Magic

Let me start by saying that I am by no means an Equine photographer.  I have been spending quite a bit of time at the stables where I live since my daughter has been taking riding lessons from Desert Riders and I always have my camera with me.  I have gotten to know several of the owners out there as well as their horses.  I love going out there and getting to know these beautiful and giving creatures.

Magic is one of the horses that used to be next to the ones Karina rides.  I never really got to know Magic as he was always in the back of his stall.  It turns out that Magic was the “old guy” out there.  He was 30 years old and showing the signs of being the oldest one.  He was arthritic and had trouble getting up most mornings.  On one particular morning is was worse than usual and Nicole, his momma, had to make one of the toughest decisions that an owner ever has to make…she knew that it was time to end his pain.

I was already on call to come out and photograph the upcoming birth of a foal so every time my phone would ring and my caller ID said Tennessee I would get excited thinking it was time.  Well, this time it was to ask me if I could come out to the stables to get some images of Magic with Nicole and her daughter, Maddie, before heading down to the vet.  I didn’t hesitate and told her I would be right there.  While crying, I hate when this time in an animal’s life arrives, I got ready and headed down to the stables.

As soon as I arrived I was touched by the support from the others there at the stables.  They were all there with Nicole as she groomed Magic and spent some time with him.  The first thing she told me was that she wanted some photos with Maddie and Magic together so as she moved them around I did my best to capture the moments.  Most people tend to be very conscious of the camera at first and  move around with that knowledge but after a while they get so caught up in what they are doing and I am able to get them in their natural state.

Maddie looks a bit worried that Magic may mistake her for hay.

Holding on to two of her loves.

Maddie is such a happy baby and she was born to be on a horse.

She grabbed on and was all giggles as she watched Magic eat.

If she was walking I’m sure she would be leading him all over the place.

So sweet.

Love!

Time to take the lead.

Nicole has two other horses, Jesse and Daisy, and wanted to make sure that Magic’s best friend, Jesse, could see him one more time.  Daisy kept her distance the entire time they were in the turn out together.  The walk to the other horses was so emotional that halfway there she suddenly stopped.

Best friends.

One more stop.

Jesse was a bit standoffish with Magic but eventually gave in.

One of his favorite things to do was play in the water bucket.

Check out that smile.

I guess he’s done.

The hardest part came when the realization that it was time to leave hit.  They made there way out of the turn out and headed to the trailer for the trip to the Vet.

Jesse walked along with Nicole and Magic.

One last glance.

Nicole’s support system were with her the entire time.

Thank you so much for asking me to come out and capture these wonderful moments.  I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to photograph such beautiful creatures but you have made it possible by trusting me.   My only goal it to make sure that I am able to show the important role that these horses play in their families lives.  They are not only a best friend but they are a confidant and give unconditional love.  RIP Magic.

An embrace between two souls who have shared life lessons, laughter, tears, and joys that will live on in the heart of a girl whose life was enriched by his hoof beats.
~ Karen Stafford ~