proud to show off her healthy coat and weight gain:

Georgia, tall and proud, 44 days later

In March, Festus and Eeyore, the famed “Aliens,” came into our lives:

Festus and Eeyore

Blue and White Brigid, a Morgan filly, shows off her Easter nest:

An Easter Nest

Blue and White Brigid

This spring, Jon and I visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Jonathan Andrew

In April, I officially became a horse owner once again, and Wizard was signed into my name. Here he is taking a spin around the pasture at our new barn:

It's official... after almost 4 years, I'm a horse owner once again! Wizard is adjusting well at our new barn.

Wizard stretches his legs in his new paddock

Some faces just beg for the camera:

"The photographer said to 'relax and be yourself'... Is this what she meant?"

A tall, dark, and handsome mule at auction:

Tall, Dark, and Handsome. In search of a "stable" relationship...

The official kitty greeting committee:

Official Camelot Kitty Greeting Committee

Smithwick and Mel Monti prepare for the Thoroughbred Jumper Classic at the Garden State Horse Show:

Smithwick and Melissa Monti

Linda McBurney and Less Is More get ready for the same jumper class:

Linda McBurney and Less is More

Saddlebreds at Camelot:

The Saddlebreds

Four’s a Charm, aka Ruslan, and Kacey Rovere at the $4,000 Thoroughbred Jumper Classic at the Garden State Horse Show:

Four's a Charm, aka Ruslan, and Kacey Rovere

Four's a Charm, aka Ruslan, and Kacey Rovere

Scout and Toppy spar in the fog in Cloudland, GA:

Gorillas in the Mist: Toppy and Scout spar in the fog

Hooligans!

Rosebud poses for her adoring fans at Central Virginia Horse Rescue:

Rosebud rules!

Some horses (and minis) know just what to do when a camera is pointed at them:

Hip #682

A super-cool blaze at Camelot:

Hip # 708

A star is born. Ruby (third from the left) makes her film debut:

Please call Camelot Auction at 609 448 5225 for more information about the kittens at the barn who are looking for homes.

And speaking of stars, my training blog about Thewifedoesntknow began in June:

Life After YouTube: the Next Chapter for Thewifedoesntknow

Wizard and Sunny graze at sunset:

Evening grazing with Wizard and Sunny

Brigid poses in the Black-Eyed Susans:

Blue and White Brigid in the Black-eyed Susans

Cathy and Miss Tuesday enjoy an evening in the Assunpink:

Cathy and Miss Tuesday

Week by week, Thewifedoesntknow blossoms into a promising hunter prospect:

Thewifedoesntknow: Training Blog, Week 3

Oh, Ruby, it must be exhausting being so cute:

It must be exhausting being this cute...

Okay, one more photo of her...

Halter tag at Camelot:

"Enough of these photos, let's play! Tag, you're it."

Three bay mares:

Three Bay Mares

Ruby is her usual enchanting self, this time with Sophia:

Sophia and Ruby

A friendly face at Camelot:

“Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.”—Alfred A. Montapert

Paynter, another racing fan favorite this year, storms home to win the Haskell:

Baffert Wins Third Straight Haskell With Awesome Again's Paynter

Kris and her BLM Mustang mare Sunny score ribbons at their first-ever dressage show:

Congratulations to Kris Milby and her mare, Sunny, a BLM Mustang and Helping Hearts Equine Rescue grad. They rode two wonderful tests at the dressage show yesterday.

“Find beauty not only in the thing itself but in the pattern of the shadows, the light and dark which that thing provides.” -Junichiro Tanizaki

"Find beauty not only in the thing itself but in the pattern of the shadows, the light and dark which that thing provides." -Junichiro Tanizaki

Paw, paw, splash, splash, bubbles, bubbles. Wizard loves his water crossings.

Paw, paw, splash, splash, bubbles, bubbles. Wizard loves his water crossings.

Thewifedoesntknow continues to progress under the careful guidance of Carole Davison:

Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog- Week 8... I RODE HER!

Oh, and I got to RIDE HER!!!

Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog- Week 8... I RODE HER!

In the lake with Wizard:

The Wizard of the Lake

Thewifedoesntknow gets a massage:

Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog: Ally-Gator Gets a Massage

A handsome face at Camelot:

Hip #296

Back at the barn after his victory in the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, To Honor and Serve gets the star treatment from Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and his groom.

Back at the barn after his victory in the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, To Honor and Serve gets the star treatment from Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and his groom.

Thewifedoesntknow schools at her first horse show:

Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog: Week 11, in which Ally-Gator goes to a Horse Show

Rachel and Lily ace the crocodile complex during a judged trail ride at the Horse Park of New Jersey:

Judged Trail Ride ar the Horse Park of New Jersey

Sunny makes friends with one of the trail ride obstacles:

Sunny, we're done with this obstacle. You don't need to make friends with the pony. Um, Sunny? Hellooo....

Remember Georgia from this February? Here she is in August!

Horses and Hope: Georgia's Story

Silver Gem at Horse Rescue United:

Silver Gem at Horse Rescue United

Bev Goff and her Camelot grad, Mimi, are all smiles at their first horse show:

CONGRATULATIONS to Bev and her wonderful mare Mimi on a great showing at Central Jersey today. 2nd and 3rd in their first-ever western pleasure classes together!

Christie and Brigid enjoy a Centered Riding clinic with Kathy Culler at Stone Tavern Equestrian Center:

Centered Riding clinic with Kathy Culler. Stone Tavern Equestrian Center, Allentown, NJ.

One white ear, one chestnut ear:

Hip #18

Point of Entry and John Velazquez win the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational S. at Belmont Park.

Point of Entry and John Velazquez win the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational S. at Belmont Park today.

Tristan struts his stuff during his Horses and Hope calendar shoot:

Horses & Hope: Tristan's Story

Sunny dances and prances for her calendar session:

Horses and Hope: Sunny's Story

And Wizard zooms around like a nut after his bath:

After a bath, there's nothing Wizard likes more than running around like a nut.

I just love a great blaze:

Hip #134

Lots of spots:

Lots and Lots and Lots of Spots

My little helpers:

My little helpers

Hong Kong Express at Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement:

Hong Kong Express at Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement

What’s black and white and cute all over?

What's black and white and cute all over?

10YO Thoroughbred, Tough and Good.

Toughie- be still, my beating heart...

“Fall For Horses” All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show at the Horse Park of New Jersey, hosted by Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement:

"Fall For Horses" All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show at the Horse Park of New Jersey, hosted by Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement

Monmouth Park stands strong in the wake of Hurricane Sandy

In photos: Monmouth Park stands strong in the wake of Hurricane Sandy

Another Camelot supermodel:

Hip #184

Bill and Mary, now in the care of Central VA Horse Rescue:

Bookends

Thewifedoesntknow, week 23: she gets better and better every time I see her.

Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog: Week 23

She also was very good at her first show:

Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog: Week 23

Simon, the Helping Hearts reindeer:

Simon

Joey P, a millionaire Santa:

Joey P

Sunset at Camelot:

Sunset at Camelot

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way… Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open… jog cart! Jessica (driven by a giggly me in this photo) is available for adoption at Horse Rescue United.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way... Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open... jog cart!

Hailey the beautiful Belgian is also looking for a home:

Blonde, bodacious Belgian looking for a home to call her own. Please contact Horse Rescue United for more information about Hailey.

My volunteer work started as a way to carry on the legacy of Alibar, my beloved first horse. It has shaped my philosophy as a student of the horse and a photographer. A “horse in need” can take many forms, from a horse standing in a feedlot, to a free pony on Craigslist, to an abandoned pet, to a critical case at a rescue. Next time you are feeling frustrated, I challenge you to take some time and give back to your community. Photographers: craft your own style. BE DIFFERENT. You may think that you only have a little skill and time to donate, but as you continue to give, you may find that you are able to give more and more. The horses will thank you.

In memory of Amy Tryon

Amy Tryon and Leyland

In memory of Dynaformer

Dynaformer

In memory of Mini Cooper

Mini Cooper

PHOTOBOMB (verb)- to drop in a photo unexpectedly... to hop in a picture right before it is taken.

In memory of Lefty

Lefty at Scarlet Rose Farm Equine Rescue

In memory of Sweetie

Sweetie

In memory of Love of Money

Love Of Money at Northview Stallion Station (PA)

In memory of Icarus

William Coleman III and Icarus

In memory of Bronson

Springtime in New Jersey

In memory of Maram

Maram

In memory of Sightseeing

Sightseeing

In memory of Johnny McCarthy

Jersey Fresh CCI*** 5/15/2005 Johnny McCarthy and Liza Horan

In memory of Steve

Steve

In memory of Cooper

Cooper at Horse Rescue United

In memory of Leela

Hip #715

In memory of Join in the Dance

Join In The Dance

In memory of Romeo

Hip #96

In memory of Cocoa

Hip #129

In memory of Graham

Hip #143

In memory of Abercrombie

Abercrombie 2004-2012

In memory of Rio

Hip #662

In memory of Missy

Hip #234

Last but certainly not least, in loving memory of Slade vom Marinik. Forever handsome, forever game, forever alert, forever my mom’s devoted dog. And in my dad’s words, a knucklehead.

Slade

Slade vom Marinik

Slade

Slade has his eyes on the prize

Funny Face

Saddles for Sale in Central NJ: Smith-Worthington, County, Bates, Circle Y

You can contact me through www.rockandracehorses.com about any of these saddles.

Smith-Worthington Danzig EC All Purpose saddle for sale

Asking $900 (negotiable) plus shipping for the Smith-Worthington. This is an English-made saddle with a very comfortable seat and EXCELLENT withers clearance for high-withered horses. 18″ seat and a MW tree- the seat is a small 18″ seat, and might work for someone looking for a 17 1/2″ seat. Steel & wood spring trees with strong overlapping steel head plates allow tree adjustment many times as your horse muscles and matures or if you get a different horse. Gussetted panels with virgin wool flock stuffing allow proper fit to your horse. “Fired” (pre-stretched) pure linen webbing ensures that the seat never sags- you sit in a “hammock” of web and never hit the steel bars of the tree. Deeply recessed stirrup bars nearly eliminate stirrup leather bulge under the skirts. Cowhide seat, bridle leather flaps. Knee rolls and removable thigh blocks. This saddle sold new for $3,000+ (click here to see it new). I’m selling this saddle because it does not fit my horse.

Smith-Worthington Danzig EC All Purpose saddle for sale

Smith-Worthington Danzig EC All Purpose saddle for sale

Smith-Worthington Danzig EC All Purpose saddle for sale

Smith-Worthington Danzig EC All Purpose saddle for sale

Smith-Worthington Danzig EC All Purpose saddle for sale

SOLD! Passier AP saddle for sale SOLD!

Passier VSD-type all-purpose saddle. It has a deeper seat, but is also suitable for jumping. Havana color. 18″ seat size. Tree is wide, with nice wither clearance. $400.

Passier Saddle for Sale

Passier Saddle for Sale

Passier Saddle for Sale

Passier Saddle for Sale

Passier Saddle for Sale

Stubben Portos AP saddle – SOLD!

SOLD! Stubben Portos (all-purpose type saddle with a fairly forward flap, making it good for jumping). 18″ seat size. Tree is 31cm, which is considered medium to medium-wide. The saddle is in good condition, with typical signs of use, but needs stitch work on the front. Saddle was stored in a house and lightly used by original owner, and then stored in a zipped saddle bag between rides by current owner. This is a very minimalist-type saddle, design-wise- there is not a lot of knee roll, padding, etc. The saddle has a tiny knee roll underneath, but the flap is flat (no padding or suede or anything like that). Leather is classic durable Stubben leather. I LOVE riding in this saddle, because I like very little in my way. It gives a lot of freedom for the leg, but has very nice balance. I’ve ridden for hours on the trail with it, and have jumped up to 3′ very comfortably. I’m selling the saddle because it does not fit my horse. Negotiable $150, plus shipping for anyone who needs it shipped. SOLD!

Stubben Portos saddle for sale

Stubben Portos saddle for sale

Stubben Portos saddle for sale

Stubben Portos saddle for sale

Stubben Portos saddle for sale

Stubben Portos for sale: $400 OBO

Stubben Portos for sale: $400 OBO

And these saddles are also for sale- my friends are selling them.

Circle Y Walnut Grove Flex2 Trail Saddle for sale

$1,500 plus shipping. Located in NJ. 15″ seat. Wide tree. Comes with special-ordered wool pad, two cinches, quilted saddle bag, lightweight nylon saddle cover, and spare latigo. Nearly new- less than 20 hours on the saddle.

Circle Y Walnut Grove Flex2 Trail Saddle for sale

Circle Y Walnut Grove Flex2 Trail Saddle for sale

Circle Y Walnut Grove Flex2 Trail Saddle for sale

Circle Y Walnut Grove Flex2 Trail Saddle for sale

County Fusion dressage saddle for sale

Narrow tree, 17″ seat. Price to be determined.

County Fusion dressage saddle for sale

County Fusion dressage saddle for sale

County Fusion dressage saddle for sale

County Fusion dressage saddle for sale

County Fusion dressage saddle for sale

Bates Isabell dressage saddle for sale

$700. 16 1/2″ seat, CAIR panels. M/W tree.

Bates Isabell dressage saddle for sale

Bates Isabell dressage saddle for sale

Bates Isabell dressage saddle for sale

Bates Isabell dressage saddle for sale

Bates Isabell dressage saddle for sale

From the TDN Blog: Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog, Week 1

Thewifedoesntknow: Training Blog, Week 1

Read all about the progress of this promising mare as she transitions from life at the track (and former YouTube sensation) to life as a show hunter: http://thetdnblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/thewifedoesntknow-training-blog-week-1.html

And here’s the introduction, in case you have not seen it yet… http://thetdnblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/life-after-youtube-next-chapter-for.html

Life After YouTube: the Next Chapter for Thewifedoesntknow

Blue Pop Rocks 101: How to Get Your Horse to Eat Omeprazole Granules

If you own a horse who has gastric ulcers and if you frequent the Chronicle of the Horse forums, you are probably familiar with the Abler enteric coated omeprazole granules, affectionately renamed “blue pop rocks” by a forum contributor.

Many horses eat the harmless, flavorless granules with no problem if they are sprinkled on a serving of grain. But sometimes, there are horses like Wizard, who object to the texture and decide that the pop rocks are poisonous.

Can we please go back to the old horse cookies?

For a while, I added a blob of molasses to his feed and dumped the pop rocks on the molasses blob, but then my friend Christie came up with a brilliant, less messy idea:

1) Buy a bucket of Stud Muffins, or similarly delicious, large, and SOFT horse treat.

2) You will need one muffin per sachet of granules. Put the first muffin in a small Dixie cup- the little bathroom ones work great.

3) For added softness, microwave the treat for a few seconds or add a few drops of water.

4) Make a hollow pocket in the muffin with your fingers, pressing the edges of the treat onto the walls of the cup. The deeper a pocket you can make, the better.

5) Pour one sachet of omeprazole granules into the hollowed-out treat.

6) Using the walls of the cup, mold the treat back into its original shape. This will conceal the omeprazole granules and make the treat look normal.

7) Remove the treat from the cup and feed to your horse. Yum!

Wizard

Beatrix Kiddo Andrew: 4/10/10 – 9/23/10

Beatrix

Beatrix Kiddo (aka Black Mamba, The Bride, etc)
Beatrix Potter
Bea
Bea Arthur
Bea-Bea
BB King
BeeBop
Justin Bieber
Beezie
Trixie
Kittenlicious

The nicknames went on and on. Anything as cute as Beatrix deserved an endless parade of nicknames.

My husband and I adopted Beatrix in July (read here). She was perfect in every way. Her vibrant classic tabby coat was as distinct as her personality.

Same model, different pose

Even as she struggled with FCV (Feline Calicivirus) and ended up spending a night at the pet hospital within the first week of her adoption, she charmed everyone; the veterinarians and hospital staff cooed over her vivid markings and sweet disposition. The receptionists always complimented her on her name and the vet techs all remarked how pleasant she was even when she had to do unpleasant things like x-rays and bloodwork.

Bryan did not take long to warm up to Bea. He was shocked by her disarming friendliness at first, but within a few weeks, they were napping together in their morning sunbeam.

Much to my dismay, they also formed a wake-up alliance and as a team, they were able to rouse me out of bed and into the kitchen to feed them at ungodly hours. Bryan had the muscle to jar me from my slumber; Beatrix’s methods, on the other hand, relied on her wit and dexterity. Within a few weeks, she was able to turn my iPod alarm clock on using her skilled kitten paws.

As with any new addition to a household, there was a certain amount of chaos in the Andrew abode for a few weeks after Bea’s arrival. I can remember waking up the first morning after we adopted her and feeling a little overwhelmed- I was sure of our choice to adopt her, but it was clear that life in our little apartment had changed. After caring for a sick kitten, I can only imagine how parents must feel after they have a baby.

The medication schedule that the pet hospital had administered to Beatrix was pretty intense- around the clock, I was dosing her with Chloramphenicol, Buprenex, and Metronidazole. I skipped a few weeks of photographing the Saratoga meet to care for her, but missing the country’s best racing to care for a kitten did not feel like a burden because she was in need.

Beatrix bloomed with good health after she kicked the Calici. Her increasingly nimble kitten feet took her all over the apartment, from the tiniest hiding spots to the tallest peaks. She honed her kitten-ninja skills every day, pouncing on toys, chattering at birds through the window, and leaping on Bryan’s constantly-wagging tail. And every night, the kitten ninja leapt into the bed and cuddled up for the night.

Our good times were achingly brief- little Bea got sick again within a few weeks. This time, she was diagnosed with Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), an incurable and fatal disease.

Reeling with the terrible news, I contacted the cat rescue to let them know. The director of the rescue had equally awful news for me- Acorn, little sister of Beatrix, had just died of the same disease a day ago. Apparently, the disease can be spread from a mother to her kittens and the disease can stay dormant for a few months before rearing its ugly head.

I’ve said goodbye to beloved pets before, and it always hurts, but there was something so terribly wrong with saying goodbye to such a young creature. While the loss of Alibar was devastating, he had lived a good, long life. Beatrix was just getting started. We thought she’d be in our lives for 15+ years and here she was, not even six months of age.

Even the decision of when to euthanize was horrid- her body was clearly failing her, but she was a kitten by appearance. This is one of the reasons I could not post about her passing on this blog until now. It stings every time I think of her.

My husband and I chose to say our final goodbye to her at home instead of bringing her back to the clinic. Pet Requiem treated Bea with dignity and compassion to the very end. Just as quickly as she had wriggled her way into our lives, little Beatrix had left us. It’s an incredible thing how something so small and so young can leave such a huge impression on the heart.

Beatrix Kiddo Andrew: 4/10/10 - 9/23/10

Equine Photographer Sarah Andrew: 2010- A Year in Photos

Happy New Year!

Thank you for all of your support. 2010 was another year of firsts for me as a photographer- there was rarely a dull moment! From being interviewed for the local news (link here) to driving a Standardbred racehorse on a training track in a jog cart, there were never enough hours in the day. I photographed the World Equestrian Games, Rolex, all three Triple Crown races, the Breeders’ Cup, dozens of Grade 1 races, dozens of horses in need at local rescues, and over 1,000 horses at Camelot Auction. I was proud to contribute a photo to a magazine that won Bill Finley an Eclipse Award for writing.

Click on any of these photos for more information:

Miss Tuesday starts off the year with a smile

Always a joker...

Jonathan Andrew at the Twisted Tree Cafe in Asbury Park, NJ

Jonathan Andrew at the Twisted Tree Cafe in Asbury Park, NJ

A morning with the TDN

Breakfast of Champions: Thoroughbred Daily News

Clowning around with Mary

Pardon? I cannot hear you with these gloves on my ears...

And Mary gets her teeth floated

Mary the Morgan gets her teeth floated

Riding Paris

Paris and Me

My first visit to Camelot Auction
Waiting in Apparent Silence

Slade

Slade

Sharing secrets

Sharing Secrets

Camelot Auction

Camelot Cuties

Noodles the snow kitty

Noodles: fearless snow kitty

JR after a February snowstorm

JR

Apollo and Atlas

Apollo and Atlas

Ashton

Ashton

Mary

Mary

Gulliver at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue
Gulliver at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Horsey hug

Horsey hug

Jonathan Andrew, Ralph Capasso, Mike Ferraro- Full-length album to be released soon! link here

Jonathan Andrew, Ralph Capasso, Mike Ferraro

Camelot Auction

Camelot Auction Hip # 472

Awesome Act in the winner’s circle after the Gotham

Awesome Act in the winner's circle after the Gotham

Relaxing at Camelot

Herd Dynamics

Riot

Riot

A Standardbred enjoying the sunshine in the care of Horse Rescue United

Enjoying a New Jersey vacation

Wizard gets new shoes

Hot Shoeing

Wizard

Wizard

Camelot

This Week's Available Camelot Auction Horses

Eskendereya and John Velazquez win the Grade 1 Wood Memorial

Eskendereya and John Velazquez win the Grade 1 Wood Memorial

John Velazquez – WinStar silks

John Velazquez - WinStar silks

Cammie, in foal with Guin at Camelot Auction

The Queen of Camelot

And baby Guin!

Announcing... Guinevere!

Wizard and me in April

Wizard and Me

Tara Ziegler and Buckingham Place at Rolex

Tara Ziegler and Buckingham Place

Blind Luck at Churchill Downs

Blind Luck at Churchill Downs

Tina Konyot and Calecto V- Kentucky Cup Grand Prix Freestyle

Tina Konyot and Calecto V

Hilda Donahue and Extravagance at Rolex

Hilda Donahue and Extravagance

Quirinal De La Bastide and Stanislas de Zuchowicz at Rolex

Quirinal De La Bastide and Stanislas de Zuchowicz

Kodiak Kowboy at Vinery

Kodiak Kowboy at Vinery

Sunshine Forever at Old Friends Kentucky
Sunshine Forever at Old Friends Kentucky

Bathtime for Blind Luck

Bathtime for Blind Luck

Kentucky Derby hats

I have to admit, photographing Kentucky Derby hats is kinda fun...

William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain at Rolex

William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain

Big Brown at Three Chimneys Farm
Big Brown at Three Chimneys

Rahy at Three Chimneys

Rahy at Three Chimneys

Unrivaled Belle defeats Rachel Alexandra in the La Troienne

Unrivaled Belle defeats Rachel Alexandra in the La Troienne

Super Saver and Calvin Borel win the Kentucky Derby

Super Saver and Calvin Borel win the Kentucky Derby

Wizard and me

Spring is in the air!

First Dude

First Dude

Seeking the Title is rounded up by an outrider after a spill in the Black Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico

Seeking the Title is rounded up by an outrider after a spill in the Black Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico

Nicanor in the Dixie Stakes

Nicanor in the Dixie Stakes

Much love for Strike A Deal

Much Love for Strike A Deal

Tidal Pool, Acting Happy, Khancord Kid in the Black Eyed Susan Stakes

Tidal Pool, Acting Happy, Khancord Kid in the Black Eyed Susan Stakes

Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver

Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver

Three Mares

Available horses at Camelot Auction this week

Hip #40- “Virgin Voyage” filly- read here

Hip #40- "Virgin Voyage" filly

Camelot

Hip #47- SOLD

Overgirths

Overgirths

Quality Road and John Velazquez win the Metropolitan Handicap

Quality Road and John Velazquez win the Metropolitan Handicap

Drosselmeyer: 2010 Belmont Stakes Winner posing in front of his blanket of carnations

Drosselmeyer: 2010 Belmont Stakes Winner Posing in Front of his Blanket of Carnations

Wizard and me

Wizard and Me

First Dude before the Belmont

First Dude before the Belmont Stakes

CC and Mary

CC and Mary

Karen Headley and Wizard

A Job Well Done...

Proviso (GB) and Mike Smith make their winning move in the G1 Just A Game Stakes

Proviso (GB) and Mike Smith make their winning move in the G1 Just A Game Stakes

Ultimate Journey- read about him here

Ultimate Journey

Presious Passion and Get Serious

Presious Passion and Get Serious

Camelot Auction

Hip #245 and 246- SOLD

Wizard and his stitches in June

FrankenWizard

Yoga horse

Yoga Horse- SOLD

The gloaming

The Gloaming

A trail ride at sunset

A Trail Ride at Sunset

Camelot

This Week's Camelot Auction Horses

Trolley

Trolley the Brave Mare

Trolley and the hole in her head

Trolley

Guin, growing up

Airs Above the Ground

Gone Astray and Cornelio Velasquez at the start of the Grade 3 Salvator Mile

Gone Astray and Cornelio Velasquez at the start of the Grade 3 Salvator Mile

Camelot chicken

The Chicken and the Hay Rack

Camelot

This Week's Available Camelot Horses

Beatrix

Bryan's Little Sister

My car inadvertently ending up at a classic car show

My Custom Hot Rod

Camelot

Camelot Auction, week of 7/14/10

Longears at Camelot

Hip #681, 678, 690

Rachel Alexandra and Calvin Borel win the Lady’s Secret Stakes

Rachel Alexandra and Calvin Borel win the Lady's Secret Stakes

Rachel Alexandra and the Monmouth Park crowd

Rachel Alexandra and the Monmouth Park crowd

Camelot

Camelot Auction: Week of July 21, 2010

Camelot

Looking for a Home

Wizard

Wizard

Ultimate Journey

Ultimate Journey

Horse, meet cow

Horse, meet Cow...

Trolley

Trolley

Wizard and me

Wizard and Me

Wizard and me

Wizard and Me

Martin Garcia and Lookin at Lucky after the Haskell

Martin Garcia and Lookin at Lucky

Cash’s fancy Haskell hairdo

Cash's fancy Haskell hairdo

Full house at Monmouth Park

Full house at Monmouth Park

Jonathan Andrew and Brett Harris at the Twisted Tree Cafe. Asbury Park, NJ

 Jonathan Andrew and Brett Harris at the Twisted Tree Cafe. Asbury Park, NJ

Camelot

Camelot Auction: Week of August 4, 2010

My favorite part of the photo? The woman in the white dress and pink hat in front of Blame’s nose is the one and only MARYLOU WHITNEY!

"Blame" it on Saratoga...

Even the baths are beautiful at Saratoga

Even the baths are beautiful at Saratoga

Wizard: equine landscape

Wizard: Equine Landscape

Rachel Alexandra

Rachel Alexandra

King of Spain

King of Spain

Haynesfield’s Whitney starting gate mishap

Haynesfield's Whitney starting gate mishap

Camelot

This week's Camelot Auction horses

Wizard and me

Wizard is aiming for the World Equestrian Games...

Camelot

This week's Camelot Auction horses

Camelot kitten

Camelot Kitten

Sunny

Sunny

Jest Abad Girl

Jest Abad Girl

Meet and greet

Meet and Greet

Dinner time at Camelot Auction

Dinner Time at Camelot Auction

Sharing lunch

Sharing Lunch

Camelot

This week's available horses at Camelot Auction

Afleet Express outgames Fly Down to win the 2010 Travers Stakes

Afleet Express outgames Fly Down to win the 2010 Travers Stakes

Looking for a home

Looking for a Home

Sierra at Horse Rescue United

Sierra

Mary the flower child

Mary the Flower Child

Wizard and me

Wizard and Me, September 2010

Camelot

This week's horses at Camelot Auction

Morning Commute: a pony rider on her way to Saratoga Race Course

Morning Commute: a pony rider on her way to Saratoga Race Course

Trainer Anouk Busch and Paisley

Trainer Anouk Busch and Paisley

Summer’s end

Summer's End

Mary’s lattice braid

Mary's Lattice Braid

So very Saratoga

So very Saratoga

Souper Spectacular (Zenyatta’s little half brother!)

Souper Spectacular (Zenyatta's little half brother!)

World Equestrian Games: Inonothing and Paul Tapner

Inonothing and Paul Tapner

World Equestrian Games: Iman du Golfe and Juan Carlos Garcia

Iman du Golfe and Juan Carlos Garcia

World Equestrian Games: Mavrick du Granit and Atsushi Negishi

Mavrick du Granit and Atsushi Negishi

World Equestrian Games: Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas

Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas

Bokeh mare- click here to see the rest of my October photo-a-day challenge

Bokeh Mare

Camelot

Camelot Auction

Camelot

Camelot Auction

Wizard and me

Wizard and Me

World Equestrian Games: Juan Munoz Diaz & Fuego XII

Juan Munoz Diaz & Fuego XII

World Equestrian Games- Anky Van Grunsven and Whizashingwallas

Anky Van Grunsven and Whizashingwallas

Zodiac- blogged here

Zodiac at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Festoon 1920-1944: A Grand Horse… He Always Tried

Festoon 1920-1944: A Grand Horse... He Always Tried

Wizard

Wizard's Whorls

Steeplechasing at Far Hills

Far Hills Race Meet 2010

Justin

Grullo and stone

Justin

Justin

Guin and Indigo

Guinevere and Indigo

Guin in October

Guinevere

Camelot

Itchy Teeth

CC, Gleason, Sierra at Horse Rescue United

CC, Gleason, Sierra

Turnout time at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Turnout time at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Zodiac in November at Days End

Zodiac at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Kentucky Equine Humane Center

Kentucky Equine Humane Center

Zenyatta

Zenyatta To Lane's End

Freckles, spots, dapples

Freckles, spots, dapples

Camelot

This Week's Available Horses at Camelot Auction

From flying lead changes to ribbons, it was a great year with Wizard

Wizard

Remsen winners To Honor and Serve and John Velazquez

Remsen winners To Honor and Serve and John Velazquez

Christmas photos

Now bring Leo some Figgy Pudding...

Six ears

Camelot Auction on the news!

Camelot

Hip #690, 693, 692

Camelot

This week's available Camelot Auction horses

Penny Austin and Charm, a Camelot graduate

Penny Austin and Charm

Cheyenne Shane at Horse Rescue United

Cheyenne Shane- available for adoption

Three bays

Three Bays

War Chant at Three Chimneys Farm

War Chant at Three Chimneys Farm

Lewis Michael

Lewis Michael at Three Chimneys Farm

Christmas wishes from Jefferson Airplane at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Buon Natale!

Prince the horse treats tourists to a carriage ride through the streets of Red Bank, NJ

Prince the horse treats tourists to a carriage ride through the streets of Red Bank, NJ

Camelot

This week's available horses

Camelot

This week's available horses

Camelot

This week's available horses

And Wizard ends the year with a smile

Wizard

******************************************************

IN MEMORIAM

I send my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Colin Davidson

Draco and Colin Davidson

In memory of Celtic Charisma (a.k.a Moose)

Celtic Charisma (a.k.a Moose)

In memory of Cabana Boy

Chris Hickey and Cabana Boy

In memory of Bowie

Bowie, the Italian Greyhound with one blue eye

In memory of CH Gypsy Supreme

CH Gypsy Supreme

In memory of Chloe

Chloe

In memory of Solar Flare

Solar Flare (ARG)

In memory of Petunia

Hip #214

In memory of Tabitha the pony

Spa day for Tabitha

In memory of Thatcatismine

Thatcatismine

In memory of Amelia

Interaction

In memory of El Rocco

El Rocco

In memory of Stoneridge Gigi

Hip #63

In memory of Hunter

Hunter- available for adoption

In memory of Taz

Taz

In memory of War Pass

Corey Nakatani pilots War Pass to his first victory

In memory of Rum Row

Rum Row (Broken Vow - Pretty Sweet, by Fusaichi Pegasus)

In memory of Shiloh

Hip #235

In memory of John’s Call

John's Call 1991 - 2010

In memory of Remi

Hip #275- SOLD

In memory of Alley Kat

Alley Kat

In memory of Gideon

Hip 775

In memory of Dennis/Sweet John

Hip #105

In memory of Rough Sailing

Rough Sailing

In memory of Master Command

Master Command

In memory of Tuscan Evening

Tuscan Evening and Rafael Bejarano

In memory of Buddy’s Saint

Buddy's Saint: Winner of the 2009 Remsen Stakes

In memory of Jenny

SOLD- Hip #818

In memory of Hope/Danielle’s Darling

Circle of Mares

In memory of Sky

Hip #70

In memory of Dalton

Hip # 61- SOLD

In memory of Kip Deville

In memory of Selena

Selena and Me

In memory of Beatrix, the most perfect kitten in the whole world

Same model, different pose

And in loving memory of Mike K., a dear friend to my entire family. He will be missed.

Equine Photographer Sarah Andrew: Photo-a-Day Challenge October 2010

So I took part in a challenge every day in October- I was assigned a word and each day, I had to take a picture that represented the word in some way. Photos had to be taken on the day. Here are the words and photos:

Oct 1- SKY (stars in the “sky”- taken in Kentucky at the World Equestrian Games)

Sky

Oct 2- CONTRAST (also taken at WEG)

Contrast

Oct 3- STALL (Calumet Farm in Lexington, KY)

Stall

Oct 4- RELATIONSHIP (back at home, riding Wizard)

Relationship

Oct 5- ONE (Presious Passion at Monmouth Park, on a rainy morning)

One is the Loneliest Number...

Oct 6- RED (Talullah Belle enjoys an apple)

Red

Oct 7- INTERACTION (two Belgians at Camelot Auction)

Interaction

Oct 8- BLUR (two Haflingers at my barn)

Blur

Oct 9- TRUST (Lily the Wonder Mare and her devoted owner)

Trust

Oct 10- SPONTANEOUS (never a dull moment with Indy the Appaloosa)

Indy being his usual spontaneous self

Oct 11- SYNCHRONIZED (Monmouth Park)

Synchronized

Oct 12- TAIL (Alibar’s tail)

Tail

Oct 13- WATER (Wizard, steamy on a cool night)

Water

Oct 14- WIDE (awesome Appaloosa mare at Camelot Auction)

WIDE

Oct 15- DETAIL (my old boots, my new boots)

Detail

Oct 16- LIGHT (Wizard’s new shoes)

Light

Oct 17- OLD (gates of Wolf Hill Farm)

Wolf Hill Farm

Oct 18- LOVE (grave of beloved steeplechaser Festoon, namesake of Festoon Farm in Colts Neck, NJ)

Festoon 1920-1944: A Grand Horse... He Always Tried

Oct 19- WHORL (Wizard’s “wheat ear“)

The Wheat Ear

Oct 20- COAT (a coat of hoof oil for Wizard)

A coat of hastily-applied hoof dressing

Oct 21- SPIRIT (taken at Camelot Auction)

Spirit

Oct 22- CIRCLE Taken at Winners International Farm in Chesterfield, NJ.

Circles

Oct 23- PERSPECTIVE (steeplechasing at Far Hills, NJ)

It's all uphill from here...

Oct 24- BOKEH Mary the Morgan was happy to be the bokeh mare

Bokeh Mare

Oct 25- PATTERN (another day at the office and another pile of sale catalogs at the Thoroughbred Daily News)

Another Day at the Office

Oct 26- ACTION (Monmouth Park)

Feeling Frisky

Oct 27- INTENSITY (Gatsby’s bath)

Gatsby's Bath

Oct 28- COLORFUL (a colorful personality at Camelot!)

One night only... PAVAROTTI!

Oct 29- PEACEFUL Gleason and Jasmine at Horse Rescue United in New Egypt, NJ

A Peaceful Introduction

Oct 30- SEPIA (a handsome grullo stallion in front of an old stone barn in Jobstown, NJ)

Grullo turned Sepia

Oct 31- BLESSING Little Guin frolicks with her playmate at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue in Perrineville, NJ

Guinevere's Blessing