Colorado Springs is a gorgeous spot for a photo session with your horse, whether you specialize in English or Western riding, or if you just want casual photos with your hoofy best friend.

Petrie was rescued about three years ago by her owner, Eileen. She has spent the past few years here in Colorado Springs learning to trust again, going through some very dark times of conflict with her patient owner and eventually being trustworthy to begin getting to know the young riders who take lessons from Eileen. Hadley is one of those young people, and has developed a bond with Petrie since she began riding her, and now they compete in various shows and events, including my personal favorite, barrel racing! Horses and people can do each other so much good. Hadley has found a deep passion in working with horses, and plans to incorporate this love into her future plans beyond high school. Hadley was SO excited to do a horse photo session! Petrie, though occasionally aiming to show her disdain for being posed for photos, has become a gentle spirit through the loving hands she has encountered during her time at this ranch. It's the type of bond that has existed between human and equine since before recorded time, and it's just as beautiful now as it was then.

This particular evening, Hadley took a little trail ride and I followed along, camera in hand, along with Hadley's sweet mama and baby brother. We found a gorgeous field of summer sunflowers and just had to stop for some photos there. She rode up against the bluffs and the looming hoodoo rock formations as dark clouds gathered, threatening rain but never following through. We headed back towards the open meadow at the front of the ranch and were blessed as the sun peeked out just a little bit right at sunset, and we could really show off the stunning impact dress Hadley chose for this session from the EGP Client Closet. She carefully matched the dress color to Petrie's show Bridal and the effect was prefect. In the glow of the setting sun, these two looked absolutely exquisite together as they posed together and loped around the field, a smile on Hadley's face constantly, totally in her element.

I'm so grateful this sweet family continues to trust me with their memories. Documenting Hadley's growing passion for horses and her relationship with Petrie was truly a delight, and planning this session with her and her mama to ensure it was a joyful experience filled my cup! Their patience, flexibility, and contribution of their own unique ideas really helped bring this session to life and create some true equine photography magic that they'll treasure for years to come!