Last weekend I joined Romy and Snuitje at the Human and horse Academy in Kootwijkerbroek in The Netherlands. Romy represented The Netherlands at Working Equitation in Paris in 2017 and were competing in the level 3 class this weekend.

I've been following Romy and Snuitje on her vlog Snuitable for a number of years after meeting at a cross country training event on my own pony a number of years ago. Her training methods are calm and quiet and i just love how relaxed her pony is when doing very complicated moves. So i joined her for the day and learnt lots about this relatively new sport to the Netherlands.

I photographed all day at the event from the getting ready through to the prize giving. Not just Romy but also the other competitors during the obstacles stage. 

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I have to say that i fell in love with Snuitje's and Romy's brown outfit - everything complimented each other and the cow skin on the top of the riding boots is just so fun.

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After warming up, the 1st stage of working equitation is a dressage test. With specific moves that must be included the emphasis is on flow and balance and making it all look effortless! Movements must be completed between specific markers or in areas of the arena rather than at specific marker points, which encourages softer transitions. Nikon D700 Nikon D700 Nikon D700

It was a very friendly event and after each dressage test the judge spoke to each rider to offer advice and feedback on their test.

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After the dressage test everyone got to walk the course with the designer who explained the route and the technical specifics to each obstacle.

Then it was the style test across the obstacles. Each obstacle tested the balance, and communication between horse and rider. With changes of leg, crossing a bridge, cantering a tight circle around a huge fibreglass bison, lateral movements, collecting a pole and spearing a metal loop amongst the obstacles I was in awe of how all the horses and riders remained in harmony. It was so much fun to watch.

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After the initial style round, a speed round followed where each obstacle had to once more be completed but the speed was more important than style - Snuitje and all the other horses seemed to enjoy this!

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At the end all the points were added together for the final scores. With 3 classes being run on Sunday the prize giving was a really nice end to the day for all.

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I had a lovely day photographing this great combination. If you would like your very own photographer for the day at an event to are attending please do not hesitate to contact me. You will be provided with an album of your special day - creating images of so much more than just one jump or one movement in your dressage test. Please contact me for the cost.