rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Number 1 has a lot of blown highlights. No. 3 a bit too much crowd. No. 2 has the best potential, but there is something funky about the overall appearance. I can't quite put my finger on it. It might be something done in processing the image that caused it to look that way. Additionally, the clouds are a bit blown, too.
--Bob

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Do not like the second one. To me it's over done. That's just my $0.02

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

Number 2 is my choice BUT, back off on the processing.

Overall, nice shots.

Stash Loc: South Central Massachusetts

I like the simplicity in the first shot. Just looks peaceful and relaxing to me.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

In my humble experience when it comes to competing anything could happen. Of the three images you have posted I particularly like No. 1. No. 2 has been processed to a point that as has been mentioned the judges could reject it. No. 3 is pretty busy but as I said, during a competition anything could happen.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

JKlein

I agree with the comments. Like 1. 2, as everyone has said, looks over-procssed. (Looks like someone just found the high pass filter in photoshop). And there’s a lack of separation in 3 between subject and audience. Even if there’s a good crop, it may help, but it won’t give you that separation. My 2

Toby

I really like #1. #@ looks like it has been over processed for your venue.

crafterwantabe Loc: Mn

Love them all, but the horses in one an two are more visible.

Zooman 1

Of the 3 photos I would only enter #2, once you tone it down some. The other 2 seem to be more about the people than the horses. I say this not knowing a thing about the contest you want to enter. If you have to choose between these 2 I would go with #1, as #3 is much too busy. Good luck.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

If you plan to enter them as is, then I'd have to vote for #1. It's natural and doesn't look overprocessed. I also like it because it includes the surrounding landscape, which helps give it a "sense of place" (to use Linda's verbiage.) I like the idea of #2, but the processing kills it for me. #3 is quite busy and that distracts from the subject. The subject is quite nice and nicely placed in the frame. the lady is looking down (which is pretty natural, given the activity), but the horse itself is very nicely captured. And, I must say, since it is obvious that she's at a show, if there were NO spectators, I'd wonder about that.

SalvageDiver Loc: Huntington Beach CA

I especially like #2, with #1 as an alternate. My opinion here is from someone who loves animals and likes a good picture. I know nothing about the winning attributes of horses in these types of competitions, so please take my comments as such.

I especially like the composition of #2 leaving no doubt that the horses are the hero of the image. Your image composition clearly illustrates the massive strength that these beautiful animals are known for. It also shows them in a work setting displaying the purpose of the horse instead of a horse show picture. For my taste, contrast on the horses are well done, but the rest of the image is slightly overexposed and a little flat. With a reduction in exposure, a little more overall contrast and a little selective D&B, you'd have an image reminding me of a Normal Rockwell image.

Image #2, just looks like a show pictures. It doesn't highlight the horse as you did in #2 nor does it highlight the horses purpose. To me, it appears that the man is walking his horse up to the stand to accept his first place award.

Image 3 is just too noisy and no clear subject. The horse, which I assume is the intended subject, is behind the handler. If the handler is the subject, she is just one human in a crowd of many. This image does nothing for me.

IMO, #2 has a very strong foundation and is, with some minor edits, a very beautiful image. This image has character.

Good luck with your competition. I hope you'll have a winning image to post here in the near future.

Mike

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

I would go with #2.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Without question, #2. It is a little too bright. Tone it down a bit.

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

#1 Is a good shot but not outstanding.
#2 Is perfect. It shows the horses in a work environment while showing off the both of them perfectly. THIS is the one I would enter.
#3 Altogether NO. The handler is right in front of the main part of the horse. (front legs and chest and neck
Rich...