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

Photographer Sarah Andrew: 2011- A Year in Photos

Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.

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.

Sample page from my 2012 Horses and Hope calendar

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…

Winter Whiskers

Camelot Auction

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!)

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

Project Sage Horse Rescue

Whiskey- available at Project Sage Horse Rescue

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

Fred- available for adoption at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue (child not included)

Blonde, Brunette, Redhead

Blonde, Brunette, Redhead

Wintertime Wizard

Winter Wizard

The Mane: a study in texture at Camelot

The Mane: a study in texture

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

BFF

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.

Tristan and Tyler

Two heads are better than one at Camelot

Two Heads are Better than One

Lean on Me

Lean on Me

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

Hip #609

Bedded down

Bedded Down at Camelot Auction

It's 2:45am- find a soft spot to rest your head...

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

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

Watching over you

Watching Over You

Sleeping beauties

Sleeping Beauties

Slade loves the Asbury Park Press

Slade loves The Asbury Park Press

And Slade has his eyes on the prize

Slade has his eyes on the prize

Lily caught spring fever during a February warm spell

Lily has spring fever

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

Trolley at Horse Rescue United

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.

Duke at the Standardbred Retirement Foundation

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

HEY! What are you doing to OUR hay rack???

Wizard, under the arena lights on a cold February night

Wizard, under the arena lights on a cold night

Camelot Auction

Camelot Auction

Readymade Breakup at Maxwell’s. Hoboken, NJ

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.

Theatre Equus- PA Horse Expo 2011

Lily and the Peep

Lily and the Peep

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

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.

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

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

When Irish Eyes are Smiling...

Gatsby, a Camelot Auction graduate

Gatsby, a Camelot Auction graduate

Mimi, another Camelot grad

Mimi, a Camelot Auction graduate

(Mimi at auction)

Hip #66

Juan the Hinny

Juan the Hinny- Hip #74

Come hither

Come Hither

Rosa and a friend at Camelot

Rosa and a friend

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

Rancocas Farm gate on the property of Helis Stock Farm

Zoey at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue (after photo)

Zoey - Ready for Adoption

Zoey (before photo, ©HHER)

Zoey

Burke’s fabulous feathers

Burke's fabulous feathers

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

Wood You Believe? Toby's Corner Causes the Upset at Aqueduct

Wizard at night

At Night

A conversation at Camelot

(add your captions, please!)

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

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…

Hip #609

Wizard, all shed out in the springtime

Wizard

Wizard- conformation photo April 2011

Rocking my retro Navajo saddle blanket

The Wayback Machine took me to 1993, where I found my Navajo saddle blanket.

Welcome, Blue and White Brigid!

Brigid and the Blossoms

Itchid

Pony dreams

Pony Dreams...

“I thought I heard a peppermint…”

I thought I heard a peppermint...

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

Hey, buddy, you have a little piece of alfalfa in your teeth...

Atlantic City Race Course

Atlantic City Race Course

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother's Day!

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

Chip & Dale

Things always look better in the morning

Things always look better in the morning

Wizard and me

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

Ashley Adams and Vaunted- through the Keyhole at Jersey Fresh. Vaunted is a Thoroughbred by Two Punch- he raced twice.

Learning how to share

Learning How to Share

Rosebud, official mascot of Central Virginia Horse Rescue

Rosebud, official mascot of Central Virginia Horse Rescue

Esme

Esme

Maryam and Sienna

Maryam and Sienna

The end of May can mean only one thing…

It's that time of year again...

Esme

Esme- sporthorse pose

John the Mule loves Laffy Taffy

John the Mule loves Laffy Taffy

Bogey at Central Virginia Horse Rescue (after photo)

Bogey at Central Virginia Horse Rescue

Bogey (before photo)

Hip #615

Rosebud’s “bell tail”

Rosebud's cool mule tail- called a "bell tail"

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

Push In the Chips BFF, aka Chip

Hi-Ho Final!

Hi-Ho Silver!

Wayward kitten

Wayward Kitten

GKB Coal Magic, Morgan sporthorse stallion

GKB Coal Magic

Groucho Marx, a Camelot bunny who was adopted

Groucho Marx- available for adoption

Chance, available for adoption from Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Chance- available for adoption

Simon is a man of few words…

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 at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Zodiac (before photo)

Zodiac at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice

Post-Belmont portrait of Ruler On Ice

Fly like a Wizard

Fly like a Wizard

Black on Black

Black on Black

Cathy and the wish lantern

Cathy and the wish lantern

Jonathan Andrew

Jonathan Andrew

Sophia, future mouser of America

Future Mouser of America

Kris and Philly

Kris and Philly

Flying

Flying

Kat and Chip, her Tennesee Walking Horse

Kat and Chip, her Tennesee Walking Horse

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

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

Curves

Curves

Abstract: fly spray

Abstract: Fly Spray

Draft board meeting

Very Important Draft Horse Meeting

The fabulous flying Wizard

The fabulous flying Wizard

MOR at Kaboomfest- Marine Park, Red Bank, NJ

MOR at Kaboomfest in Marine Park, Red Bank, NJ

Bright eyes

Bright Eyes

Taste

Taste

Smell

Smell

See

See

Touch

Touch

Hear

Hear

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

Stiletto Slim

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.

Katie and Percy

Percy at Scarlet Rose Farm Equine Rescue

Percy at Scarley Rose Farm Equine Rescue

Percy at auction

Hip #534

The Big Mare

The Big Mare

Cosmo, Ponytales Rescue in PA

Cosmo

Little bubbly green cocktail at the Haskell

Little bubbly green cocktail

Chaps

Chaps

Coil and Martin Garcia win the 2011 Haskell

Coil and Martin Garcia win the 2011 Haskell

Haflinger Hugs

Haflinger Hugs

The Dog Days of Summer

The Dog Days of Summer

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

"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

Rajiv Maragh and Tizway return winners

Curious

Curious

Creature comforts

Creature Comforts

Shackleford’s workout

Shackleford's six-furlong workout

Saratoga morning

Saratoga Morning Glow

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

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

One, Two, Three...

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

Sunny

Real Men Wear Pink

Real Men Wear Pink

Wizard, prepared for Hurricane Irene

Wizard is ready for Hurricane Irene

Valentine

Valentine

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

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

Larry Jones, trainer of Havre de Grace

Larry Jones, trainer of Havre de Grace

Silhouette

Silhouette

Hopping hay bales with the Wizard

Hopping hay bales with the Wizard

Do you hear what I hear?

Do you hear what I hear?

Gatsby’s calendar photo

Gatsby, a Camelot Auction graduate

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

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

THE fog comes on little cat feet...

Between the bars

Between the Bars

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

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

Portrait of a Mule

Portrait of a Mule

Friends

Friends

Combined Driving at the Horse Park of NJ

Combined Driving at the Horse Park of NJ

Galileo- Friesian stallion

Galileo

Galileo

Galileo

Galileo

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

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

Mr November

Drinker of the Wind

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

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

Wistful

Wistful

Slade vom Marinik

Slade vom Marinik

I get by with a little help from my friends

I get by with a little help from my friends

Wizard’s whiskers

Wizard's Whiskers

Wizard and me

Wizard and Me

Zodiac at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Zodiac at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Penny, Charm, and me with the calendar check

$26,000!!!!

Playtime

Playtime

Indian Delight: from Camelot Auction to Kentucky

Indian Delight: from Camelot Auction to Kentucky

Indian Delight at auction

Hip #241

Zorro, a Camelot graduate

Zorro, a Camelot graduate

Zorro (before)

Hip #676

Silver Gem at Horse Rescue United

Silver Gem at Horse Rescue United

Attentive

Attentive

Sophia

Sophia the Explorer

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

Boys will be boys

Dragon Fire

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

Mary at sunset

Homeward Maryland, aka "Mary"

In memory of Royal, aka Dirty Dog

Royal, a 31 year old Thoroughbred

In memory of Rahy

Rahy at Three Chimneys

In memory of Frisky Spider

Frisky Spider before the Mr Prospector Stakes

In memory of Run Kiva Run

Run Kiva Run

In memory of Bart

Bart, formerly Camelot Hip #732

In memory of Devil May Care

Devil May Care

In memory of Jade Hunter

Jade Hunter at Old Friends

In memory of Norman

Curiosity

In memory of Fleet Indian

Fleet Indian and Jose Santos win the $1,000,000 Delaware Handicap

In memory of Tulip

Hip #904

In memory of Kensei

Kensei

In memory of K R’s Regent

KR's Regent (8) and Calabria Bella (11) in Race 5

In memory of Giant Moon

Giant Moon first, Cool Coal Man second, Barrier Reef third in the Grade 3 Excelsior Handicap

In memory of Dodger

Hip # 557

In memory of Avalon

Hip #515- getting to know you

In memory of Jake

Hip #339

In memory of Angel

Hip #849

In memory of Flame

Hip #769

In memory of Lotto

Hip #739- SOLD

In memory of MollyCakes, aka A Passing Motion

Hip #453- SOLD

In memory of Roxie

Hip #906

In memory of Meg

Hip #907

In memory of Legacy

Hip #858

In memory of Stormello

Stormello

In memory of Thelma

Hip #664

In memory of Sergeant

Hip #423

In memory of Cellar Dweller

Cellar Dweller

In memory of Jake

Hip #013- SOLD

In memory of Weston

Hip #749

In memory of Goldie

Hip #244

In memory of Payton

Hip #79

In memory of Spencer

Hip # 84- SOLD

In memory of Michael Baze

Race 7- Slam Bammy and Michael Baze win it. Grand Slam x Miss Heidi by Nureyev

In memory of Jess Jackson

Rachel Alexandra and her connections head to the winner's circle after winning the Grade 1 Mother Goose

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

"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." ~Emily Dickinson

photo ©2005 Wells P. Wilson