Quiralido is an 11-year-old Holsteiner that lives in Fairfax, VA. Friends call him “Q” for short. He is owned and loved by Ashley. The pair used to train with brother and sister – Frankie Owens and Whitney LaBrie at Oakwell Farms, but soon after Pin Oak, they made the move up to Virginia and they now ride with Code Four Show Stables.
Q is a striking dark bay Holsteiner with a white star on his forehead and a white snip on the tip of his nose. He was bred by Manfred Von Allwoerden and is by Quirado (Calido I) and out of Nautica. Although Q now lives in Virginia with Ashley, he is initially from Italy.
Ashley was living in Italy at the time with her family when her trainer, Matteo, introduced her to Q. When she met Q, his spirit and beauty shined. When she galloped him around the arena for the first time she felt her smile broaden. He had strength, power, and a willingness to please. She knew instantly that they were meant to be a team. That bond has only grown since that first gallop.
Ashley recalled this favorite memory of her and Q. ‘When Q and I competed at the Regional Horse Championship in Rome, Italy, I was extremely nervous. Throughout the three-day competition, my family, friends, and many of my fellow competitors supported me from the stands. Q and I had performed well and without faults the first two days of the competition. I was in 9th place going into the third day. It was the last day of my last competition in Italy before I returned to the US. I remember watching anxiously as 30 or so of my friends and fellow competitors navigated the course. I was in 9th place going into that final day and ended up being one of the last riders to compete. With hopes of a top 10 finish, I was anxious and overwhelmed by my own expectations to succeed. It felt as though hours, and hours elapsed as I waited to compete. Finally, it was my turn. From the gate, I quickly searched the crowd for a familiar face and with a flick of his head, Q quickly reminded me that this was not a challenge I was facing alone. This was our challenge. And it was in that moment that I realized our bond was stronger than I imagined it could be.’ Ashley and Q finished the three-day competition in 10th place.
Q is a sweet boy who loves cuddles and gives Ashely’s kids kisses by licking them. His favorite treat is watermelon but he’s not picky when it comes to food. Ashley’s former trainer, Matteo, used to call Q “Cucciolo” which means “puppy” in Italian.
Ashley began riding when she was 9-years-old. Her grandmother attended a charity event and by silent auction won horseback riding lessons. Those eight lessons sparked her love for horses. Her grandmother then bought her first pony when she was 10-years-old. What started as an after-school hobby became her everything. Since then, she has not always owned a horse however, she’s never gone too long without one or two in the barn. The opportunity to develop a relationship with her horse or horses, to have the responsibility to care for them, and extend those bonds beyond her time spent in the saddle is her favorite.
She loves what horses teach us about ourselves. They expose your strengths and weaknesses. Horses do not allow you to hide behind superficial shelters. Her horse has taught her to be kinder and more forgiving towards herself and others.
Did you know that the piece of tack on a horse’s head, while they’re being ridden, is called a bridle? A bridle is made up of three key components, a headstall which is the pieces of leather over the ears and down the face. A bit, oftentimes a piece of metal that goes into the mouth and is connected to the headstall for better control. And finally, the reins that connect to the bit go into the rider’s hands to guide the horse when it’s being ridden.
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.
