Royal Balou, is owned by Zoe and his friends call him “Rigby.” Rigby is a 12-year-old Warmblood. The pair trains at Hacienda Con Vista in Austin, TX.
Rigby is a chestnut with white all around this eyes and nose. He also has white spots on his belly and socks on his legs. He is by the famous Balou du Rouet Z. Zoe bought him in December 2020. Another girl at their barn owned him and was trying to sell him as she was going to college. Zoe was leasing a horse at the time to wait for the right horse to buy. One day she came to the barn and her trainer told her to tack him up and get on him. Once she rode him for the first time she was instantly in love.
The first time Zoe showed Rigby was her first time ever showing. It was in the middle of an ice storm and it was like 20 degrees outside, so they were both freezing. She was extremely nervous going into the ring, even though he has done much bigger classes before. They ended up winning their first class ever and she was so happy, it is a day she will never forget. Rigby is a sweet and forgiving ride helping teach Zoe as they work on their partnership.
He loves fire hydrants and having his face brushed. Also, he is really chunky and could pass off as a pregnant mare. He does not like ponies or most other horses, but loves people, especially when they give him lots of attention and treats.
Zoe’s mom started riding horses a few years ago and Zoe was super uninterested. She didn’t like coming to the shows or watching the horses. Then, when COVID hit, they went to the shows in their RV and she didn’t have the option to stay home. She made a ton of friends at the show and decided she wanted to start riding. She has been riding for about 6 months and loving every minute of it. Her favorite thing about owning horses is that they are extremely loving and always try to put a smile on your face!
Karinda K. is a Houston, TX based equine photographer that travels around the United States photographing equestrians and their horses. Karinda specializes in Outdoor Horse & Rider Portrait sessions that bring to life the magical relationship equestrians share with their horses, Senior Portraits, and Fine Art Black & White Background Portraits for those that want a piece of art featuring their very own animals. Karinda accepts a limited number of private clients each year, if you are interested in having her photograph you and your horse or an equestrian in your life, you can reach the studio by sending an email to equine@karinda(.)com or calling (832)598-8715.
Portraits for Charity was an idea Karinda dreamt up to help give back to families impacted by Childhood Cancer in memory of her husband’s sister Jessica. During the 2021 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Karinda photographed around 140 Horses, Dogs, and even Goats, and was able to donate $10,000 to Candlelighter’s Houston. These are the stories of the Horses, Dogs, and Goats that were photographed at the show, these stories complement a photographic book that Karinda is printing and donating to Texas Children’s Hospital featuring Portraits of each and every animal she photographed.
The Waiting List for Pin Oak 2022 is now open, click here to join: https://equine.karindak.com/pin-oak-2022-wait-list
If you are interested in having Karinda attend your event and host a Portraits for Charity day, send an email to equine@karindak(.)com.
