Category Archives: Faces of Pin Oak

The Plaid Horse in the Barn Lounge with Daniel Bedoya

Photo © Karinda K. Equine Photography

BY JESS CLAWSON

Daniel Bedoya was taught to respect and value horses from the start. Growing up in La Paz, Bolivia, his father, Daniel Bedoya Sr., won seven national jumper championships in Bolivia. But even more than his success in the show ring, Bedoya Sr emphasized that anyone who wants to ride needs to bring their best to the horses at all times.

When Daniel describes his childhood in La Paz, he talks about how his father’s passion for riding motivated him to get up at 5am in order to ride before his job working in construction. He would even rush to the barn during lunch to get a ride in.

Bedoya Sr demanded the same of his children if they chose to ride. “My sister was very talented,” Daniel says, “but just didn’t want it as much.” Bedoya Sr. told his son that if he wanted to ride, it was all or nothing. He had to take it seriously, to forego nights out with his friends if he wanted to jump the next day, to show up every single day to work on his sport.

That work paid off.

The family moved to Austin, Texas when Daniel was a young man. Bedoya Sr. set up a training facility there, which he continues to run full time at age 74. “He rides four horses a day. He teaches lessons. He gets on the tractor himself to drag the arena,” Daniel says with clear admiration.

Daniel continued in the family tradition and set off to Magnolia, Texas, where he and his wife Lindsay run Bedoya Training Stables. Lindsay is critical to the operation. She travels with him to help in the big classes when she can or stays home with their daughter to keep the horses and students in work. “It’s special to me that we’re doing this as a family,” he says.

Photo © Karinda K. Equine Photography

At Bedoya Training Stables, Daniel focuses on building foundations of trust and warmth with his horses and students. “It has to be fun,” he says. “If it’s not fun then why do it?” He treats his horses with respect and empathy, and takes the time to really make sure he understands the specific needs of each one. “One of the challenges of the trainer is to find what makes a horse want to perform better,” he says. “Try to make it fun for the horses. If you make the job a little easier, make it fun, and find what makes every horse want to do their job—you’ll have more success.”

Daniel carries the same approach with his students. He likes people, and wants to get to know them. He brings the best of Bolivian riding culture to Texas:  “Everyone has to have fun. In Bolivia, riding is a very social thing–everyone goes to ride and then they hang out with their friends, go do other things together.”

In fact, when Daniel and his horse Quattro represented Bolivia at the World Equestrian Games at Tryon in 2018–the first time a Bolivian represented the country on the world stage–his Texan fans cheered him vigorously in the main arena. The Great Southwest Equestrian Center even stopped the horse show to broadcast his rides on the big screens so that his home crowd could watch and cheer for their friend.

Riding at WEG belt beyond Daniel’s wildest dreams even two years prior, and he counts carrying the Bolivian flag as his proudest equestrian achievement. He credits his horse Quattro for the opportunity.

“I remember the day of the first class I was riding. My horse was almost ready in the cross ties, and I gave him a big hug. I wanted to thank him somehow. It was an unbelievable moment for me. Even before going in the ring, I got teary eyed. I could not believe I was there. My family came from Bolivia to watch. It was amazing.”

Quattro is the horse of a lifetime for Daniel. He bought the 18hh gelding as a five-year-old resale project. “He turned out to be harder to train in the beginning than I expected,” Daniel recounts cheerfully. He took the “shy, gentle giant” to his first horse show as a youngster, having no idea this would be the horse to completely change his career.

Photo © Karinda K. Equine Photography

“I may get to the point where I ride better horses than him, who win more than he wins, but none will have the impact he has had on my career. He changed my life.” For Daniel, there will never be another Quattro. The successes the pair have already achieved have opened doors for Daniel. Competing at WEG, opportunities to ride more elite horses, and attracting quality clients to his program have all come about thanks to Quattro’s eagerness to try.

Daniel also thinks fondly back to his now eight-year-old daughter’s early childhood. He would sit her in front of him on the huge horse’s back and walk and trot around the ring, introducing his daughter to horses and sharing quiet moments with her.

“My daughter is my biggest fan,” he says. While she hasn’t caught the riding bug, she joins the Texas community in cheering for her father’s victories. “Sometimes she cries if Quattro and I don’t win,” he chuckles.

Pin Oak has been a large part of Daniel’s career success. There he Quattro have claimed many victories, including rising to the top of the leaderboard in the 2018 Antares Sellier Leading Grand Prix Rider. He loves the show for its combination of collegial environment and prestige.

Pin Oak is special to Daniel because of the charitable giving aspect. He recounts a charity equitation class to benefit a fellow professional who was having medical troubles a few years ago. “It wasn’t part of Pin Oak but they helped us with it, and now they’ve made it part of their show,” he says with pride.

Daniel hopes that Pin Oak continues to attract more riders from Mexico and surrounding states. “It’s a beautiful horse show,” he says. “Everybody comes to play. Everyone gets ready for Pin Oak.”

Daniel’s buoyant spirit and passion for the horses make him a popular fixture of the Texas riding scene. He and Quattro have a bright future ahead of them.

Faces of Pin Oak: Daniel Bedoya

The Plaid Horse in the Barn Lounge with Natalee Newton Haggan

Photo © Karinda K. Equine Photography

BY JESS CLAWSON

Natalee Haggan’s parents promised her a horse of her own when she was eight years old, provided she stuck with the riding lessons she begged for. She showed her dedication early, always staying late at the barn late to help out with chores. “Thirty years have gone by and I’m still waiting for the horse,” the now successful professional jokes.

Natalee’s determination has opened doors. In 2000, she convinced the hiring manager at Medieval Times (a popular dinner theater chain restaurant) to take her on, even though at the time the business officially did not hire women in the role of riders. But Natalee impressed the horse trainer with her skills. Through that experience, she learned a lot of incredible dressage skills the horses needed to perform in the show.

After three years at Medieval Times, Natalee returned to the show ring. She missed jumping. She borrowed a horse from MTM farm for a week, and again impressed people with her work ethic. She got opportunity to take care of the farm while the owners were on the road, and worked her way into the manager and trainer position.

Things were going well for Natalee when, in 2017, a 2”x6” board fell on her head and left her in critical condition. Once again, she would have to defy the odds.

Pin Oak became the stage for her comeback. She grew up watching the Pin Oak Grand Prix and dreamed of riding in it long before she had the financial means to make it at the rated level. “I just rode whatever I could swing a leg over,” she remembers. Now, as an accomplished rider with access to nice horses, she had to put the pieces together while recovering from her serious injury.

Photo © Karinda K. Equine Photography

In 2018, just seven months after her accident, her dream came true as she rode into the ring in the Wells Fargo $30,000 Pin Oak Grand Prix on MTM Full House. The evening progressed from dream to fairy tale as she and Fuller had the only double clear round of the night. “Winning was surreal,” she recalls. Natalee lists winning this class as her proudest equestrian accomplishment.

There is no doubt that Natalee’s determination and talent paid off in that moment, but she credits her support system as well. “I am so fortunate to have the support of Mike McCormick, Tracy Fenney, and the rest of our MTM team,” she says. “They have given me knowledge, encouragement, and opportunities that I would not otherwise have and I am forever grateful.”

Tracy is her equestrian idol. “She’s amazing,” she says. “She’s always so smooth and makes it look effortless. Horses love her.”

She also has a special bond with Fuller, a Hanoverian gelding McCormick and Fenney imported in 2015. Fenney rode him in a few Grand Prix before handing the reins over to Natalee just before her accident, but left the ride to her and gave Fuller time off competing while Natalee recovered.

“I believe we have an aytpical bond that allows us to compete at that level,” Natalee says. “Fuller jumps in an unorthodox style, but he has the heart of a winner. He always gives 110% in and out of the show ring, and always steps up when he is challenged. He is also the first to greet me when I walk in the barn with a loud neigh ‘hello.’”

Natalee is sympathetic to her horses, which plays a key role in her success with them. Her training philosophy centers on focusing on the individual needs of each horse to help them most efficiently understand what she is asking of them. “I am a huge believer in positive reinforcement and try to stay focused on solutions,” she says. “I think it is very important especially with young or green horses to recognize when the horse has given you an honest effort to do whatever you are facing it with to allow it to be finished,  whether it happens in five minutes or 25 minutes.”

Photo © Karinda K. Equine Photography

The future is bright for Natalee, whose next big goal is to win an international hunter derby. “I’ve come in second in my last two international derbies,” she says, “and last time I was only one point off the winner.” She’s also looking forward to more Grand Prix wins as well as bringing along the promising young horses at MTM.

Wherever she goes in her career, Pin Oak will always be special to her. “Pin Oak is a great contribution to the horse world in the sense that it allows different breeds and disciplines to compete side by side. Even though we are all involved with riding it is very interesting to watch and learn how differing breeds and disciplines train, compete, and even manage their horses in the stabling area. Each breed and discipline have their own unique traditions that I find interesting,” Natalee says.

“I am just very thankful to be able to compete at Pin Oak. I love the support and donations Pin Oak makes to the Texas Children’s Hospital. We are all very lucky to be able to live our life with horses and I think it is important to remember to give back.”

While anyone with Natalee’s level of success would know a thing or two about luck, she is also a demonstration of what really wanting it and putting in the time can bring. Watch for this talented rider at the horse shows this year.

Faces of Pin Oak: Natalee Newton Haggan

The Plaid Horse in the Barn Lounge with Briley Koerner

Faces of Pin Oak: Briley Koerner

Photo courtesy of Briley Koerner

BY JESS CLAWSON

Briley Koerner believes in the importance of connection—both with horses and people. She started riding at six years old, and still thinks of her first trainer, Kim Cox of Tally Ho Farm, as one of the most influential people in her life. “Mrs. Kim taught me the ropes,” she says.

Her horses, too, have taught her a great deal. “Every horse I’ve ever owned or ridden has definitely helped make me the rider I am today,” Briley says with gratitude. Her family, including older brother Barrett who shares all of her successes on Facebook, and grandparents who have supported her in this challenging sport, have helped foster that sense of connection as well.

Photo © Kaitlyn Karssen

Briley’s career as a young rider includes many great many successes in the past two years. In 2017, she won the NAJYRC Zone 7 team gold and individual bronze; the Prix Des Stats zone 7 team gold; and was in the top 25 at the Maclay Finals. In 2018, she won the Prix Des States Zone 7 team gold and the $25,000 1.45m Welcome Stake at the Hampton Classic Horse Show on her own For Jef Vd Wezesle.

For Jef Vd Wezesle or Seth, as he’s known around the barn, holds a special place in Briley’s heart. “If there’s one horse who has impacted my riding the most, it would be Seth,” she says. The horse is undeniably talented, and they make a great team, earning three gold medals during her junior career. But he’s special to Briley for other reasons, too.

Briley suffered tremendous loss when her brother Brody died on July 28, 2017. Upon hearing this, Seth’s previous owner, Natalie, called Briley to express her condolences and also tell her the story behind the horse’s name: Natalie’s brother, Jef, also passed away unexpectedly. She named the promising young horse after him. “That made me feel closer to my brother,” Briley says.

Photo © ESI

“I will forever and always be grateful to have Seth. I consider him my horse of a lifetime for sure. Without him, I wouldn’t be the rider I am today. I can’t thank my trainer Martien and Maarten enough for finding this special horse.”

Her trainer, Martien, has taught Briley about connection, figuratively and literally. He encourages her to make connections between flat work and jumping. “There has to be a purpose behind what I’m asking my horse to do,” she emphasizes.

She also thinks fostering that genuine connection in the leg-to-hand sense is important. “I think we all as riders get caught up depending on draw reins and martingales for our flat work,” Briley says. Flat work and pole work are important, because they’re the foundation of the big jumper classes. Working to develop a good canter with the right balance is critical.

Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography

Briley admires connected, quiet riders like Beezie Madden and Laura Kraut. “I admire Beezie’s consistency and horsemanship. When I watch her ride, she stays in one position which allows her to stay connected with the horse.”

“Laura Kraut is another rider I really aspire to be like,” she says. “You can tell she has natural talent. Laura clicks well with all her horses, and I think that is important.”

Briley has big goals for the future: she wants to represent the US at the Nations Cup and the Olympics. “In the meantime,” she says, “I want to train clients and bring them up to the highest level of show jumping that I can.”

Photo © Diana Hadsall Photography

Competition is in her bones, and Briley is one of the rare people who doesn’t get nervous competing. “I tend to do a bit better under pressure and when competing in front of a big crowd. As a junior my trainer Martien was sure to expose me to different venues like grass rings and small indoors and I think that definitely helped,” she says.

Briley loves competing at Pin Oak in particular. “The one thing I love most about Pin Oak are the people. After competing in WEF for the past 8 weeks, it sure is nice to come home to some familiar faces! Pin Oak does a fantastic job of having a special atmosphere. There is nothing like competing at a show that gets its hometown people to come and watch the show. I can’t begin to thank Pin oak enough for all there amazing sponsors and kind hospitality,” she says. “It is an honor to get to compete at such an amazing show!”

Briley’s dreams are big, but her talent, work ethic, and support system are too. Watch for this gifted young rider this year.

Faces of Pin Oak: Briley Koerner

The Plaid Horse in the Barn Lounge with Frankie Owens

Faces of Pin Oak: Frankie Owens

Photo © Karinda K. Equine Photography

BY JESS CLAWSON

Frankie Owens was almost born in the saddle. His parents, Candie and Frank, were established professionals in the industry by the time he and his sister, Whitney, were born. Frankie was legged up onto horses from a very young age, and credits his parents for teaching him so much. “I don’t take for granted growing up the way I did,” he says. “The benefits of being raised in an established stable aren’t lost on me.”

Frankie’s father, Frank Owens, was also raised around horses. His mother, Christine, was a breeder of Welsh/thoroughbred crosses in Virginia and got Frank into riding ponies. Then, as an adult in the 1970s, Frank became a pentathlete–a sport funded by the US government at the time. This brought him to Texas, where he met his wife, Candie. They had two children, Frankie and Whitney, both now professionals at their family farm.

Frankie’s showing career began in earnest when he was 14. He competed in all three rings. He spent just one year of his adulthood as an amateur, competing in the amateur owner jumpers, before making the leap to becoming a professional at age 19.

Photo © Karinda K. Equine Photography

Frankie now competes in both hunters and jumpers. Some of his proudest achievements have been in the hunter ring on Diana Stumberg’s mare, Carrida, who won the $50,000 International Hunter Derby at Pin Oak in 2018 and was the national champion in the 3’9” green over fences in 2017. “She’s definitely the hunter I’ve won the most on,” he says.

Winning the hunter derby at Pin Oak in 2018 was an important event for him. Earlier that same evening, he stood in the center ring awarding trophies in memory of his mother, Candie Owens, who passed away in 2014. “It means a lot,” he says. “I’ve been showing at Pin Oak since I started riding.”

Teaching and training is important to Frankie. He and sister Whitney continue to operate out of his family’s Oakwell Farm where they coach riders of all ages and experiences. Frankie is serious about ensuring they make it to the top of their ambitions. His approach to training is simple, if not easy: “It’s about replicating what you want in the show ring, and knowing how much repetition each horse needs,” he says.

Frankie also loves to bring along young horses, and rides them with empathy. He believes in taking time to instill confidence in them, and it shows. He took an unbroke broodmare all the way to the Grand Prix ring, where she was a winner her first time out.

Photo © Karinda K. Equine Photography

Frankie has had a great deal of success in the show ring, including winning the Walter Oil & Gas $25,000 Grand Prix in 2017 and the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby in 2018 at Pin Oak. He’s also been champion at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Texas Winter Series many times, and has won in Grand Prix classes all over the south.

Pin Oak is special for Frankie, and not just because he’s had competitive success there. “It’s one of the finest shows in Texas, but it’s across the board a great show,” he says. He enjoys the return of the competitors who went to Wellington and other winter circuits. “Pretty much all your barns in Texas are there, hunter/jumper wise.”

The quality is what draws the crowd. “They can sell out 1100 stalls because it’s a great show,” he says. “They make it a big deal and put on a really nice presentation. I can’t think of a year I haven’t shown there since I was 14.”

Frankie has taken full advantage of his fortunate start in life with horses. Say hello to him at Pin Oak this year!

Faces of Pin Oak: Frankie Owens

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What To Wear: Keely McIntosh

The Faces of Pin Oak Featuring Keely McIntosh | Grand Prix Champion

Keely McIntosh of Magnolia TX has been attending the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Katy,TX since she was a little girls, and is now getting to live out one of her earliest dreams in life, to compete in the Grand Prix at Pin Oak. Keely was the Under 25 Grand Prix Champion in 2017. Keely with the encouragement and support of her mom, Jenny Booth of Booth Show Jumpers, now travels all over the country showing her horses, including Sulli, who had his day in the spotlight during the Faces of Pin Oak Shoot.

EQUESTRIAN LOOK

Keely’s Equestrian look featured items from Exceptional Equestrian including their  Berry Tailored Sportsman Breeches with brown knee patches, a Fior Da Liso Emma shirtFrederique Scarf, and Sandy Defter Belt. Elaine Turner provided their amazing Katia Fringe Earrings in Navy. Keely completed this look with her Tucci Tall Boots.

Exceptional Equestrian Red Breeches the Faces of Pin Oak

BLACK TIE FORMAL LOOK

When I started searching for the perfect dress for Keely to wear for her formal look I came across the Yoana Baraschi Oscar Wild Dinner Dress on Rent the Runway and knew it was the perfect look for Keely. It is super important to pick items for pictures that will give you shape and the best way to do so is to look for items with structure to create that look and shape at all times. We paired this dress with a gorgeous Turquoise Statement necklace from Texas Silver Rush to help tie in the teal color in Trap’s Bow Tie & Pocket Square from E. F. Meeks.

Formal Look Maroon Dress with Teal Accents

What To Wear: Trapp O’Neal

The Faces of The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Featuring Trapp O’Neal

Trapp O’Neal is there owner and trainer at TKO Sporthorses in Magnolia,TX. Trapp & his mount Capitano are two time Pin Oak Grand Prix Champions. For the Faces of Pin Oak shoot, Trapp was photographed with Kid, who is owned by Sarah Meyer. Kidd was quite the ham and loved every moment of being the center of attention for pictures. Trapp shares that his favorite part about showing at Pin Oak is the crowd and the atmosphere, one Grand Prix nights the energy in the ring is undeniable.

EQUESTRIAN LOOK

Trapp’s Equestrian look was provided by Luxe Eq. Trapp wore items from the Cavalleria Toscana Collection. Trapp wore the Cavalleria Toscana Men’s Guibert Shirt, it is a light blue button down with a white collar and cuffs. This was paired with a pair of Navy Cavalleria Toscana Breeches. His look was wrapped up with his lucky woven belt, you can shop a similar style at Luxe Eq with their Cavalleria Toscana Stripe Stretch Belt, and his orange tie featuring bits was by E.F. Meeks.

BLACK TIE FORMAL LOOK

When Lauryn, of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, came up to me and let me know that Festari for Men would be providing one of their amazing pieces for the shoot I was ecstatic. They make custom tailored one of kind suits and they are absolutely stunning. They provided us with a Royal Blue Windowpane suit for Trapp to wear. Trapp also wore a Cavalleria Toscana button down dress shirt from Luxe Eq with his suit. We paired this look with a bow tie & pocket square from one of my favorite equestrian tie shops, E.F. Meeks. E.F. Meeks makes bow ties, ties, and pocket squares that are perfect for the equestrian. If you are attending an equestrian event or derby party and need the perfect statement piece you have to check out their store.

Festari For Men Pin Oak Charity Horse Show

Festari For Men Blue Windowpane Tux

Keely McIntosh, 2018 Face of Pin Oak

Keely McIntosh

2017 U25 Grand Prix Champion

“There is not a moment in my life where I remember being without a horse.”

Keely’s mother, Jenny Booth of Booth Show Jumpers, used to take her on trail rides for naptime and have Keely sit in front of her on an old quarter horse mare named ‘Fanny’, a pretty flee bitten grey. At age 5, Keely began riding Fanny and Jenny rode Fanny’s daughter, a bright chestnut mare named ‘Beebers’. “This is what childhood was like for me, trial riding through the forest and taking naps on the backs of our horses,” said Keely.

“Twenty years down the road and I am truly blessed to compete in the Grand Prixs, U25 Grand Prixs, Derbies, and Amateur divisions all over the country. I have come a long way since trail rides and nap time on Fanny and Beebers. Even though life with the horses has altered dramatically since I was a child, my love for the sport and the animals remains the same. I have a competitive nature. I love showing and competing, but I ride for the connection I build with my horses. That is something I have never been without and something that I could never see myself giving up. This connection is what keeps you going through tough days and difficult times in life.”

Keely has been attending at Pin Oak since she was in elementary school. She said she remembers lying in bed and praying to God every night that one day she would be able to compete in the Pin Oak Grand Prix. She has since made that dream a reality! “The best part about the horse show is being able to see those dreams of young riders come true just as mine did. It is the perfect places for people to come and see the riders’ passion and Pin Oak’s hospitality, and be a part of the experience. I cannot wait to see how the continual improvements to the show will positively affect the support given to Texas Children’s Hospital.”

So Live Helau (Sulli)

Selle Français, 12 years old

Sulli and Keely compete in show jumping, and won the Pin Oak U25 Grand Prix, second in the $50,000 Grand Prix in Ocala in February. They have also won and placed in several U25 Grand Prixs, open Grand Prixs, and High classics.

Keely’s favorite story is how she met Sulli. One day, Keely’s mother got a call from world renowned jumper McLain Ward, saying he had a horse Jenny might be interested in. Her mother declined, as the family’s barn was full at the time.

“During that year, two separate people rode him and tried to buy him,” she said. “That was when the accident happened. He was walking through a stall with a giant metal pin sticking out. It got caught on his side and tore him open as he ran through the gate. It took several stitches and months of rehabilitation until he was able to be ridden again.

“At this this time, I was looking for a new horse. Guess who was still available? Because of his scar, Sulli was still available and I was the first person to try him since the accident. All of the pieces fell into place in order to bring this horse into my life. I will always be so grateful.”

Because of his injury, Sulli took some time to build confidence and trust with Keely, but she remembers it being clear from the beginning they were made for each other.

These days, Keely and Sulli’s relationship is incredibly strong (aided by his favorite treat: Mrs. Pastures horse cookies).

“This horse’s talent is truly limitless with as big of a heart he has. My favorite part about riding horses is the relationship you build with them. Sulli is no exception,” said Keely, who thinks of Sulli as her soulmate. “The bond built with him is one of the strongest I’ve known to this day.”

Sulli’s story originally published on Karinda K. Equine Photography’s “365 Days of Horses”

EQUESTRIAN LOOK – Exceptional Equestrian, Breeches, Shirt, Belt and Scarf | Elaine Turner, Earrings | The Polished Rider, Bracelet

EVENING LOOK – Yoana Baraschi, Cocktail Dress | The Texas Silver Rush, Jewelry | French Connection, Shoes

The Official Photographer of The Faces of Pin Oak

Trapp O’Neal, 2018 Face of Pin Oak

Trapp O’Neal

2017 Hildebrand Fund Grand Prix Champion

Trapp O’Neal, owner and trainer at TKO Sporthorses, has been riding since he was 6 years old and has moved up through the ranks to the Grand Prix level.

“I started TKO Sporthorses 8 years ago and serve the greater Houston area, while showing extensively all over the country.  I was able to build my own facility within the last couple years and have my wonderful clients to thank for their continued support in that endeavor.”

Trapp and 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Capitano, are two-time Pin Oak Grand Prix Champions. After last year’s win, Trapp told Equine Journal, “I love the atmosphere and the crowd. Any time you can have this type of environment and this type of energy in the ring is just great. The riders and horses feed off of it. It’s fun to ride at this horse show.”

Fastrelko (Kid)

Dutch Warm Blood, 8 years old

Kid is a handful! He loves attention, but you would never know because his ears are always back. He is an escape artist and you will find him out of his stall, just hanging out in the barn.

Garo Kazan imported Kid as a 5-year-old and was then purchased by the Meyer family. At that time, Kid had never competed. Sarah Meyer said she loves Kid because he has the biggest heart and will give it his all for you in the ring.

This young horse has been making quite a name for him and is definitely one to watch. “I have been lucky enough to develop him over the last 3 years into this horse he is today,” said Trapp. He was second last year in the Joker Class, won his first 1.45 in Colorado and was in the 6-year-old finals.

EQUESTRIAN LOOK – Luxe EQ, Breeches and Shirt | E.F. Meeks, Tie

EVENING LOOK – Festari For Men, Suit | E.F. Meeks, Bowtie and Pocket Square

The Official Photographer of The Faces of Pin Oak

Sydney Young, 2018 Face of Pin Oak

Sydney Young

2017 Saddle Seat Equitation Champion

“What I love most about the sport has been constantly learning how to communicate with my equine partner without the understanding of a spoken language. The bond derived is stronger than anything I’ve ever known.”

Sydney has been riding for 13 years and competes in Saddle Seat with the American Saddlebred, with a passion for the equitation division.

“The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has always been a wonderful start to the season for me and has been a place where I learn a lot as a rider while creating wonderful memories, which keeps me coming back each year. One of my proudest moments was winning the 2017 Pin Oak Saddle Seat Equitation Championship for the first time after competing in that class for 6 years.”

Sydney rides with Vantage Point Farm under the instruction of May Chadick and David Blevins and will be competing in Week One of Pin Oak.

Goodnight Sweet Dreams (Sammie)

American Saddlebred, 12 years old

Sammie is infamous for eating tack. Even if you think it’s not in reach, he’s chewing on it. Sammie has competed in everything from Saddle Seat Pleasure, Hunter Country Pleasure, to the Academy ranks. Towards the beginning of his career, Sammie won the Pin Oak Park Pleasure Championship amongst wins across the nation with May Chadick. Five years later with his new owner, Alexa Bernal, he was the Pin Oak Open Pleasure Champion.

EQUESTRIAN LOOK – Elaine Turner, Jacket & Shirt | Exceptional Equestrian, Scarf

EVENING LOOK — Renegade Bridal & Gala, Gown | The Texas Silver Rush, Jewelry

The Official Photographer of The Faces of Pin Oak

What To Wear: Sydney Young

The Faces of Pin Oak Featuring Sydney Young | American Saddlebred Saddleseat Equitation Champion

For Week 1 of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show I am super excited to introduce you to Sydney Young. Sydney was the Saddleseat Equitation Champion in 2017 and she has been a part of Pin Oak for years. Sydney shares that “One of my proudest moments was winning the Pin Oak Saddle Seat Equitation Championship last year for the first time…” Sydney rides with Vantage Point Farm under the instruction of May Chadick and David Blevins. For the Faces of Pin Oak shoot they brought over Goodnight Sweet Dreams, a 12 Year Old American Saddlebred Mare that is owned by Alexa Bernal.

I am super excited to get to see Sydney in action this year during the Saddlebred Show during Week 1 of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.

For Sydney’s Equestrian look she was sporting a gorgeous white button Carolyn Shirt with flared sleeves that was paired with the Tori Jacket in Tomato Tweed that was absolute perfection from Elaine Turner. We added some equestrian flair to her look with a Lilo scarf provided by Exceptional Equestrian. These pieces paired perfectly with Sydney’s Navy Breeches that had a subtle pin stripe accent. Sydney’s look was completed by a soft and subtle braid that was done by Love and Makeup Beauty.

 

Sydney was wearing one of my absolute favorite dresses for her Black Tie Look. Her gold sequin dress is a one of a kind dress from Renegade Bridal & Gala, a Houston based custom dress designer. I actually purchased this dress from Natalie because I adore this dress so much and knew that my clients would all love getting to wear it for their pictures. Her look was completed by adding a simple cuff bracelet from Texas Silver Rush in Fredricksburg,TX.