Photo Heart Connection - December 2012

December's photo-heart connection image is special not for the photographic qualities, but for my son's activity (or lack of) at this moment.  We were at one of my daughter's many horse riding lessons - this time she was riding out (out in the 10 acre paddock where there are obstacles (trees, uneven ground), jumps, a pond, etc) - and it was cold.  After nearly 7 years of lessons - my son is so over going to the barn, but going out back he found several large pieces of tree bark that had fallen from a dying tree, put them on the ground to keep him dry (it was wet/muddy) and envisioned a "chair" from this fallen branch.  He sat in his "recliner" throughout the lesson - just watching what is going on around him.  Granted he is older now, but to be able to sit and watch and think - without any electronics - is wonderful.  Or on the flipside -- truly a male - able to find a recliner anywhere to sit and relax and watch the show around him.

Connecting with Kat's Photo-Heart Connection.  To see other images, check out her website.

Photo-Heart Connection February 2012

Yes more horses, but not my daughter (this time).  I have to admit I've been waiting for this month's photo-heart connection to finally get here because as soon as I saw this image - I knew this was the one. 

Depicting real life at a horse farm, amidst all the fencing, standards, poles, & other farm stuff - owner/rider joins her horse in the paddock to bond before riding.  This is a barn friend of ours who lets her horse run in the outdoor arena before she rides her.  Although the horses are turned out daily (for most of the day), they usually hang out in the sun & enjoy the winter rye grass - so no need to really run & play & get rid of some energy - excess energy you don't want or need under saddle.  I was (obviously) standing a ways away & joked that I was her stalker photographer, but it was really nice to see them bond after the running around.  Together they walked back to the barn, horse totally locked onto her owner - no lead line needed (until you get out of that paddock) - horse willingly/respectfully following the owner (herd leader).  I enjoy watching the horses interact with each other and with their humans - you can tell a lot about the dynamics of their relationships.

To see other photo heart connections, visit Kat Eye Studio website.

The image was taken with a 105mm (macro) - it's what I had with me at the time; post processing  - desaturating, & a touch of sepia.  Some of the colors of the standards, poles were bright and distracted from what was going on behind the fence.