Show Stoppers

While the horses may be the stars at the Youth World Championship Palomino Show, there is no shortage of "Bling" on the riders. 

Many of these outfits retail in the low four figures.   And you thought being a soccer parent was expensive.

  Attention to detail is just a part of the show.  The saddle, the blanket, the rider's outfit should compliment the horse and make the rider and the horse look like a complete package.  You would have to be there in person to see what I mean.

Like dance, this sport is dominated by women.  There are a few guys in the competition, and they usually do very well, but I'm guessing most of the guys are more interested in rodeo than showmanship.

Like I said in an earlier post, we had a wonderful time in Tulsa and I took a boat load of photos.  I'm beginning to think that I like this event photography stuff.  I just have to figure it out.  I'm looking forward to next year, because I already know where I want to set up my camera.

Ruby Tuesday

A Ruby Tuesday entry from the Youth Palomino World Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma last week.  Cowboys and cowgirls come in all sizes.  This class of rider is called Lead Line.  Why you ask?

It's because there is an adult holding a lead line and guiding the horse around the arena.  These competitors are generally 3-5 years of age.  If you're going to be a world champion some day, you have to start early.  That's true of virtually any sport.  Needless to say, this event is one of the most crowd pleasing activities of the entire show.

 Where else can you get this many photo opportunities, see some beautiful kids and horses for free?

And for those momma's who don't want their babies to grow up to be cowboys, there are other outfits available.  Happy Ruby Tuesday all.   YeeeeeeeHaw!!!

Cowgirl Up!

My wife and I just returned from spending a few days in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  We went with some friends to the Youth World Palomino Championship horse show.  It was a great time.  Our friends invited us to join them for a couple of days at the show, and asked if I would take some photos of their granddaughter during the competitive events. The grand daughter (pictured above) of our friends is a World Champion in three events and a Reserve Champion in two more.  She rides in the 14-18 year old classes.  In two days I took over 800 photos and you're going to see several of them here over the next week or two.  If you're ever in Tulsa, check out the calendar for Expo Square.  There is probably a horse show in town and most of them are free.  Okay, on with the photos.

World Champion