Ordinary Wonderment

Fred, the Belgian Draft, Headshot.

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.
~Winston Churchill

Today's Joy (Part II): Watching the Family Share What They Love Most.
Reader, today was a wonderful opportunity for me to follow on foot and photograph my family & friends participating in the Homecoming Celebration at St. James Farm. What a honor for them to be asked to show their horses and ponies for the public and in honor of this amazing facility, which has hosted innumerable world-class equestrian events over the years.

They were all having such a good time, I wanted to capture every moment! Below are a few of my favorite shots from the day. More highlights of the Homecoming Celebration are available here.


Uncle & Fred in the royal blue buggy.


Little Man, Priscilla & Cousin resting before the parade.

Aunt, A Driving Portrait.

Aunt Chef & Bibiena, one of the original St. James Lipizzans.

A little love before we go in the arena.

The horse is God's gift to mankind. ~Arabian Proverb

The lovely Grace & Sarah, the Suffolk Punch.

Feeling down? Saddle up. ~Author Unknown

Little Man, Priscilla & Cousin demonstrate Lead Line for the crowd.

Aunt makes a very pretty picture driving Super Charge, her welsh pony (2006 Roadster Pony of the Year).

Even an E-type Jaguar looks merely flash beside a really smart pony and trap.

~Marion C. Garretty

Cousin warms up her American Quarter Horse mare, Decka, for the barrels & flags demonstration.

To me, horses and freedom are synonymous. ~Veryl Goodnight

At four years old, Little Man is already riding Priscilla, the pony Santa brought him for Christmas, all by himself.

The incomparable Grace dressed to the nines and showing off her custom-made wicker cart.

Uncle & Fred, the Belgian Draft, showing off their moves.

Aunt & Charge working for the crowd.

Aunt Chef long lining Bibiena. Purchased by Brooks McCormick as a two year-old, Bibiena was part of the celebrated St. James Farm Lipizzan four-up for many years. Now semi-retired, Bibiena enjoys a leisurely life & the occasional show with Aunt Chef.

Julie & her Arabian mare, Breezy, represent their favorite discipline, Competitive Trail Riding.

Little Man leaves the arena after demonstrating his newly-acquired riding skills.

In my opinion, a horse is the animal to have. Eleven-hundred pounds of raw muscle, power, grace, and sweat between your legs - it's something you just can't get from a pet hamster. ~Author Unknown

Cousin exits the arena after wowing the crowd with her barrel pattern & flag run. Her 16 year-old AQHA mare, Decka, routinely performs a 7-second flag run.

Grace & her husband Peter enjoy visiting.

Kelly & her Clydesdale-Morgan cross, Toby, move out for the crowd.

Cathy & Harry, Kelly's parents & lifelong horsemen, enter the arena as part of the Fox Valley Saddle Association & Hub Club contingent.

Horse Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.