Terri & Roper's | Project 27 Winter Equine Photoshoot
Terri & Roper's | Project 27 Winter Equine Photoshoot
Family farm in Black Creek, WI
The latest addition to Project 27 comes in the form of this sweet surprise–Terri Garsow and her horse, Roper, were nominated by Terri’s husband, Steve. I was touched by their story, and also thought it was so sweet that someone in her life is equally moved by the friendship shared by Roper and Terri. So much so that he felt compelled to reach out to me on Terri’s behalf–and let me tell you, it is so easy to see why.
Terri’s grandfather, uncles, and father all pulled horses, so she can’t remember a time in her life without that equestrian pull. But her passion came from a desire to have a horse of her own–and Roper was the very first horse that ever held that title. It’s been over twenty five years that they’ve been together, and the roots of their bond have only stretched further and deeper into the ground.
“There is a love and understanding there that is unmatched,” Steve said on the Project 27 application. “Even though Roper can’t go trail rides anymore, he is always ready for a quick bareback ride or the race towards the barn in excitement when he sees Mom.”
Terri knew Roper was hers from the moment she saw him, and they felt an instant connection to one another. She was eager to share with us memories of showing Roper, and watching her son get to do the same with the family horse. And a favorite memory strikes a particularly nostalgic note–Terri showed Roper at the state 4H Horse Show in the same arena where her Grandfather was inducted into the Wisconsin Horse Pulling Association Hall of Fame.
“He gives her a different outlook on things,” Steve added. “Our favorite trait of his is his gentleness, but also the protection and safety that he provides Terri.”
Roper may be 33, but Terri and Steve are quick to tell me that he has the mind of a ten year old. And while I took pictures of Terri and Roper together, I came to the same conclusion. Roper’s energy and eagerness to please were evident from our very first few minutes together, and I could tell that his love for Terri is a motivating factor in keeping him mentally so young and alert. Roper has been such a huge part of Terri’s life, and I loved bringing their story to life on camera. What’s more, I was so happy to be a part of this surprise for Terri, and hope that she cherishes these pictures for years to come. And of course, a huge thanks to Steve, who truly made this beautiful horse and rider connection a family affair.
