I don’t go antiquing very often, but when I saw this old photograph at a local antique shop, it caught my eye. I noticed the “Not For Sale” ticket taped on the left corner and was disappointed.
There are a few things wrong with this photo from a “proper equestrian” standpoint: the rider is not wearing a helmet and the horse’s legs aren’t parallel. Not to mention the frame is kind of boring.
Yet, I couldn’t help it. I fell in love.
An old photograph I couldn’t buy of a horse and woman I didn’t know in a location I couldn’t determine. For some reason I was smitten.
The expression on the woman’s face tells a familiar story, a story of horse joy
and riding freedom
and strength under control
and the beauty of the outdoors.
Her story is my story, and it’s probably yours too.
There’s just something about a horse.
The shop owner struck up a conversation, and I questioned the “Not For Sale” status.” She said she couldn’t sell it–it was special to her even though she didn’t know who the woman was (and she was not a rider).
I told her of my love for horses and we spent a few minutes trying to place the era and the location. The naked trees made us agree it was probably not California.
And even though the woman sailing over the rails and I are separated by decades and helmet rules and a “Not For Sale” sign, the art of her photograph is mine.
I realized I don’t need the picture, as that familiar smile and freedom grips me every time I sit in the saddle.
Your Turn: What is your riding freedom story? Have you ever fallen for a piece of equestrian art?
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I'm Susan and this is my horse Knight. We have been a blogging team since 2015 and we're glad you're here. Tally ho!
That’s a lovely photo. I would have wanted to buy it, too!
What’s a great picture!!! I want it too!!
I was impressed that the image or maybe the act of the woman looking so joyful was compelling enough for the shop owner to keep even though she’s not a horse person. That really speaks volumes about our special passion/sport. 🙂
That photo is rad! I have fallen in love with a few paintings that were way out of my budget.
My grandfather filmed many horse shows and events at the Fairfield Hunt. These films were in our family for years, my dad would thread up the old 16mm projector and show them to us. I was especially wowed by the ladies side-saddle riding and jumping. When I cleaned out my parents home and their lifetime of possessions, I returned the 16mm films to the Fairfield Hunt. They were very pleased to add them to their library.
That is so cool. I would have loved to have seen the film of the ladies hunting while side-saddle! That was very thoughtful of you to return them to the hunt. The history teacher side of me is giving you an A+ for good citizenship. 🙂
Her face really does say it all in the photo–strong, focused and joyful. It really is what our horse passion is all about, and life really.