It has taken me a while to write this, simply because this day was so incredibly emotional in a lot of ways. When someone contact you and asks you to take memorial photos of their horse, there is simply so much immense pressure to make sure you capture every ounce of them and the personality and truly do them justice. Well my friends, before you get sad on me, let me tell you Lady Bird defied all odds and every person out there that said she couldn’t do it, and is still living a happy life and is healing and recovering from her injuries.
Lady Bird was in an unfortunate accident at home, which resulted in her breaking her pelvis. After lots of time at the vet, Lady Bird’s owner finally made the decision to take her to Texas A&M to see what they vets there could do for her. There were days of uncertainty, and many days Marta spent sitting by Lady Bird’s side in her stall at the clinic…and many time Marta had to keep saying, “Lady Bird is a fighter, and she wants to keep fighting.” And, that she did. Marta fought for this horse and did everything possible to help her heal, and now that Lady Bird is home, she is living the life of luxury at the Polo Club in Dripping Springs, and she gets her very own custom mash each and every day from her Mom, as well as tons of snuggles and kisses. Marta even had a video camera installed in her stall, so that she could check in on her at all times of the day, and I can just tell you, that each and every time I see another Lady Bird post on Facebook, it makes me so happy. Most recently I saw that Lady Bird had cantered for the first time since her accident. I think I almost shed a tear I was so excited for this moment, and I knew that Marta had to have been so incredibly elated to get to witness that.
Lady Bird is a 12 year old Thoroughbred x Dutch Warmblood. I asked Marta to describe her to me and she said, “She is the most beautiful horse in the world. When I watch her beautiful and graceful movement, I hear symphonic music.” She also shared that Lady Bird is incredibly intelligent and ultra sensitive.
To say that Lady Bird is a member of Marta’s family is an understatement. Lady Bird is truly Marta’s heart horse and best friend. Writing this post bring back so many emotions, simply because the bond these two share is so powerful. I remember wrapping up her session and turning to Marta and saying, “You are right, I agree, she wants to keep fighting.” This horse just exudes this presence and there is something about her even when she was hurting that you could just tell, she wasn’t ready for her time to be over.
Lady bird used to be a show jumper, and won many ribbons in her day.
Marta rescued Lady Bird as a month old baby, out of a wet pasture. She wasn’t expected to live, and Marta nursed her back to health. See, are you seeing that there is this recurring theme, Marta has fought for this horse and done everything she could for her since the beginning. There is no doubt that these two were meant to meet in life.
Lady Bird’s sire was Cielo B, and her dam was a race horse.
I want to say a HUGE thank you to the staff at the Texas A&M Large Animal Hospital, I know that having someone come in a take over the barn isn’t the most convenient thing but the staff and doctors were incredibly amazing and understanding and allowed me to take my time photographing this sweet girl and her Mom.
You may have noticed that we also included Marta in some of Lady Bird’s Black Background Portraits, it was incredibly important that I capture a few of these two together, and although I typically photograph people with their horses outside, it was simply not something we could have done giving Lady Bird’s fragile state. I am so happy I was able to give Marta these images to cherish her sweet girl in such a tough time, and I know that she will forever cherish these memories.
Next time I head to Austin, I will have to stop by and see Miss Lady Bird, and post an update for all of you. I literally can not wait to hug this sweet girl and kiss her soft little nose.
