The Start of Eventing Season
As the eventing season begins again, there’s something special about being part of those early events of the year.
The optimism of a new season, fresh goals, new partnerships between horse and rider.
As an equestrian photographer, these early horse trials are some of my favourite events to photograph. Capturing not just the competition but the atmosphere and stories that surround the sport. For businesses within the equestrian world, it’s also a chance to show the real life behind the brand. Sometimes the most powerful images aren’t just the ones over the biggest fences, they are the quieter moments that show the heart of the sport.
I love that feeling of turning up early to an event. Getting parked up and working out where to start my day. That feeling of having the whole day to spend walking the course, taking in the fences but also to walk around the trade stands to observe and capture the event. I'm like a well oiled machine these days with my kit. I guess I should be given I've been an Eventing spectator for over 38 years! Eek….that makes me sound ancient! I started young….I promise!
It's changed a lot over the years and some of my favourite events are no longer run. I was lucky to have Burghley Horse Trials as my very first event. It was close to where I lived as a child and the company my dad worked for did a corporate day visit there. I was hooked from the very first time and from there Burghley became a regular fixture. Back in those days the entry charge was per car. Very different these days!! Thankfully my parents were happy to take me. Regardless of the weather I was there, even one year when I remember being knee deep in mud walking down the trade aisles. I was a very sad girl when my parents said we should call it a day and go home.
Fast forward from there and I soon built up other favourites such as Belton, Rockingham, Chatsworth and Bramham. Sadly, the majority are no longer running. Thankfully Bramham is so that is in the diary for this year. My husband has got used to me blocking the year out for various events!
Once I've worked out where I'm going to start the day, I'll go get the running order so I can make sure I spot some of my favourite riders at key fences. As you can imagine, the riders have also changed a lot over those 38 years. I had many favourites like Mary King, William Fox-Pitt, Mark Todd, Andrew Nicolson, Paul Tapner, Nicola Wilson, Piggy March, Pippa Funnell and Oliver Townend. It's nice to have the enjoyment of watching some of those riders, along with newer talent taking over the baton such as Emily King, Laura Collett and Ros Canter. There are far too many names to name but there a lot of talented riders out there.
Anyway, next to get my kit together. It's a good job I have a big car with the amount of stuff I have onboard! Experience has taught me to prepare for all weathers. I often feel like a packhorse at the start of the day all wrapped up, and then by the time I'm half way around the course I'm having a melt down! Probably not helped these days by the lovely menopause phase! I have a bag in the boot with snoods, gloves, various head gear and spare socks. The amount of times I've been caught out with extra cold feet and had to go buy socks or blazing sunshine and needed a cap! Actually one of my best sock purchases was from Wacky Sox so I can definitely recommend them.
So along with my camera kit, various snacks, water etc, I take along a stool which has been a brilliant additional to my kit. I do have a sit mat from Red Equipment which my husband bought me for Christmas which is super handy but the Walkstool is good for rest periods or longer holds on the course.
I love watching the lorry parks begin to fill again, horses step off the ramp full of energy after the winter break and the familiar rhythm of dressage boards, cross-country fences and show jumping poles return.
Eventing days are full of moments that often go unnoticed.
The preparation and warm up.
The final tack check before heading to the warm-up.
The relief and smiles after finishing cross country.
These moments are just as meaningful as the action itself.
They tell the real story of the day.
And that’s where storytelling photography becomes something more than simply capturing a horse over a fence.
Not to mention the glorious picnic setup ups and champagne popping. Burghley is amazing event to see some fantastic picnic setups. I remember one which had a table set up with a cloth, champagne glasses and a candelabra! Picnics in style for sure!
Those are the moments that truly capture the spirit of eventing and they’re often the ones that tell the most powerful stories for riders, brands and the businesses that support the sport.
This season I’ll be photographing the atmosphere and stories around eventing and country sporting events. From early season horse trials to summer fixtures across the countryside. If you're an equestrian brand, country business or rural brand looking for natural storytelling imagery at events, feel free to get in touch.
