OPTIMAL HASTAK | 16 YEARS OLD SWEDISH WARMBLOOD | MAGNOLIA, TX
Opie, Optimal Hastak, is a Swedish Warmblood Gelding. The pair train at Little Bay Farm in Texas with Laura Mendoza.
Opie is a bay horse with two white socks on his hind legs, as well as a star and a snip on his face. He has a kind heart and a loving nature, and he is known for being incredibly calm and easy-going. Nothing seems to faze him, making him a unique and wonderful equine companion.
Ava, a passionate horse enthusiast, has been the proud owner of Opie for the past 6 months. Her trainer was instrumental in helping Ava find the perfect horse, and it was during a trip to Ohio that they first laid eyes on Opie. Since then, Opie has become a beloved member of Ava’s family.
When it comes to treats, Opie has a couple of favorites. He absolutely loves German Muffins, but if he has the chance to indulge in some french fries from the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, he’ll take it without hesitation. Opie’s taste in treats is diverse, but he always appreciates a tasty snack!
Ava, who is now 16 and a sophomore in high school, began riding horses when she was just 6 years old. Her passion for riding began after she moved to Texas from Alaska, and she has since dedicated much of her time to mastering the disciplines of Eventing and Dressage. Recently, Ava has made the switch to Jumpers and she’s thoroughly enjoying it! For Ava, the best part of owning horses is the special bond that develops between them.
Ava’s favorite memory of Opie is a story that she will never forget. It all started at 6 am on a dark morning when Opie had just arrived and was being led off the trailer. As they were walking towards the barn, Opie accidentally stepped on the side of Ava’s shoe, causing her to trip and fall to the ground. Although Ava still has torn shoes and scars on her knees from the cuts, she looks back on the memory fondly. To make it even better, her mom happened to catch the whole thing on video, making it a hilarious moment that they can relive and laugh about for years to come. That moment may have been a bit clumsy, but it also marked the beginning of a beautiful relationship between Ava and Opie.
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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.
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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 2023 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Karinda photographed around 150 Horses and Dogs and was able to donate just under $15,000 to Candlelighter’s Houston.
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Need to Contact Karinda? Email us at equine@karinda(.)com or call us at (8 3 2) 598-8715
