Epitome is an 8-year-old Warmblood from Germany, who is well known as Elton around the barn. Elton is owned and loved by Bethany. This dynamic duo trains with Will Roberts at Pine Hollow Farm in New Caney, TX, which is where Elton calls home.
Elton is a gorgeous bay gelding with a long stripe down his face, ending in a wide snip on his nose. He has a front white sock and two back socks. Have you ever heard the saying ‘chunky monkey’ or ‘cookie monster’? Well, that’s Elton! He absolutely loves his treats and if any of his friends in the barn are getting treats, he thinks he should be getting some as well. The perfect description of a cookie monster…but hey, at least nothing ever goes to waste over at Pine Hollow!
Bethany’s trainer, Will, found Elton 2 years ago and knew that he’d be perfect for her, and he wasn’t wrong, they have been an incredible pair. Though Elton lives in Texas at the farm, Bethany actually lives in North Carolina with her husband Charlie, new baby girl Graham, and their other two furry four-legged babies – Dasher & Clyde. The distance between them doesn’t stop Bethany from riding, and whether it’s been 2 days or 2 months, Elton is solid and steady for her every time they ride. He is always dependable and gives her 100%.
Bethany shared with us her favorite memory with Elton, “Was teaching him how to let me stand up on his back and put my arms out to either side.” Bethany has taught each and every one of her horses and ponies to do this. It is such a special moment for her when she is able to do so. “I just love the trust that is there when I accomplish this with each horse I’ve owned!” -Bethany shared. Teaching horses something like this involves a huge level of trust and calmness which helps create such a special bond with your horse through simple practice. A tradition that Bethany cherish’s and will always hold onto and surely pass down to her daughter, Graham. Who by the way, Elton absolutely adores!
Ever since Bethany was a little girl she was infatuated with horses. She shared that her mom would spend so much money every year at fairs for her to go round and round on the little tiny pony rides! On Bethany’s 5th Christmas her mom decided to get her riding lessons and she’s been hooked ever since! Now that Bethany has a little girl of her own, sharing the love of horses is something that she has looked forward to for so long. Graham just turned 8 months old and is absolutely loving the horse show life! She has ‘ridden’ Elton a handful of times and it makes her the happiest little baby girl and has the biggest smile!
No matter what kind of day she’s had when she walks into the barn and sees Elton her mood and day immediately lift. Horses are such incredible animals and they have a way of healing all things even if we didn’t realize we need it.
Did you know that horses sometimes wear shoes? There are all different kinds of shoes to achieve different results. They can help with gaining traction, help them move better, protect their hooves from rough terrain (like rocks), even correct problems!
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.
