Back in 2018, we were thrilled to have an amazing entry to our Young Sponsored Rider competition from Maisie. Her entry was so impressive, it made it all the way to our final shortlist of 6 riders, it was a really close call between the final selection, and Maisie was then awarded a runner up prize, which included winning an equine photoshoot with us!
“I’m so happy to have such beautiful photos to treasure of my boys! I’ve always wanted photos like these to show the love between me and my horses and I will cherish them for years to come – I’m so grateful to Jo and Nic for capturing such beautiful images. “
We booked a date for July last year, and did some planning for the shots and styling – Maisie had told me that she particularly loved our dark background shots, and our lighting, so we wanted to incorporate both into the session.
A bit about Maisie’s two gorgeous horses! Bear (Coednewydd Beauty Star Albert) is a 14-year-old cheeky black Welsh section D pony, whom Maisie has owned for almost 7 years. It was together with Bear that Maisie started her dressage career; they originally bought him as an eventer but he was so crazy when jumping, they started doing dressage. Maisie said:
” He was the pony to give me my first taste of dressage, we learned a lot together and had so much fun along the way. He is a nervous but super cheeky boy and loves a cuddle.!”
Together Maisie and Bear were selected for teams in BYRDS and Dressage U21’s, competing successfully in both, they also rode for England at Home International winning as a team and coming 3rd individually. Amazing!
In 2016 Maisie and family bought a new dressage horse, Big G (Garant H) – who gained his name for obvious reasons, standing at a giant 18.1hh! Maisie explained:
“I was sixteen when we got Big G and we’ve learnt so much together. He was my first young horse and he has been the kindest and best horse to learn with. He is my heart horse and I adore him, he has the kindest soul and I am forever grateful that he came into my life – and he will be with me for the rest of his.”
Together Big G and Maisie were showing real promise as a dancing duo, training at Advanced Medium and joining the U21’s FEI training squad with a view to potentially competing internationally. Sadly in autumn 2019 Big G had a freak accident at home on his yard, spooked and injured a leg, and after trying everything, nothing could be done to completely repair the damage. Thankfully, he’s now happily retired in his field, chilling out with his new friends!
Maisie added: “I didn’t realise at the time of the shoot, but these keepsakes have become even more special, after G’s career-ending injury. I can’t think of a better way to have memories to cherish!”
We loved the evening we spent with Maisie, Big G and Bear and Maisie’s lovely family who came along to help – her total passion and love for her horses really came through, and it was fun!
So great to meet and spend some time with you all while creating some special memories Maisie, we wish you all the best moving forwards with your dressage career, we think you have an exciting future ahead!
Thinking of booking an equine session this summer, or buying a gift voucher for someone special? Feel free to drop us a line here, or look through our information page here.
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