Cate, Peregrino, Fonti and Chester

Horse & Rider Portraits

Senior Portrait Session

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Solstice Farms

Houston, Texas

"Fonti is definitely a presence. Pretty much everyone that sees him stops for a second. He is a giant stunning black horse that looks absolutely regal … until he gets scared. Then he becomes a fire breathing dragon that seems to be a million miles high. He still looks majestic, but definitely creates some terror from those around him. The funniest part is that he is an absolute chicken and golden retriever rolled into one. He would be absolutely devastated if he ever hurt someone and really just wants to live in your pocket. I have had him for two years now and he is attached to my hip. He loves having a person and if he is left alone he gets so nervous. He definitely is the easiest to photograph in the sense that he looks gorgeous no matter what, but man does it take some work to get him to stand where we want him to. He gives me a run for my money whether it is to nervously snatch some grass or whip around in a circle, but his photos always turn out perfect. One of my favorite photos of him is actually one where I couldn’t get him to stop eating the wildflowers we were supposed to be in front of, but he ended up picking up a bunch of the flowers and held them up looking very proud. So we went with it and pretty much every photo from that day had some sort of “pretty” grass or flower in his mouth."

"Chester is my absolute baby, if you know me, you likely know Chester. His nickname of cheddar cheese perfectly encompasses him. Whether despite my mother’s protests leaving a cheese wedge mark on him while clipping or galloping up to me in the paddock you know we are having fun together. The other thing about Chester is how “special” he is… in pretty much every sense of the word. He has thrown me into the rafters and is notorious for making some pretty acrobatic moves, but he is also the first one ready for a cuddle and give kisses. One of my favorite stories is from a Christmas photoshoot where Kristie brought the most beautiful flowers to go around my horses necks, of course Chester would have none of that. So in the Christmas card that year we had one very majestic regal horse and one 18 hand chestnut in an elf hat. Because apparently that was ok."

Peregrino or "Potato" as he is lovingly nicknamed has become my rock in this difficult sport. We have gone through thick and thin together and always come out on the other side. He has been with me through barn moves, the entirety of high school and most of middle school too. When I go to the barn, my first instinct is always to go and find my baby which usually means finding him head to the ground eating grass. He has become a constant in my life that is so dependable. His cuddles never get less calming and he never takes more than I can give that day. I trust him with every fiber of my being when I am on his back and I can let my guard down knowing he will always take care of me. Having two more difficult horses means that sometimes my sanity level feels a little haywire, but that’s when I know it is time to go ride Potato. The amount of pride I feel for this horse is unlike any other. Every lesson he tries so hard for and every gallop he wants to go for on the trails always reminds me how lucky I am to have a horse this special. 

I always joke that no human is better than a handful of grain to him. As much as he loves his people and being scratched to the point of drooling, he would always try to trot back into his stall for whatever food he begs for. Whenever he gets nervous, his favorite thing is to hold something in his mouth. Though the repercussions are that he pretty much has some sort of toy or stuffed animal wherever he goes. For the longest time he used to carry a little stuffed Wells Fargo horse around at shows which always brought a smile to everyone’s face. His favorite time of year though is when he gets to hold puffer jackets without us realizing (or honestly caring). He always thinks he is so smart to be able to grab on and try to remove the jacket. He will go as far and bring the zipper down first, but he is always careful enough that he doesn’t actually bite any skin. His stall in the barn is front and center which consequently means he is right next to the hay and grain. Now this horse has mastered the puppy dog eyes. It takes every part of your being to resist his begging and nickers for food. Alas the better he gets the better everyone around him gets at resisting, much to his dismay.