In the heart of Texas, amidst the sprawling plains and endless skies, there’s a story that spans over three decades, a tale of resilience, compassion, and the enduring bond between a horse and his devoted owner. Meet Thunder, a majestic equine soul, a venerable 35-year-old steed whose journey embodies the very essence of strength and kindness. Thunder belongs to Justine, a passionate horse enthusiast with a heart as vast as the Lone Star State itself. In her herd, Thunder reigns as the eldest, surpassing even the most seasoned companions at 22 and 32 years old. Yet, age is but a number to Thu ..read more

In the summer of 2004, when Angela was just 13 years old, fate intervened in the form of a horse found roaming near Hueco Tanks. The local dog pound picked him up to give him a temporary home until he could get adopted. Angela’s mother, spurred by compassion, rescued the wayward stallion. And so, Whisper found his way into Angela’s life, a silent presence waiting to be heard. With a heart full of hope and determination, Angela embarked on a journey of trust-building with Whisper. Together, they overcame hurdles, both literal and metaphorical. Through patience and perseverance, Whisper gradual ..read more

For the past 10 years, Bow has not only been a faithful companion but a patient teacher, guiding numerous riders through the intricacies of horsemanship. K’lee recounts a pivotal moment when she contemplated selling Bow due to life challenges. However, fate intervened, and today, K’lee thanks her lucky stars for the turn of events that allowed Bow to remain an irreplaceable part of her life. Bow’s special gift lies in her intuitive understanding of her riders, whether they’re toddlers or seasoned equestrians. She adapts her behavior to ensure the safety and comfort of whoever is in her saddle ..read more

In the captivating tale of Jenny, a late 20s mare who graced the lens of the 19 Over 19 Project, the story unfolds as a testament to newfound connections, and learning curves. Owned by Ale for just a year, Jenny’s presence has transformed not just the dynamic of their relationship but also Ale’s perspective on horsemanship. Having ridden a few horses before Jenny, Ale admits to never feeling a true connection until that magical ride with the late 20s mare. The experience left an indelible mark, creating a bond that would define their shared journey in the year that followed. Their past ventu ..read more

In the captivating tale of Jenny, a late 20s mare who graced the lens of the 19 Over 19 Project, the story unfolds as a testament to newfound connections, and learning curves. Owned by Ale for just a year, Jenny’s presence has transformed not just the dynamic of their relationship but also Ale’s perspective on horsemanship. Having ridden a few horses before Jenny, Ale admits to never feeling a true connection until that magical ride with the late 20s mare. The experience left an indelible mark, creating a bond that would define their shared journey in the year that followed. Their past ventu ..read more

In the world of horse photography, there’s a unique charm in capturing the timeless grace of senior horses like Blake. At 21 years old, Blake’s story is one of unwavering dedication to his role as a roping horse. He’s not just a horse; he’s a beloved member of the family, bringing joy and inspiration to everyone he meets. Blake’s journey began as a competitive roping horse, excelling at all levels with multiple riders. He became a patient and skilled teacher, introducing beginners and children to the art of roping and leading them to victory. Despite his age, Blake’s enthusiasm for competitio ..read more

Introducing Chicken Nugget, the second horse in the 19 Over 19 Project. Chicken Nugget’s journey is nothing short of remarkable, as he transforms from a horse in dire straits to a beacon of hope and healing. Rescued from a devastating case of starvation in Artesia, Chicken Nugget arrived at the barn severely underweight and with lameness in two of his feet. But what truly sets him apart is the remarkable soul that resides within him. Despite his past as a cow horse with rough treatment, Chicken Nugget’s spirit remained unbroken, his heart radiating with kindness. Now, in his golden years at 2 ..read more

19 Over 19 Photography Project: Tequilia Meet Tequila, a late-20s, early 30’s Paint/Tennessee Walker mare that is the sweetest horse around. Her owner Nancy was the first to sign up for the 19 Over 19 project and I was so excited to meet another one of her horses. Tequilia was originally Nancy’s mom’s horse. Her best friend was known for raising massive Tennessee Walking Horses. Tequilia was small and didn’t fit with the program, so she went to Nancy’s mom. She had her for about 5 years before gifting her to Nancy’s kids, and they have had this sweet lady for over 12 years. They even moved her ..read more

The 19 Over 19 Photography Project To celebrate my not-so-old man turning 19 in a few months, I created a photography project to celebrate the beauty of the golden oldies. It’s hard for me to imagine that my free-spirited sassy old man is a senior since he definitely doesn’t act like it. These beautiful seniors gave so much to us, it’s time to celebrate their love and life together! The Photography Project Details I’m offering a Basic Horse and Rider Connection Session to qualified equestrians. The $350 session fee is waived for this project. Digital photos and prints may be purchased separate ..read more

Horse Shows and Rodeos in El Paso, Texas and New Mexico Looking for horse shows and events in and around El Paso, Texas? Check out this blog post for a comprehensive list. From local shows to national events, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss out on any equine action – read now! LABOR DAY BARREL RACE & BREAKAWAY Broken Horn Arena 12279 Mankato, Clint, Texas 79836 September 2nd & 3rd BREAKAWAY: Books open at 4:30pm Rope starts at 5:00pm Breast collars to the winner of open each day. BARREL RACE: Exhibition 6:30pm-7:45pm. Open, youth (17 and under), Peewee (10 and under). Trophy breast c ..read more