Ironman turned 1 today, and I walked out to his field this morning at Skyland Farm to celebrate with him. A year ago I met him on the day he was born, and we had our first photo shoot together. You can see those photos here if you wish.
I’ve taken photos of Ironman in between, but for this special occasion we spent some quality time. We meandered around the field, and I let him lead the way as we walked from the run-in shed to the tree line and back up the hill.
Ironman enjoyed eating the blooming dandelions and picked some of the yellow flowers as we traversed the field. He still has some of his baby attributes, but when he stood at attention I could envision him as a mature horse, with his solid build and intelligent eye. His kindness was quite evident already, though, as he preferred to be right by my side rather than a model for photographs. I hope he never outgrows that trait!
Tricia Booker Photography 
These are great! Especially once I looked at his first birthday shots. Amazing!
Thank you, Patti! I’m glad you had time to see his baby photos to see how much he’s grown. It is pretty amazing how quickly they grow up.
The second image fascinates with the reflections–as though he was mirroring the world that he inhabits. Nicely done.
Thank you, Sally. Yes, the horse’s eye is a popular subject for reflections. It’s so deep and luminous that the reflections can be pretty cool. Thanks so much for your comment!
Wow. These are just incredible. What a beautiful creature.
Thank you! I agree; he is quite beautiful as horses go!
Lovely photos! He’s so cute!
Thank you for your kind words!
Stunning photos of a very beautiful horse!!
I have to admit, it’s hard not to get a good photo of him! Thank you so much!
I too had to return to the baby pictures and now, what a beauty. I have no clue about his lineage or if he is an expensive race horse but might one day, he be yours??? Your special connection made me wonder.
His breed is a Holsteiner, which is a warmblood, so he wouldn’t be eligible for the race track. He belongs to my friend Denice (also my riding coach). She owns his dam and sire. They are both jumpers, and she bred them because she loves their personalties and athleticism and wanted to have a foal from them. I’m kind of like an aunt, I suppose!
Ooops….is “might one day, he be yours?” correct English??? It does sound poetic, however!!! The Lucinda who dislikes incorrect grammar.
Ha ha! I think that must be correct because it sounds so cool!
Happy Birthday Ironman! What a beauty. I love the shot with his head down with the dandelion seed heads near his muzzle.
It’s funny. A lot of horses don’t like to eat dandelions when they’re past flowers, but he was munching away!
Beautiful! 🙂
Thank you so much!
Fantastic shots Tricia…and boy has Ironman grown up to be a handsome fella!!!
Thanks so much, David! I hope to continue following his progress as he grows up and becomes a show horse.
A beautiful animal!
Thank you, Sue!
WOW, he is a beautiful boy ! I bet he’ll be big and strong when he grows up. Is he yours?
He belongs to my trainer. She shows his sire and dam in the jumpers and decided to breed them. It’s the first foal she’s ever had, so it’s been fun to watch him grow up. He lives in a show barn, so he’s very spoiled by all of the attention from us. But in a good way!
A very handsome horse. My daughter would go wild over him.
Just beautiful, all of them. Esp love the one where he’s nosing into the camera.
Beautiful! Happy Birthday, Ironman!
I LOVE it! Such a beautiful horse!
Lovely! I don’t normally like bays but he is just beautiful