Young Horse & Rider | Nora & Pixie

POA Mare and her youth rider in Marshfield, WI

 It's been a while since I've shared such an incredibly high level of cuteness, so prepare yourself for overwhelming adorability. When Sara reached out to me to capture some keepsake photos of her daughter Nora with her first pony, Pixie, I was beyond excited. Most of my sessions are made up of high school seniors or adults, and it is such a joy to capture pictures of when a child's love for horses is first unlocking. It reminds me of my childhood and time spent in the barn around horses, knowing instinctively even then that I'd found my passion. 

      Our session took place on a warm and sunshiny day outside of Wausau, Wisconsin, on a beautiful property lined by pine trees and rustic fences. Nora was initially shy with quiet excitement, but it didn't take long for her to warm up to me. She was a natural in front of the camera, and I think much of that had to do with the fact she had Pixie by her side. You can tell that Nora approaches Pixie with care and respect, and this returned by the loving way that Pixie follows Nora around. Pixie is Nora’s first horse, and it’s easy to see that she’s going to be a horse girl for life.

              Pixie is a Pony of America. A few fun facts about this dynamic breed—POAs are only registered with the Pony of the Americas club if they have Appaloosa coloring visible from 40 feet, which is a beautiful trait of Pixie’s. POAs are also multitalented and can be trained in a multitude of disciplines, such as driving, endurance riding, and both English and Western. They are also known for their docile demeanor and willingness to please, making them an intelligent and dependable partner for children just starting their equestrian journey.

              I love how these pictures of Nora and Pixie turned out, especially the ones where Nora is so comfortably riding on the back of her pony without a saddle. It shows their effortless bond and indicates how much Pixie trusts her best friend. I hope that Nora and her family will treasure these pictures for years to come. And as for me, I am so grateful in having had a role in capturing such special memories to share to the newest generation of horse loving girls.