Capturing an Unforgettable Bond: Shelly and Pogo | Boutique Equestrian Photography in Wisconsin

Meeting people in the equestrian community often feels like finding family, and that's exactly how I felt when I met Shelly a couple of years ago. Our horses, who were pasture-mates and best buddies at the time, brought us together, and we soon discovered we had other similarities, living as we jokingly call it "parallel lives." We are both teachers, happily owned by Border Collies (all whole subset of crazy people by itself :-)), and, of course, equestrians. We discovered we even bid on the same house (my current home!) a few years ago when Shelly was moving back to the area! Funny coincidences, again and again. Today, even though Shelly and her handsome boy, Pogo, are off on new adventures and learning at a new barn, we keep in touch.

This summer, I get to see my friend a little more often as she is generously helping me keep my pony (of the 17hh variety) in shape while I am grounded due to being pregnant. I reached out to her frantically as I realized I had to stop riding a lot sooner than I had planned and she was immediately up for the extra effort, time, and challenge without question-- or hesitation. And this is not a lady who has a quiet, slow-paced life. She's the energizer bunny and somehow she makes extra time to help a friend. Wow. I was-- and am-- so touched.

Shelly, I cannot tell me how much your help means to me, I hope one day I can pay it forward to another equestrian who's in a tight spot and needs her community to help with her horse. Entering into a new phase of life and not wanting to give up my horse or my riding is a vulnerable place to be, and your friendship and help are ensuring I don't have to. Thank you, friend. We're all so busy in our own lives and schedules, I know how much of an extra effort it takes to add "one" more thing to the plate. I am so grateful for you!! Thank you <3.

Recently, I had the privilege of capturing some beauteous, unforgettable shots of her and Pogo that I know will be cherished for years to come. Take a scroll below and enjoy <3.

Shelly is beautifully patient with her young horse, Pogo. I know their partnership is more than just horse and rider; it’s a deep friendship. Yet, like many of us, Shelly felt a bit apprehensive about stepping in front of the camera. However, she remembered a cherished photo of her mother—another passionate equestrian—riding her own horse, and this inspired her to recreate something special with Pogo. As if this lady could take a bad photo!!

Celebrating Unique Moments

As we started taking photos, Pogo's charming personality shone through. He’s truly an “in-your-pocket” kind of horse, always curious and eager to connect. And he's a real poser, can ya tell?

An Investment In The Best Years With Your Horse

The time and effort spent in preparing yourself and your horse for beautiful photography will never be wasted, I can promise you that! The days and years will pass and you'll look back with a renewed sense of gratefulness that you "did the thing" and documented your friendship with your horse! Don't wait for a special ocassion. Being alive is a special ocassion.

As equestrians, it is essential to celebrate your bond, memories and milestones with your horse. As a previous client said in a beautiful, yet sobering thought: We never know how long we get to be their teammates. So, do me a favor, and at least get your photos off your phone and printed. And when you're ready for a little something more, you know where to find me.

Here’s to Shelly and Pogo! May your journey continue to blossom into something evermore beautiful! Whether we are in the saddle or capturing those precious moments from the ground, the love shared between a rider and their horse truly is unforgettable.

~

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