Virginia Is For Families

Click on this photo for a really detailed look at some photos from this past summer. We went to Colonial Downs and had a great time watching the horses prepare for races and then go out and show their stuff.

The conditions were difficult for me given the hot midday sun and the constant motion. And you will see some noise when you take the large view. But I have decided to use this photo presentation more often. Maybe it will help me to be a better photographer if I am confronted with these imperfections on a more regular basis.

We went to Colonial Downs several years ago before I started taking photos. I bet more that day and probably ate more too.  And  I don’t remember marveling at the beauty of these fine animals.  Or  appreciating the effort that goes into dressing them with colorful gear that matches their own colors.

Taking photos has helped me to learn to be more creative. But it has also helped me to appreciate more the creative efforts of others.

Click to enlarge

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We had a pretty nice time yesterday at Colonial Downs and now that I have had some sleep it is all coming into better focus.  Horse racing is pretty exciting.  One of the horses decided to jump a fence over in the back forty during a race.  His unfortunate rider was resting on the turf and looking up at the sky in short order.

Oh well.  Another day.  Another doctor.

Fortunately I was having a better day than this young man.  These horse are beautiful and make exciting targets for photo seekers.   So there will probably be lots of photos of stallions around here for some time.

It really is be a battle between horse and man from time to time as these photos demonstrate.  This beautiful horse didn’t want to walk in a circle and the guy leading him has his elbow in his neck while he is pulling the rope attached to his mouth with his other arm.  I’m cheering for the horse. Who do you think is stronger?  It’s really no contest except that one has an unfair advantage.

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And over in the winner’s area another horse who had won his race was freaking out about something. Who knows what goes through their minds?  But walking them a little bit tends to calm them down.  He was alright in just a minute or two.

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And people, of course, have  dispositions that they bring to these engagements.  If I was a great big, fast, impressive stallion (we can all dream) this would be the guy I would want handling me.

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He actually posed the horse so I could take his photo.  If I was a photographer this would be the guy I would want handling the horse  too.

So we all agree.  This is the number one guy.

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And this is the number one Hooters girl.  There were a lot of them around the track doing their thing.  But this is the only one who inspired me to ask for a photo.  Can you see Beth in the background trying to run fast  to get out of the shot?  Probably not.

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(Click on the title of the post first to avoid tangling with the sidebar slide show)

Central Virginia has horse racing.  And it’s a fun way to spend a day.  There’s lots to do at the racetrack.

And it’s a good way to get a tan too.

Here are some photos from our day.  Maybe I will post more tomorrow.  But I’m pretty tired right now and need to go to bed.

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