Rayo de Plata, is a 13 year old Andalusian that Diane does Dressage with. Located just outside of College Station is Denali Sport horses where Sarah Denham resides as the head trainer. He has a macho personality and will do anything for carrots. Rayo actually comes from a breeder here locally, near Navasota. I have driven by the ranch a million times, and seen the beautiful entry way with the Andalusian on the gate and always wondered if they bred horses, so when I found out this is where Rayo is from I finally got my answer to that burning question.
Diane purchased a gift certificate for a portrait session in the Houston Dressage Society Silent Auction. When I first talked to Diane she shared that she wanted to include her husband in her portraits, which I was so excited about because I love photographing couples. I think it is so important for everyone to have portraits with their signifiant other, and families. I have started photographing more and more couples and families the last year. I always invite my clients to bring their families along to their session and we can spend part of our time together grabbing a few images of the entire family.
Diane shares, he has taught her so much. She states, “When I was considering purchasing Rayo, my favorite empath told me that my Grand Prix horse,who was very strong and heavy in the bridle, taught me courage and Rayo’s job was to teach me finesse. Under saddle he is an extremely sensitive horse. Too little or too heavy aids do not work. He is also not very forgiving. He has been an amazing teacher. My trainer has helped me “unlearn” my defensive riding style and develop a much softer contact and quiet aids. Still have so much to learn from him.”
So even if he is a barn favorite, his sensitive side will often leave no room for rider error and may decide to not allow you to catch him in the pasture or pull away when turning him out. You would never have known it when we took his striking photos.
I wanted to give a huge shout out to Sarah, Diane’s trainer, who hung out with us the entire session and helped not only braid Rayo but also helped us get Rayo’s ears up, and keep him looking spiffy the entire time. Thank you Sarah for being such a great support crew for Diane & Rayo all of the time!
