Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

In the spirit of Pegasus this stallion is piloted by gifted 12 year old "tween" Equestrian.
The image was captured during an Equestrian Event while she was competing in the Hunter-Jumper Class; Canter Division

btw... The canter is a three-beat gait, meaning that there are three hoof beats heard per stride. Each footfall is the "grounding" phase of a leg. The three footfalls are evenly spaced, and followed by the "suspension" phase of the gait, which is when all four legs are off the ground.

Note: In a gallop, all four feet also leave the ground... Here the horse becomes airborne when its hind legs swing forward near the front legs, as shown in Muybridge's Epic photo series.

The first commercial motion picture produced was made to settle whether or not a horse in gallop has all four hooves off the ground — English photographer Eadweard Muybridge was commissioned to prove/disprove this by former California Governor Leland Stanford.

What is more challenging? Riding Western or Riding English?
English riding involves a "bit" (pun intended) more balance and coordination of the reins and legs than Western thus initially English riders may not feel as secure in the saddle.
Bottom Line? English horseback riding is a harder discipline to master.

Note: English saddles are lighter, usually between 10 – 25 lbs.
While Western saddles can range from 25 – 60 lbs.
The weight and style of a saddle can be a major determining factor in how well one can perform as a rider.

btw, I live very close to Middleburg, Virginia, one the Top Equestrian Places in the U.S.
As a commercial photographer it is in my best interest to master an understanding of the Equestrian Art & Craft and speak it's language fluently. a.k.a. Know you client...

Please watch... fascinating!
The Horse in Motion (1878) Eadweard Muybridge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNU7sXkZmSw
Compliments of (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art)

Camera: Nikon D3x; Lens: AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED IF VR Nikkor; Focal Length: 250mm; Aperture: F/4; Shutter Speed: 1/2000 second; ISO: 360; Venue: Turner Farm, Great Falls, VA

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Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Thomas thanks for sharing this information with us. I never knew.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

I kind of figured not many realized who brought video into the photographic arts...
English photographer Eadweard Muybridge wasn't the sort of chap you would want as an Icon at the Zenith of the arts in that he murdered his wife's lover in cold blood and then hired a team of high end lawyers to get acquitted of this dastardly deed... Not the typical photo Icon scenario.

That said, Eadweard Muybridge was beyond brilliant... and his contributions to our craft will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

Another first that is oft overlooked is the Nikon D90 (announced on August 27, 2008) was the first DSLR to shoot video... by recording HD 720p, with mono sound, at 24 frames per second. In just a little over a dozen years the state of the art is at an astronomical position with the recent mirrorless releases.

Back in the day ( May 2009), the D90 won the TIPA European Photo & Imaging Award, in the "Best D-SLR Advanced" category... Funny how time changes everything... Believe you once had a D90 Jules? Or maybe my memory is a tad foggy now... lol

Thank you for taking the time to review and comment Jules, you are an outstanding beacon and supporter of this forum and I for one truly appreciate all you've accomplished in promoting Sports Photography here on UHH.

ivycreek Loc: North Dakota

Crazy, I have seen the horse sequence before but never knew the story behind the man. I wish there were some jumping competitions around here I would like to shoot some of the gracefulness of horses, not that I don't love and appreciate the power they show in a barrel race but there is so much more to these animals. Love the shot!

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Looking back on my photo career I remember a client wanted photos of his horse. He would tell me wait for the ears to go up and back.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

Wow Thomas, thanks for the link! I'd seen these Muybridge images before and kind've knew the gist, but Muybridge himself? Another matter. A fine technician and innovator for sure, and apparently a good shot, too. AND, as a bonus, the first "Twinkie" defense! OK, enough levity, here's a shot I got at the local track just after getting my Z9, I was there shooting a graduation event of some sort (I think from a techincal school) at a space on campus reserved for such things. Then, upon exiting, saw that a race was starting...too bad the light was going away, but still an OK result *and* modern example of Muybridge's work! What magnificent animals...and 3 was the winner. Oh, and Jules, are the ears right for your client? Was this what you/he was talking about?

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Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Charlie you nail it! Pegasus in mid flight...
Loving the low angle "Golden" hour "Rear Illumination"

Intriguing download... the "blinders" that the lead stallion is wearing is blocking out virtually all peripheral vision... A counter measure likely to minimize risks of distraction(s) from other ponies on the track...

As for "Ears" When a horse’s ears are back, it also means that the horse is concentrating.
If you watch horses that are running, jumping or competing, their ears will be back.

Thank you for sharing your epic artistry Charlie

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

Thanks Thomas, always good to interact with you and your insights!

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

I believe that was what he way saying. Of course that was over 50 years ago. Thomas would be the person for that insight.
Jules

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

they look happier with their ears up - I had to learn how to change the ears in post to sell more photos....here is a before and after.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Lovely shots - and I couldn't even manage a jump like that without a ladder 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Much better. Good work.