Walter’s World: the Story of a Homeless Horse

A horse was found wandering by the road in New Jersey in autumn 2011. Animal Control picked him up and held him for a few days. Nobody claimed him, so he took residence at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue in Perrineville, NJ, and was named Walter.

After getting three months of regular meals, Walter went from this…

To this…

Recently, Walter was evaluated under saddle, and he’s gaited! His stocky build makes him look like a Quarter Horse, but there’s no mistaking the way he moves…

Here’s more information from Helping Hearts- please contact HHER if you’re interested in adopting Walter:

“Walter is approx 18 yrs, 14.3 hh. And will be suitable for an advanced beginner on up. I plan to start putting my lesson kids in him this weekend to hack him out and start toning him up.

He’s got wonderful ground manners though he does start getting wiggly and anxious at meal-time. That is something I see with virtually every starvation case. That behavior subsides after a while when they finally realize they won’t miss a meal.

He was under saddle once do far. He was initially wiggly to mount but after 10 minutes of insisting that he stand, he did. He initially aimed for the door, and the other horses – typical school horse type study –nothing horrible or unsafe. Just needs to be pushed thru it. Some basic schooling sessions will take care of that.

He can be a bit dominant in the field, works it out in a general population but should not be paired with an overly submissive horse because he’ll bully her.

He is a nice, personable, sweet horse. His adoption fee will be $300.”

Photographer Sarah Andrew: 2011- A Year in Photos

2010 in Photos
2009 in Photos
2008 in Photos

Happy New Year! I cannot thank everyone enough for all the support and friendship, through the highs and the lows.

First… the good:

– My work was published in four books and a variety of web/print publications, and featured as album art for two bands. The friends and colleagues I’ve met through the TDN and through my freelance work are tremendous people.

– Since January 2010, I’ve photographed over 2,500 homeless horses. On my many road trips in 2011, I visited 10 rescues in 7 states. I try to put a face on the “unwanted” horse population, wherever these “unwanted” horses may be, from local rescues and farms to the horses at Camelot Auction in Cranbury, NJ. Each week, I meet these horses and spend time interacting with them. The proprietors of the auction have been very gracious in letting me photograph their livestock, and our network on volunteers help to give these horses a unique opportunity. The horses continually surprise me. Over 2,500 animals beg to be captured by my camera.

– The impact and scope of the Camelot Effort has reached far beyond my wildest expectations for both the horse community and my personal views as a photographer. The public response to the auction photos has been overwhelmingly positive, and it became clear that they had value far beyond their initial “mug shot” for identifying horses’ faces and conformation. Although my time and budget were already stretched painfully thin, I embarked on a huge fundraising project with my friend Gina Keesling from HoofPrints and together, we created a calendar of our favorite auction 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 auction photos could have easily created a gloomy tone, we worked hard to keep the theme positive and uplifting. In the end, I think we were successful. We are doing a THIRD print run, and you can order a calendar here (click here).

100% of the profit is being 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 Camelot horses to help control the unwanted horse population? To date, the calendar has raised over $33,000 for One Horse At A Time.

Penny Austin, co-founder of One Horse at a Time, said it best:

“Those of us who have these calendars know how special they are. Not only are they a work of art, they are an incredible teaching tool, but most of all, they are a resounding testament to the power of each one of us doing just one thing – and how each of our “just one thing” combined with everyone else’s has the power to MOVE MOUNTAINS. Don’t ever forget that. Don’t ever think that you can’t offer but a little. Your little is mighty. Always.”

Check out some of the great reviews of and discussions about the calendar:
Teresa Genaro’s Raceday 360 column here.
Fran Jurga’s Horse Tip Daily Radio Show here.
My own blog account of the project, along with dozens of amazing positive comments here.
A nice mention in the EQUINE Ink blog here.
Horse and Man’s “Booty with Benefits” gift ideas here.

And now… on to the photos!

A chilly New Jersey January 2011 greeted the horses at Camelot…

On what had to be the coldest day of the year, I took a drive to Long Island and visited Project Sage Horse Rescue. Not only was I delighted to see a barn full of happy, healthy horses, but I was touched to see the enthusiasm of the young volunteers at the rescue. The impact that these organizations have on the community and youth organizations is profound.

Brittany Rostron, founder of Project Sage Horse Rescue (and Sal!)

Fred, a beloved resident of Helping Hearts Equine Rescue braves the NJ cold with his friend Hayley for a photo op.

Blonde, Brunette, Redhead

Wintertime Wizard

The Mane: a study in texture at Camelot

A photo that was used for a successful fundraiser for Beech Brook Farm Rescue

Tristan, a Belgian purchased at New Holland Auction, and his friend Tyler, at Horse Rescue United in NJ. He has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, but surgery on his eye has greatly improved his comfort and he’s currently living the good life at the farm.

Two heads are better than one at Camelot

Lean on Me

Romeo’s eye at auction (he is in the care of Hoofing Around Rescue)

Bedded down

Wizard steals a kiss while I’m trying to put my hair in a ponytail

Watching over you

Sleeping beauties

Slade loves the Asbury Park Press

And Slade has his eyes on the prize

Lily caught spring fever during a February warm spell

Trolley at Horse Rescue United after a successful surgery on the hole in her head

Duke at the Standardbred Retirement Foundation. Duke, 21, also known as Neet Control. He is blind and lives with his paddock friend Taxi at the SRF.

Standardbred Retirement Foundation. HEY! What are you doing to OUR hay rack???

Wizard, under the arena lights on a cold February night

Camelot Auction

Readymade Breakup at Maxwell’s. Hoboken, NJ

Julio Mendoza of Mendoza Dressage, LLC on Friesian gelding Meindert- dancing alongside Lindsey Winkler. Theatre Equus- Horse World Expo – MD & PA 2011.

Lily and the Peep

Stay Thirsty and Ramon Dominguez win the Grade III Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct

Jonathan Andrew at Maxwell’s in Hoboken. Mike Ferraro and the Young Republicans record release party.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

Gatsby, a Camelot Auction graduate

Mimi, another Camelot grad

(Mimi at auction)

Juan the Hinny

Come hither

Rosa and a friend at Camelot

Rancocas Farm gate on the property of Helis Stock Farm in NJ

Zoey at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue (after photo)

Zoey (before photo, ©HHER)

Burke’s fabulous feathers

Wood You Believe? Toby’s Corner takes the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct

Wizard at night

A conversation at Camelot

This one reminds me of the scene in The Black Stallion when Alec leaves sugar cubes on the ledge for him to eat…

Love this mane…

Wizard, all shed out in the springtime

Rocking my retro Navajo saddle blanket

Welcome, Blue and White Brigid!

Pony dreams

“I thought I heard a peppermint…”

“Hey, buddy, you have a little piece of alfalfa in your teeth…”

Atlantic City Race Course

Happy Mother’s Day

Camelot Auction graduates Chip and Dale, in the care of Liberty Equine Rescue in NJ.

Things always look better in the morning

Wizard and me

Ashley Adams and Vaunted- through the Keyhole at Jersey Fresh. Vaunted is a Thoroughbred by Two Punch- he raced twice. Read more about Thoroughbreds who were racehorses and became eventers here: http://thetdnblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/from-finish-line-to-start-box.html

Learning how to share

Rosebud, official mascot of Central Virginia Horse Rescue

Esme

Maryam and Sienna

The end of May can mean only one thing…

Esme

John the Mule loves Laffy Taffy

Bogey at Central Virginia Horse Rescue (after photo)

Bogey (before photo)

Rosebud’s “bell tail”

Push In the Chips BFF, aka Chip, a Tennessee Walking Horse

Hi-Ho Final!

Wayward kitten

GKB Coal Magic, Morgan sporthorse stallion

Groucho Marx, a Camelot bunny who was adopted

Chance, available for adoption from Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Simon is a man of few words…

One of the most striking examples of the hard work of volunteers and the strength of the equine spirit is Zodiac, a Thoroughbred currently living at Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Maryland. He was a victim of severe neglect, and over the past 18 months, I have been able to document his progress from standing in his sling to frolicking in his pasture. Zodiac is a farm favorite, and many volunteers have remarked that just saying hello to him in the morning can brighten a gloomy day. He is a horse with the heart of a lion, and he’s also a symbol of the spirit of rescue.

Zodiac at Days End Farm Horse Rescue (after photo)- read more here

Zodiac (before photo)

Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice

Fly like a Wizard

Black on Black

Cathy and the wish lantern

Jonathan Andrew

Sophia, future mouser of America

Kris and Philly

Flying

Kat and Chip, her Tennesee Walking Horse

Wizard wants to be an eventer when he grows up (me too)

Curves

Abstract: fly spray

Draft board meeting

The fabulous flying Wizard

MOR at Kaboomfest- Marine Park, Red Bank, NJ

Bright eyes

Taste

Smell

See

Touch

Hear

Stiletto Slim, available for adoption at Scarlet Rose Farm Horse Rescue in CT

The everyday care of rescue horses is something so inspiring that it begs to be photographed. The selfless devotion that these people have for their equine friends is beautiful.

Percy at Scarlet Rose Farm Equine Rescue

Percy at auction

The Big Mare

Cosmo, Ponytales Rescue in PA

Little bubbly green cocktail at the Haskell

Chaps

Coil and Martin Garcia win the 2011 Haskell

Haflinger Hugs

The Dog Days of Summer

“Is that MY pedigree?” Whippendeal (Unbridled’s Song x Dream Supreme), Hip #111 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale

Rajiv Maragh and Tizway- Whitney winners

Curious

Creature comforts

Shackleford’s workout

Saratoga morning

A 5 o’clock shadow and swishy tail usually end up in the photo cull pile, but they are key elements in this one…

One, Two, Three

Sunny, adopted from Helping Hearts Equine Rescue- Wizard’s new neighbor

Real Men Wear Pink

Wizard, prepared for Hurricane Irene

Valentine

Will this hideous watermark prevent this Havre de Grace portrait from ending up on eBay? Probably not

Larry Jones, trainer of Havre de Grace

Silhouette

Hopping hay bales with the Wizard

Do you hear what I hear?

Gatsby’s calendar photo

Jonathan Andrew and MOR at Buddie’s Tavern in Sayreville, NJ

FOG

THE fog comes
on little cat feet.

It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

-Carl Sandburg

Between the bars

“Hello, Mo!” Havre de Grace eyes Uncle Mo at Belmont Park

Portrait of a Mule

Friends

Combined Driving at the Horse Park of NJ

Galileo- Friesian stallion

“I’ll lean on you and you lean on me and we’ll be okay” -Dave Matthews Band

Mr November

“The sincere friends of this world are as ship lights in the stormiest of nights.” Giotto di Bondone

Wistful

Slade vom Marinik

I get by with a little help from my friends

Wizard’s whiskers

Wizard and me

Zodiac at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Penny, Charm, and me with the calendar check

Playtime

Indian Delight: from Camelot Auction to Kentucky

Indian Delight at auction

Zorro, a Camelot graduate

Zorro (before)

Silver Gem at Horse Rescue United

Attentive

Sophia

Boys will be boys- Zehpyr and Mini Cooper at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Dragon Fire

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. The face of equine photography is changing faster than you can imagine. I find myself photographing less frequently at the racetrack, where there is a line of a dozen photographers all trying to get the same shot; I find myself more often at a unique location, taking a unique picture, trying to make a change.

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 Homeward Maryland, aka Mary

In memory of Royal, aka Dirty Dog

In memory of Rahy

In memory of Frisky Spider

In memory of Run Kiva Run

In memory of Bart

In memory of Devil May Care

In memory of Jade Hunter

In memory of Norman

In memory of Fleet Indian

In memory of Tulip

In memory of Kensei

In memory of K R’s Regent

In memory of Giant Moon

In memory of Dodger

In memory of Avalon

In memory of Jake

In memory of Angel

In memory of Flame

In memory of Lotto

In memory of MollyCakes, aka A Passing Motion

In memory of Roxie

In memory of Meg

In memory of Legacy

In memory of Stormello

In memory of Thelma

In memory of Sergeant

In memory of Cellar Dweller

In memory of Jake

In memory of Weston

In memory of Goldie

In memory of Payton

In memory of Spencer

In memory of Michael Baze

In memory of Jess Jackson

And most of all, in loving memory of my father, Peter Anderson. “Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.” ~Emily Dickinson

photo ©2005 Wells P. Wilson

From the TDN Blog… It Takes a Village: One Mare’s Journey Back to the Bluegrass

Many times, I’ve been asked if I was ever tempted to buy a horse from Camelot Auction, especially after photographing over 2,000 of them. Well, there was this one time… sort of… Click here: http://thetdnblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/it-takes-village-one-mares-journey-back.html

Camelot Auction Graduates- Before/After Photos

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”

Gatsby at auction ©Ida Howell/Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

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”

Mimi at auction ©Ida Howell/Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

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.

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

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

A morning with the TDN

Clowning around with Mary

And Mary gets her teeth floated

Riding Paris

My first visit to Camelot Auction

Slade

Sharing secrets

Camelot Auction

Noodles the snow kitty

JR after a February snowstorm

Apollo and Atlas

Ashton

Mary

Gulliver at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Horsey hug

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

Camelot Auction

Awesome Act in the winner’s circle after the Gotham

Relaxing at Camelot

Riot

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

Wizard gets new shoes

Wizard

Camelot

Eskendereya and John Velazquez win the Grade 1 Wood Memorial

John Velazquez – WinStar silks

Cammie, in foal with Guin at Camelot Auction

And baby Guin!

Wizard and me in April

Tara Ziegler and Buckingham Place at Rolex

Blind Luck at Churchill Downs

Tina Konyot and Calecto V- Kentucky Cup Grand Prix Freestyle

Hilda Donahue and Extravagance at Rolex

Quirinal De La Bastide and Stanislas de Zuchowicz at Rolex

Kodiak Kowboy at Vinery

Sunshine Forever at Old Friends Kentucky

Bathtime for Blind Luck

Kentucky Derby hats

William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain at Rolex

Big Brown at Three Chimneys Farm

Rahy at Three Chimneys

Unrivaled Belle defeats Rachel Alexandra in the La Troienne

Super Saver and Calvin Borel win the Kentucky Derby

Wizard and me

First Dude

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

Much love for Strike A Deal

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

Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver

Three Mares

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

Camelot

Overgirths

Quality Road and John Velazquez win the Metropolitan Handicap

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

Wizard and me

First Dude before the Belmont

CC and Mary

Karen Headley and Wizard

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

Ultimate Journey- read about him here

Presious Passion and Get Serious

Camelot Auction

Wizard and his stitches in June

Yoga horse

The gloaming

A trail ride at sunset

Camelot

Trolley

Trolley and the hole in her head

Guin, growing up

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

Camelot chicken

Camelot

Beatrix

My car inadvertently ending up at a classic car show

Camelot

Longears at Camelot

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

Rachel Alexandra and the Monmouth Park crowd

Camelot

Camelot

Wizard

Ultimate Journey

Horse, meet cow

Trolley

Wizard and me

Wizard and me

Martin Garcia and Lookin at Lucky after the Haskell

Cash’s fancy Haskell hairdo

Full house at Monmouth Park

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

Camelot

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!

Even the baths are beautiful at Saratoga

Wizard: equine landscape

Rachel Alexandra

King of Spain

Haynesfield’s Whitney starting gate mishap

Camelot

Wizard and me

Camelot

Camelot kitten

Sunny

Jest Abad Girl

Meet and greet

Dinner time at Camelot Auction

Sharing lunch

Camelot

Afleet Express outgames Fly Down to win the 2010 Travers Stakes

Looking for a home

Sierra at Horse Rescue United

Mary the flower child

Wizard and me

Camelot

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

Trainer Anouk Busch and Paisley

Summer’s end

Mary’s lattice braid

So very Saratoga

Souper Spectacular (Zenyatta’s little half brother!)

World Equestrian Games: Inonothing and Paul Tapner

World Equestrian Games: Iman du Golfe and Juan Carlos Garcia

World Equestrian Games: Mavrick du Granit and Atsushi Negishi

World Equestrian Games: Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas

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

Camelot

Camelot

Wizard and me

World Equestrian Games: Juan Munoz Diaz & Fuego XII

World Equestrian Games- Anky Van Grunsven and Whizashingwallas

Zodiac- blogged here

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

Wizard

Steeplechasing at Far Hills

Justin

Justin

Guin and Indigo

Guin in October

Camelot

CC, Gleason, Sierra at Horse Rescue United

Turnout time at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Zodiac in November at Days End

Kentucky Equine Humane Center

Zenyatta

Freckles, spots, dapples

Camelot

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

Remsen winners To Honor and Serve and John Velazquez

Christmas photos

Six ears

Camelot

Camelot

Penny Austin and Charm, a Camelot graduate

Cheyenne Shane at Horse Rescue United

Three bays

War Chant at Three Chimneys Farm

Lewis Michael

Christmas wishes from Jefferson Airplane at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

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

Camelot

Camelot

Camelot

And Wizard ends the year with a smile

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

IN MEMORIAM

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

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

In memory of Cabana Boy

In memory of Bowie

In memory of CH Gypsy Supreme

In memory of Chloe

In memory of Solar Flare

In memory of Petunia

In memory of Tabitha the pony

In memory of Thatcatismine

In memory of Amelia

In memory of El Rocco

In memory of Stoneridge Gigi

In memory of Hunter

In memory of Taz

In memory of War Pass

In memory of Rum Row

In memory of Shiloh

In memory of John’s Call

In memory of Remi

In memory of Alley Kat

In memory of Gideon

In memory of Dennis/Sweet John

In memory of Rough Sailing

In memory of Master Command

In memory of Tuscan Evening

In memory of Buddy’s Saint

In memory of Jenny

In memory of Hope/Danielle’s Darling

In memory of Sky

In memory of Dalton

In memory of Kip Deville

In memory of Selena

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

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

Camelot Auction: Eight Months Later

An incredible thing is happening in New Jersey- a giant network of horse people is pooling resources and finding homes for hundreds of horses. This network has gotten the word out across the country, and has even crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Every Wednesday night, Camelot Auction runs its sale in Cranbury, NJ. Riding horses, livestock, and tack are all sold throughout the evening. The horses who are unsold and without a reserve price run the risk of being sold to the feedlot and being shipped to slaughter. In an effort to find homes for these horses, a network of equine rescue groups have created a system of cataloging, photographing, and disseminating information about these horses. The information is shared via Facebook, message boards, blogs, and word of mouth. Helping Hearts Equine Rescue began the organized effort in November 2009, but has been working with the auction to pull horses in need long before then.

The success of the Camelot network has a lot to do with how the auction is run. The proprietors are very professional and helpful. Unlike most other auctions, they are willing to work with equine rescue groups. Many of the horses sold at the auction are riding horses, either for show or pleasure, and the folks at Camelot take good care of their stock while they are on their property. The excitement is on Wednesday nights, and the horses are grateful to rest on Thursdays. Some have traveled many miles across many states and through several auction rings before they get here. They get some good sleep, and they groom one another.

The pens are clean and bedded with shavings, with ample room to walk around and lie down. Horses have access to hay and water at all times. All horses are sheltered from the heat and cold, and more importantly, the ventilation is excellent. In the summer, fans cool the horses. If a horse cannot be with other horses for health or behavioral reasons, the horse is stalled. Medical care is administered to horses who are ill.

In January 2010, I began my work photographing horses at Camelot Auction. In February, I shared my initial experiences and observations (click here to read). As an independent volunteer, I go to Camelot every Thursday and photograph all horses who were unsold on auction night. I edit the photos and post them online in order for the horses to be networked until the Saturday afternoon deadline. Since November 2009, not a single horse in this networking effort has shipped to slaughter from Camelot.

I’ve photographed many hundreds of horses; by my rough estimate, roughly 15% are Quarter Horses, 10% are Paints (or stock-horse-type Pintos) 7% are Thoroughbreds, and well over 30% are of unknown heritage. I’ve laid eyes on a few exotic breeds, over a dozen warmbloods, and many mules. I’ve seen miniature horses and 18-hand drafts; weanlings to horses pushing 30; colors from the pearliest cremello to the deepest ebony black; registered horses with a show record to unhandled youngsters.

As an equine photographer, my Camelot work puts me through my paces. Breaking horsey photo rules is necessary due to the environment. I shoot with a 17-55mm lens and a flash, instead of my trusty 70-200mm and natural light. The exposure changes with every single shot. My ISO is cranked quite high. I don’t use the same angles that I do for my usual farm calls, since I only post two photos of each horse: a body photo and a headshot. These horses are not being held- they are loose. My images are honest- if a horse has a crooked leg, there is nobody standing him just-so to make it disappear into the photo. My lifetime of riding and working with horses comes into play as well; I am always mindful of my safety and the safety of the horses. The proprietors look out for me and tell me when I need to take extra care around an especially skittish horse.

The stories of the horses in the auction could fill a book, from a filly being born to the blue-blooded horses who have been returned to their grateful breeders to the high drama among the rescue groups. These horses have gotten some media coverage and I’ve traveled across the state to visit them after they have arrived at their new homes. There are still many unanswered questions about homeless horses, slaughter, euthanasia, ethics of rescue groups, shady Craigslist dealers, and equine overpopulation. It is helpful to consider all of these issues, and it is even more helpful to set a foot in the direction of change.

My work at Camelot has influenced my work as a professional photographer. The equine photography industry is comprised of many followers and just a few leaders. The dedication, energy, and heart that it takes to make this Camelot network thrive is fueled by innovative and caring individuals. If you are interested in making a difference, my challenge to you is to blaze your own path, share your unique and creative vision, and use your talents to help other horses in need.

A Visit to Camelot Auction

This is a relatively new aspect of the equine industry that I am exploring and I appreciate all feedback and comments you may have about the topic.

For the past year or so, I’ve had my eye on the Camelot Sales Auction horse sale results. I read Fugly Horse of the Day and her Washington (state) auction reports have piqued my interest in our local sales. Camelot is located in Cranbury, NJ.

This summer, I attended the auction a few times, visiting both the auction ring and the holding pens. All horses have shelter, feed, and unlimited hay and water. They are bedded on shavings and can lie down to rest. One night, I saw a tall, handsome grey warmblood type. This gelding knew his stuff, changing leads and taking jumps with casual grace. He sold for about $2,000. Another night, I saw a pinto pony sell for $750 but he looked like he was worth his weight in gold; he could jump the moon and was as game as could be.

The folks who bought these horses had a good eye for horseflesh and took home some quality animals. These horses were sound, attractive, and well-trained. Why are horses sold at public auction instead of through a private sale? An auction can be a good way to assess the market value of a horse. The horses are sent to auction for so many reasons, from an owner’s divorce to a retired lesson horse to a person who cannot afford his rent. With people tightening their financial belts and cutting back on luxuries, the horse population is undergoing big changes. Factors as basic as the time of year can lead to increased horses at auction in the wintertime due to the increased cost of feeding a horse. People who could afford to keep multiple horses a few years ago are struggling to keep one or two now. Some are getting out of the business completely. A barometer of the climate can be seen in the decline of public auction prices, all the way from the elite Thoroughbred sales to the local riding horse auctions.

At the lower end of the market, there is the added element of the feedlot buyer. Some sellers create a reserve price and if the horse is an RNA (reserve not attained), the seller takes the horse back. Horses without a reserve run the risk of being sent to slaughter. If there are no bids over the going rate for horsemeat, a horse can be sold for slaughter at a public auction.

The question of equine slaughter is a major hot-button topic among horsemen. I don’t know the answer but I’m doing my best to learn more about the subject. Some see equine slaughter as a necessary evil and as a means to control the horse population. Some see horses as livestock and find equine slaughter no more disturbing than the slaughter of cattle. Some see it as inhumane. Some see it as an end that is kinder than years of neglect.

As is the case with any controversial topic, it is quite difficult to get the whole story from either side. Slaughter is not the same as euthanasia, nor is it the same as rendering. At the heart of the debate is the actual treatment which the horses receive both en route to the plant and at the plant itself. Since 2007, slaughter plants in the United States have all been shut down so horses are now shipped to Canada or Mexico. A cursory Google search will provide some of the details of horse slaughter, but be warned, the videos and photos are quite graphic.

Due to the recent decrease in private horse buyers, there appears to be an increase in the number of horses sold at public auction being sold for slaughter. Within the past few months, a network of horse rescue groups have rallied around some large auctions, including New Jersey’s Camelot, and made an attempt to find a home for every horse intended for slaughter and relocate them to rescue groups, foster homes, or private owners.

Each week, the descriptions and photos of every available feedlot horse are posted online and distributed across the online horse community. For the past few months, the number of horses getting purchased from Camelot is high: virtually every horse has been privately sold/adopted from the feedlot. A lot of questions have been raised about these horses. Where do these horses come from? Who is benefiting from this process? What exactly are people rescuing? What happens to the horses who are rescued but have chronic health or behavioral issues? How long can this adoption streak keep up?

My mother, a friend, and I headed to Camelot last week to photograph available horses the morning after the auction. As a horse photographer, I’ve learned that a good photo of a horse can be what gets him a home. I figured that the more photos people can see of the horses, the better they can see conformation and personality.

From a photographic standpoint, I had to break all my usual rules in order to get the shots. Because the horses are close-up and indoors, I ditched my trusty telephoto lens and natural light and instead shot with a wide angle zoom lens and a speedlight (flash).

The process took about 45 minutes. The proprietor was courteous and had one of his assistants help us find all the horses on our list. Many auction proprietors do not allow post-auction purchases so we are fortunate to have this courtesy available to us in New Jersey. We walked from pen to pen, and eventually all 35 horses were photographed. It was a quiet morning, the only ruckus came from a stall where a miniature horse stallion was calling to potential girlfriends. Horses rested, munched on hay, or watched us. Some were shy, nervously walking away and some were friendly, nosing us curiously.

Only when I got home and began to edit the photos did the horses’ stories spring to life. I began to match up the hip numbers with the descriptions…

“Belgian Draft Mare, 16.2 hh, 15 yrs., droopy ears, looked ‘sad’, picked up feet. Purportedly exposed to Mammoth Jack. So could be pregnant for a Mammoth Mule.”

“Bay Pony Mare, 14 hh, 4 yrs old, a little head shy in the pen, Green under saddle, probably never ridden before tonite . . . . $150.00 NOT FOR A BEGINNER.”

“Palomino Gelding, 15.2 hh, 5 yrs old, looked gaited. Ridden thru, not much info. $225.00”

“Bay mare, Looks like a mule, but possible illegible lip tattoo (or pigment) maybe Standardbred if NOT a mule, 16 hh. 15 yrs, let thru, very, very thin – -we’re talking about 200+ lbs. . .. $150.00”

“Palomino Mare, 15.3 hh, 15 yrs., Very nervous/worried, but cute. Was a backyard mare, people ran out of money, led thru quiet but said to be broke to ride . . $100”

“Sorrel/roan Grade/App Gelding with an enormously swayed back. Led thru, but is supposed to be a games horse, intermediate+ rider . Find a Saddle for this guy! . . . $100.00”

“Very, Very thin Black/white pinto Gelding. 6 yrsl, 16 hh, went thru very quickly, think the price was $100.00 – -just led thru.”

“Mule – Belgian Draft-X, Mare, 16.1 hh, they didn’t announce age, was worried in the pen, picked up her feet. Snotty nose – – from Tenn., led thru but announced that she rode and drove. A pretty liver chestnut color . . . . $450.00”

I posted the photos online on Thursday night. By the weekend, every horse had been purchased to be sent to a private home or to a rescue.

Rolex 101 (Last post from NJ!)

The Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event is the highest level of the sport of three-day eventing. International horses and riders at the Olympic level compete at this four-star event. There are only four events of this caliber in the world.

Phase One of eventing is dressage, a test of strength, balance, and discipline for horses and riders.

Phase Two is cross country, which highlights the heart, speed, and endurance of the teams.

Phase Three is stadium jumping, which requires precision, accuracy, and rateability.

The official Rolex website explains it well:

DRESSAGE on the first day of the competition tests the gaits, suppleness and obedience of the horse through a series of prescribed movements. While judging the Dressage Test on the first day is based on specific criteria understood in detail only by experienced judges and riders, it is basically an evaluation of beauty of movement and obedience. Anyone can judge these characteristics and the spectator’s opinion often agrees with the judges. The number of competitors may require that Dressage be held over two days but it remains the first competition day.

The CROSS-COUNTRY test on the second competition day proves the speed, stamina, courage, boldness and jumping ability of the horse and the rider’s knowledge of pace and use of the horse across country. Horses jumping over obstacles designed and constructed to represent what might be found on uncharted grounds , virtually flying over ditches, leaping up and down banks, dropping into and galloping through water prove examples of athletic prowess, and trust between man and animal, that can be seen in no other sporting event. While the rider walks the course beforehand, the horse doesn’t see any of the course until it leaves the start box.

JUMPING in an arena on the third day of competition provides the final test of the horse’s athletic ability, conditioning and training. The Jumping Test in a stadium arena on the third day is again simply a matter of jumping the obstacles cleanly. Its significance is that it comes the day following the test of cross-country jumping at speed and clearly illustrates the horse’s willingness to listen to its rider. It must now move at a more sedate pace and not touch the obstacles, which are not solid and will fall down. A single rail knocked down can make the difference between winning and finishing far down in the placings.

The best way to learn more about the sport of eventing is to see it for yourself. Check the Chronicle of the Horse‘s Sporting Calendar for local competitions. And subscribe to the Chronicle of the Horse or another eventing publication like Eventing USA for the most current news and commentary.

An added bonus of attending Rolex in person is the famously fabulous shopping :^)

The official Rolex website is an excellent resource for this year’s competition. Click here for the schedule, click here for the entries, and click here for the timetable.

I’m leaving for Kentucky Wednesday morning and I’ll post about Rolex and the Kentucky Derby as time permits. And you can watch live on-demand coverage as it unfolds!

Ritual de lo Habitual: Photographer Charles Pravata’s Top Ten Albums of All Time

In Spanish, “Ritual De Lo Habitual” means the ritual of the habitual. Taking our daily lives and making them sacred, or taking our addictions and making ritual of them. It’s a high-minded mission, and it is for that reason worth celebrating. Most albums are content to share a good time (or a sad one) between the artists and the listeners, but some work to make the ordinary and the sordid to appear to us as truth and transcendence. –Justin Hall’s 1999 Nude As The News wrapup of the iconic 1990 Jane’s Addiction release, Ritual de lo Habitual

I’ve got a thing for discipline. I don’t like hearing about how Paul McCartney does not know how to write or read music. My head spins when I hear about people who learned to ride in a back yard on a green horse. My teeth grit when I read about painters who rocket to notoriety with artwork that has no foundation in the history of art. Without a foundation, art is cheap and one-dimensional. You cannot have subversive creativity without knowing what you’re subverting. One only gains artistic breadth and scope with an eye on every other artist who has tried before to express the very same concept, emotion, or theory.

Charles Pravata is our country’s best horse racing photographer under the age of 35. Imagine my horror when I found out that he’d only been shooting a year or so before his work started gracing Daily Racing Form covers and showing up in all of the most prestigious racing publications in the country. How did a person with no formal training and half a decade of practice become a highly-esteemed editorial photographer in the racing community and a big inspiration to my own development as a photographer?

A little more than three years ago, I remember wondering, “who IS this punk?” as I browsed through Pravata’s killer photos of Brother Derek on Flickr. I’ve been a racing fan since I was a little girl and I never saw his name before on photos credits in editions of Blood-Horse or Thoroughbred Times. At the time, I was looking to take a step into photography and was in the market for my very first SLR camera. I had sent out several emails to people who shot equine sports asking for help selecting a camera and a lens. Of the dozens of emails I sent, only a handful wrote back: Charles was one of them (Bud Morton was another). He was not the typical condescending, mystical, tight-lipped shooter- he was happy to share details about lenses and cameras and answer any questions I had.

I met Charles the following year and we got to spend some quality time in my home state, standing on ladders in torrential downpours on the inside rail at Monmouth Park for the 2007 Breeders’ Cup. Photographers all around us complained about the weather and groused about water in their cameras, but Charles enjoyed the mud and the grit- you can almost taste the sloppy track in his photo of Curlin winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic. It was a far cry from the arid air and synthetic racing surfaces of his home state of California, where the Breeders’ Cup was held the following year.

When I went out to Santa Anita for the 2008 Breeders’ Cup, I learned first-hand just how challenging the light can be, with the harsh sunlight and the off-kilter grandstand angle. But when you look at Charles’ work, the shadows and angles are incorporated handily into excellent images. He is a master of harnessing light and using it to his advantage:

Santa Teresita, by Charles Pravata

Colonel John, by Charles Pravata

But mastery of light is not the only ingredient in his images. Through his lifelong love of racing, he manages to capture the essence of the track and distill it into his photos:

Storm at Santa Anita, by Charles Pravata

Santa Anita, by Charles Pravata

Del Mar Start

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and now residing in California, Charles knows the best and worst of both coasts of racing. Talk to Charles and you’ll learn a lot about the sport- look at his photos and you’ll learn even more. From a deeper place still come the most creative and evocative photos of his collection, from his artistic statements about the sport to his creative treatment of the warrior Curlin and American girl, Zenyatta. I so dig the surreal and illustrative treatment of his favorite horses.

Zenyatta, by Pravata

And sometimes Rock and Racehorses gets way out-rocked!

Andy Summers, by Charles Pravata

Perry Farrell, by Charles Pravata

Discipline is needed to shape an artist. But perhaps my definition of discipline is a little short-sighted. Perhaps art school is not the only place to learn the laws of composition and exposure and to study the greats who have come before us. Maybe the hot California sun is the spotlight on the studio of Santa Anita. And maybe the work of the Old Masters surrounds us at the racetrack, hangs on the walls in the racing museums, and lives on the pages of our epistles, the racing trade publications. No matter how I attempt to define it, Pravata has made a holy ritual of our habitual. Truth and transcendence.

What does Charles Pravata rock out to on his way to the track? Here’s his list of the Top Ten Albums of All Time:

1. Jane’s Addiction – Ritual De Lo Habitual – “Stop”, “Then She Did”, “Three Days”, “Ain’t No Right”, “Of Course”, etc. “Three Days” is one of the greatest rock anthems of all time. Stranded on an island, this is the one album I want with me. The one TV show would be The Honeymooners, but that’s another list.

One of the funniest things about Nothing’s Shocking, Jane’s Addiction’s much-ballyhooed 1988 release, was how it skewed the conventions of L.A. Sunset Strip metal, managing to be distinctively perverse in a world already saturated with bad taste and bacchanalia. At times the music was glorious, playful psychedelic metal, as Perry Farrell’s avant-gypsy garb, weird eye makeup and prepubescent voice plugged you into the visionary amorality of children. With its trippy nature imagery and porno bent, Nothing’s Shocking struck the gong.

Ritual de lo Habitual finds Jane’s Addiction thin and wandering, blowing ploys that worked before – overdubs and echoes, loose jamming, Farrell’s playground melodies. Split into a hard-rockin’ side and a prog-rock side, the album doesn’t cohere – whatever the band members have been doing for the last two years, they haven’t been practicing much. –Erik Davis’ 1990 Rolling Stone review of the iconic 1990 Jane’s Addiction release, Ritual de lo Habitual

Life imitating art: Charles Pravata (center) costumed as Perry Farrell

2. The Police- Regatta De Blanc – Every album they recorded was great, as evidenced by the present day Karma of the great filly Zenyatta.

3. The Clash – Story of The Clash Volume 1 – One of the most dynamic bands of all time, and this compilation is evidence of that.

4. The Ramones- Ramones Mania – Another compilation; call me a cheater. The guitar player steals the lead singer’s girlfriend, marries her, and the band stays together. That’s true punk…. and Joey Ramone is the epitome of style.

5. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin – Even though they robbed most of the songs on this album and took credit for writing them (I can replace this album with any other Zeppelin album).

6. Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon – Many adventures to the Hayden Planetarium for this album’s laser show between the ages of 11 and 21. Was fortunate enough to see Roger Waters perform the entire album live a few years ago. Epic.

7. The Smiths – The Best of the Smiths 1 & 2 – Listened to these albums, and The Queen is Dead on my drives down to Del Mar last summer; hurled me into a depression that I just recently started to come out of. It’s all about impact, good or bad.

8. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Are You Experienced – Inspired a lot of people to take acid (so did #6 on my list).

9. Metallica – Master of Puppets – This used to be a great band.

10. Tool- Undertow – One of the few honest bands left in modern music.

Charles Pravata at the Kentucky Derby

Continuing my collection of Top Ten lists from my favorite photographers, writers, musicians, and athletes in the world of rock and racehorses. Also check out the Top Ten lists of jockey Joe Talamo, Barbara Livingston, Bill Finley, Bud Morton, Jonathan Andrew, Kevin Martin, Holly Van Voast, and Jon Forbes.

Racehorses and Rock Lists! Photographer Bud Morton’s Top 10 Albums of All Time

Bud Morton, circa 1975

This is part of my ongoing series of Top Ten Lists. Check out the lists of Bill Finley and Barbara Livingston.

Website: http://www.budmortonphotography.com
Website Gallery: http://www.gallery.budmortonphotography.com
Flickr Gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/budmeister

No contest. That’s what Bud Morton wrote about his top album of all time. Same can be said for some of the greats captured by his Nikon: Cigar, Go For Wand, Skip Away, Real Quiet’s Triple Crown loss by a nose, Sky Beauty in The Alabama, Fourstardave at The Spa. Classic, all of them. No contest.

I first saw Bud’s photography when I was just learning the ins and outs of my mom’s point and shoot camera, which I brought to the track whenever I had the chance. Bud’s work was displayed in the Final Turn Photo Gallery. I attended the 2003 Jockey Club Gold Cup and was wowed by Mineshaft’s victory; however, the photos I took were abysmal. How could photos of such a great race be so awful? Must have been impossible to shoot, I decided. Then I saw Bud’s photo of Mineshaft in the post parade: head bowed, nostrils flared, bracing against the bit. Bud had captured the horse’s fire even in the notoriously obnoxious Belmont lighting. I begged my then-boyfriend now-husband to locate the print for me for Christmas. Jonathan contacted this amazing and talented photographer from the Boston area and I ended up with a framed, matted photo of Mineshaft, which is proudly displayed on my wall.

In 2006, I purchased my first SLR camera, a Nikon D70s. I read the camera manual, browsed the photography forums, and asked everyone I knew for help with my new pet hobby. A friend of mine purchased the same camera at the same time and we met up at Aqueduct to try out our new goodies. My friend knew Bud and introduced me to him. Bud said hello, then eyed me, and asked, “Are you the one who posts her photos online as soon as you get home from the track?” I said yes, a little embarrassed by my own dorkiness. Bud then helped my friend learn about shooting horse racing. I silently shadowed them as they shot the turn and the stretch of the day’s races. I knew the basics that Bud explained, but then he started talking about the good stuff- the stuff that separates the men from the boys, the stuff that makes his racing photos special.

The next time I saw Bud at Aqueduct, I was full of questions. And Bud answered them! A lot of photographers are under the mistaken impression that they are doing something that nobody else has ever done and they are a little reluctant to share their methods. I’ve only met a few who are so comfortable with their work that they can be generous in helping others: Bud Morton is one of these people. He taught me why it’s cool to shoot racing in aperture priority. He taught me how to shoot an image so sharp I can see “the dirt in the jockey’s teeth and every whisker on the horse’s muzzle”. He taught me how much better the inner rail shots are than the outer rail shots. He taught me how the big photographers got their images to look unique. He taught me that if I totally flub a shot, don’t despair because “there are nine more races tomorrow”. And above all else…. background, background, background.

This is all classic stuff that has been done many times before and will be done so many times after, but with these tools, a photographer begins to define a style. True mastery of a craft yields artistic style. Standing just a few feet away from me, Bud can get a totally different-looking image from mine. And he’ll go for the more daring shot instead of the cookie-cutter safety shot every time. He playfully teases photographers for getting “pretty pony” paddock photos but when nobody is looking, he sneaks in the paddock and gets some real beauties (Bud and his wife are also wonderful horsepeople who tend to a small herd of senior horses at home). In addition to the classics of 20+ years ago, Bud has some new classics, too, like this beauty of Rags To Riches winning the 2007 Belmont Stakes over Curlin, another print which resides at the Andrew residence.

On a miserably hot, cold, rainy, or otherwise unpleasant day, a lot of photographers complain about the day’s work. Bud does not- he reminds me that it is a real privilege to shoot these events and be close to such amazing horses, trainers, jockeys, and owners. Shooting is FUN- setting up remotes is FUN. When I assisted Bud at Saratoga, I first learned The Rules before I got to shoot. Working for Bud means following a few basic but classic rules about attire and conduct at the track; these rules have fallen by the wayside for some of the newer photographers. Bud explains it like this, “I’m old school and this is how I was taught…” I’ll work by the old school rules any day- I respect Bud’s opinions and he’s been a great mentor to me.

What kind of Top Ten List would you expect from an old-school, classic, no-contest photographer? Here it is:

1. Bruce Springsteen: Born To Run – No contest.
2. Bruce Springsteen: Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ – The “old “ boss- not the new whiny one- gets the top two.
3. The Beatles: The Beatles (White Album) – “And in the end…”
4. The Grateful Dead: American Beauty – “Keep on truckin’… like the doodah man…”
5. Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company: Cheap Thrills – Janis took a piece of my heart with that record.
6. Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin I – Left me dazed and confused after good times and bad times.
7. Rod Stewart: Every Picture Tells a Story – Gave me a “reason to believe”.
8. The Who: Tommy – A truly unique album
9. Queen: A Night at the Opera – “Bo Rap” and “Best Friend” get the nod.
10. James Taylor: Sweet Baby James – “ The turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston”, also known as the road to Saratoga

Bud Morton completing the Boston Marathon in 2007