Wellington Florida Equine Photographer | Leah the Dutch Warmblood

Leah, Ulfilia DG, is a Dutch Warmblood Mare. Her sire is Wolfgang, her dam is Olympia. She was bred by DG Bar Ranch in Hanford, California.

Leah is owned by Madelyn Bricken. Some of you may know her from her fabulous Instagram feed and blog that follow the pairs journey and shares Madelyn’s equestrian style. The pair currently trains with Eva Oldenbroek of Tabor Sporthorses in Medina,TX. I have to just brag for a minute about how gorgeous this facility is, it is nestled in the most gorgeous area of the Texas Hill Country. They are currently showing Third level and working towards their Prix St. George debut, and hoping to earn their USDF Silver Medal in 2017.

“Leah has a few unique characteristics that make her wonderfully special. First, Leah’s confidence radiates from her persona. She carries herself with incredible elegance, and takes pride in her high self esteem. She is sensitive yet sensible with talent abounding, picking up on new concepts with a willing heart. One that is filled with nothing but pure gold. Fierce independence is something she possesses, but the moments where she nuzzles against my shoulder or doses off while licking my hand make my heart full. Her temperament is priceless. Leah easily goes from FEI arena work to hacking on the buckle around Eva’s 400 Acre ranch with ease. Safe, reliable, steady and trustworthy, she’s simply irreplaceable.”

Ripe bananas and peppermint twist candy are treats that Leah prefers the most, and she expects them after each ride, good or bad. Although, she Madelyn shares that she loves most any treat or food in general.

Her most prominent quirk would be sucking her tongue while waiting for a meal or being saddled. This is a learned behavior she must have picked up somewhere along the way. Her favorite pastime is nap taking, she’s an avid napper. “She also has irrational fear of cows and deer, but that’s okay, because I don’t care much for them either.”

The trait Madelyn finds most endearing, her overall gentle kindness.

“She’s an old soul, just like her human; my heart horse.”

Madelyn shares, “Leah’s accomplishments range from an extensive and successful competition career, to qualifying for the 2006 World Young Horse Championships in Verden, Germany, but the biggest accomplishment Leah has achieved is far from prizes and high scores. She is responsible for restoring my once shattered confidence. When I acquired Leah in 2013, I was coming off of a horrendous experience with my previous horse. Fear had prevailed, and I convinced myself I would never ride again. Until I made the trip to California in August of 2013… I still remember walking down the barn isle, seeing her for the first time while she waited patiently in the cross-ties. From the moment I laid my eyes on her, I knew she was the one, and when I stroked her neck, she let out the largest, most relaxed sigh. Fast forward to now, and Leah has brought back my zest for horses, dressage, and life in general. She’s incredibly sure footed, taking the best care of me with every stride. Leah always has my back, and reminds me to stay calm and relaxed in new surroundings or experiences. She’s more than just my horse, Leah is my best friend, my best girl, and forever my number one. I simply cannot imagine my life without her, and every second I spend with her, I cherish deeply. I’ve always dreamed of being so in-tune with a horse; having a partnership that is beyond describable, and here I am, struggling to formulate the words that depict just how much she means to me. Without her, I would have ended my dressage career, and most likely given up on horses. I owe her everything.”

“My favorite memory with Leah has to be the very first moment I met her. I remember walking down the barn isle at W Farms in Chino Hills, California, and immediately noticing her in the cross ties. I went to stroke her neck, and as I patted her, she let out the worlds biggest sigh. I knew right there that I wouldn’t be returning to Texas without her!

Karinda K Equine Photography is a Wellington Florida equine photographer located in Montgomery, TX. Karinda creates timeless portraits of you with your beloved horses, and other farm animals. Serving locally Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas communities. KEP also serves Wellington and Ocala, Florida, Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, Aiken, South Carolina, Tryon, North Carolina, and Norco and Woodside, California and their surrounding communities.