One of my favorite things about working with equine rescues and auction horses is seeing the transformation that takes place once the horses are in their new homes and are blossoming with good care. It takes a little imagination for your mind’s eye to envision a slick summer coat under a fuzzy winter coat, and to add 100 pounds to an underweight horse, but these photos can help to crystalize the potential that these horses have:
Gatsby was already sold by the time I arrived at Camelot Auction on a Thursday afternoon in October 2010, but he was so handsome and proud that I photographed him anyway.
“#111 aprx 16 hds Gray Gelding rode thru calm very thin $325.00”
Little did I know that he was sold to someone who was going to keep him at the same barn where Wizard lives! I’ve had the pleasure of watching Gatsby turn into a well-loved jumper. He still has that same noble appearance, but now his coat gleams with good care and he is being prepared for the 2011 show season.
Gatsby in March 2011:
Gatsby at a schooling show in November 2010:
Gatsby at Christmastime…
Mimi is another stablemate of Wizard, and she has also become a barn favorite and a lovely riding horse. Here she is at Camelot…
“#66 Sorrel Mare 14.3 4 yrs rode thru calm- one blue eye the one she kept closing- when I blocked the light she opened it, she is very sweet and thin. $260.00”
Her runny and sensitive eye cleared up in a matter of days and now her vision is perfect. Mimi in March 2011:
Mimi and her Santa outfit:
I met Ursula at Camelot in December. She was probably my favorite horse of the day; while all the other horses munched on hay and rested, she romped around her pen, leaping and playing. She has a sparkle that immediately caught my eye.
Ursula at auction.
“#746 Bay filly. 12H and yearling. Standardbred. Scared and very thin. Needs tlc big time. Led through quiet. $50”
(middle)
And here she is in March at a local barn in New Jersey:
With horse show season just around the corner, please contact me if you know of any Camelot Auction graduates who are competing. I would love to cheer them on and take some pictures.
Rock and Racehorses: Sarah K. Andrew 