I stumbled across this photo and it made me think of Nico Morgan’s work right away. Don’t you think?  It also make me want to hop a flight to Ireland and come face to face with this crew, preferably while hacking out on my sweet Ellie. I think she would take the whole thing in stride and get as much a kick out of it as I do.  Plus, what with it being such a grey and cool Spring I figure we might as well as be in Ireland and do it up right. Last one there is a rotten egg.

photo by Alen Macweeney via Old Chum

One of our favorite photographers and writers, Leslie Threlkeld, captured all the best moments at Poplar Place Farm Horse Trials. She also noticed a contingent of eventing ponies, of which (as you already know) we’re a fan. We thought you might like to meet some of the ones who caught her eye.

Above: Pocomotion is a 14h Welsh/TB gelding and competed in Open BN.

Below: My Valentino competed in Open Novice. He jumped double clean all around.

Adanac is a 14h New Forest gelding.  He still gives lots of lucky little girls riding lessons every day. Competed in Open BN.

Rockin Royal Sierra is a 15.1h Quarter Horse gelding.  He was taking his rider, Maggie, around her first Training level event.  He’s not technically a pony, but he still pegs the cute meter in our book!

As You Wish is a 14.1h Paint pony gelding.  He’s well-known for his interesting markings and incredible blue eyes!

Pretty please can I have one? Thanks to Leslie for sharing her photography with us and for bringing 3-day eventing into our living rooms. And especially for bringing adorable eventing ponies into our living rooms. You can see more of her work at www.lesliethrelkeld.com and, if you haven’t yet bought your photo from Poplar Place to remember all the good times you can still do so. You can also follow her comings and goings on her blog.

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

We all know what it feels like to run cross-country whether we’re leaping into the water at Rolex or jumping up our first bank at Beginner Novice. But capturing that feeling in a photo is a different feat entirely. Photographer Leslie Threlkeld does just.  We’re lucky enough to get a glimpse of her favorite cross-country photos from 2010.

Leslie caught gripping moments on the World Equestrian Games cross-country course. Like this one (that also captures those rad browbands the Germans wore).

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

And this one too.

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

I love how she captures the thrill and adrenaleine of cross-country but also the heart of our horses.  They make it happen.

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

And are there for us, bright and eager.

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

She captures such clever persepctives

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

and what it feels like to gallop across a field with the sun on your back and glittering on your horse.

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

Leslie pauses moments that only we felt and makes them possible to share.

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

It’s one thing to take a picture. It’s another thing entirely to capture a partnership.

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

photo by Leslie Threlkeld

Which is exactly what she does.

Thanks, Leslie, for sharing with us some of your favorite photos from 2010 and for capturing our hearts and dreams with your photography. Happy New Year to Team Three Days Three Ways and may 2011 be as full and bright as 2010.

In 2010 we were lucky enough to connect with the exceptionally talented photographer Nico Morgan who has kept us in the know with British eventing as well as awash in brilliant photographs. Let’s take a look back at 2010 through the lens of the inimitable Nico Morgan.

There were thrills, to be sure.

photo by Nico Morgan

photo by Nico Morgan

As well as spills.

photo by Nico Morgan

photo by Nico Morgan

But more than anything we spent the year with our horses in the little moments that aren’t communicated with words but with our hearts.

photo by Nico Morgan

We watched our favorite riders like Zara Phillips,

photo by Nico Morgan

and Oliver Townend.

photo by Nico Morgan

Photographers braved the rain, wind, and sun to capture the perfect moments for us including, here, Horse and Hound photographer Trevor Meeks, in front of the Head of the Lake at Badminton.

photo by Nico Morgan

Be sure to thank your fave photographers. They captured your favorite top riders as well as your own moments of glory.

photo by Nico Morgan

Caroline Powell won Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

photo by Nico Morgan

And Paul Tapner’s name became an eventing household name.

photo by Nico Morgan

Nico makes sure we are in the heart of all things horse including side-saddle. You know how I’m partial to that! Can you see Ellie and I doing something like this?

photo by Nico Morgan

Or maybe this?

photo by Nico Morgan

2010 brought us moments of glory,

photo by Nico Morgan

And moments of quiet reflection as with this sunbathing fox.

photo by Nico Morgan

We enjoyed every moment of 3-day eventing’s top competitions like Badminton,

photo by Nico Morgan

As well as those quiet moments with our horses at dusk when we are the only things that exist in the whole world.

photo by Nico Morgan

Yes, 2010 has been quite a year.

photo by Nico Morgan

Even when things got tough

photo by Nico Morgan

Our horses were there for us with a warm breath and a nicker.

photo by Nico Morgan

Thanks to the Three Days Three Ways Team for making 2010 something special.  And thanks to Nico Morgan for bringing every bit of it to our doorstep. Make him part of your 2011 (as we will here) but visiting his website and finding him on Facebook. Then you’ll have every bit of 2011 captured too.  Here’s to 2011 and to you!

Have you submitted your entry yet for the Thelwell Pony Look-a-like Contest sponsored by SmartPak? I love those adorably naughty ponies and can’t get enough of the original drawings by Thelwell himself or of the photos you’re sending in.  Each one makes my day over and over again. What perfectly mischevious, round, fuzzy ponies I’m meeting!  I can’t wait for you to meet them too.

Remember to send your entry in to threedaysthreewaysblog@gmail.com by midnight this Thursday, December 9th along with a short note about how your horse or pony resembles  a Thelwell Pony. I’ll narrow the results down to the finalists and then you get to pick the winner.

And what will the lucky winner receive?  Why, a smashing SmartPink or SmartBlue turnout!  Perfect timing for the chilly weather and the holiday giving season. Send more Thelwell ponies for me (and soon you!) to meet!

Welcome to the “Thelwell Pony Look-a-Like Contest” sponsored by Smart Pak. I have such a weakness for adorable, naughty, fat, furry ponies that it will come as no surprise that Thelwell ponies are my favorite of all with their antics, sillyness, and brave little riders. Do you have a pony or horse who looks like a Thelwell pony?

For this contest send a photo of your pony (or horse) to: threedaysthreewaysblog@gmail.com

The deadline is THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9th 2010

Include a note or story about why your pony is like a Thelwell pony.  I will post all of the entries and then will choose finalists.  YOU get to choose the winner! The winner will score a Smart Pink or SmartBlue Turnout.  Perfect timing to give as a holiday present or to keep as your very own!  Here are some more examples of Thelwell ponies (remember, your horse or pony might resemble a Thelwell Pony is appearance, attitude, or style):

Good luck!

photo by Josh Walker

Surely you’ve noticed the abundance of incredible photography on Three Days Three Ways.  A key source to that photography is Josh Walker.  Josh is the principal of Red Horse Videography and Photography, a company dedicated to helping up and coming event riders, organizers, breeders, and owners promote their horses, themselves, their events, and their farms, as well as gain new sponsorship and publicity opportunities. Maybe you’ve seen some of his work recently like the video for Galway Downs 2010? It’s the height of craft and professionalism.

Incredibly, Josh didn’t pick up a camera until after high school when he wandered to the beach with some friends to surf and, for the first time, captured memories in a frame.

photo by Josh Walker

His love for photography grew from there and expanded to the equestrian world (thank goodness for us).

Josh also works for the United States Eventing Association handling most of the new media appearing on the USEA website including video, audio, photography, and other interactive elements. He is typically easy to spot at most competitions with multiple cameras and lenses hanging from each shoulder. Don’t be alarmed if he approaches you with cameras and microphones in hand and asks for an interview.

photo by Josh Walker

Though I have no idea how he fits it all in there can be no doubt that he’s putting some of the best photography and videography out there.  And we’re lucky times two or three to have him contributing to Three Days Three Ways.

To immerse yourself in more of Josh Walker’s work visit The Red Horse.

bio written by Josh Walker and Courtney Young

It’s hard to get enough of the Burghley Horse Trials. I could scroll through pictures all day, as a matter of fact.  If you don’t have quite all day maybe these final few images will satisfy your curiosity and passion for one of the finest horse trials in the world.  Thanks again to Nico Morgan for making this happen!

Geoff Curran on The Jump Jet.  Geoff made our Rolex 2010 Best Dressed List. Twice. He’ll also be riding for Ireland at the World Equestrian Games.  So we’ll be seeing him soon!

(photo by Nico Morgan)

You can’t miss the long and lean profile of William Fox-Pitt.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Sarah Stretton on Lazy Acres Skip On make for a bright and smiling pair (as we’ll see again in a moment).

(photo by Nico Morgan)

That’s Sarah and Lazy Acres Skip On.  Smiling like I said!  Check out the series of jog photos in which she’s beaming in each.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Pheobe Buckley and Little Tiger. What a neat perspective, no? I think Phoebe looks like she’s stepping out to a summer lawn party.  Let’s all go!

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Oliver Townend and Carousel Quest.  What a happy partnership.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Oliver Townend and Carousel Quest once again. Doesn’t Oliver look quite dashing?  I love the jacket with that Carolina Blue tie. Such a country gentleman.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Lauren Collett on Quixotic.  I quite like her look with the brown dressage saddle and brown bridle. A little bit different but still polished and graceful.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Laura Collett, this time with Ginger May Killinghurst.  Do you think she’s wearing Dubarry?

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Georgie Strang and Master Monarch. Dubarry again?

(photo by Nico Morgan)

I know, that ended all too soon.  If you’d like to flip through photo after photo don’t let me stop you (in fact, I confess to doing the same). Visit Nico Morgan’s online galleries and indulge!

It would hardly be Burghley if we didn’t soak in some of the running and jumping. Thanks to Nico Morgan-we can!

Bruce Haskell and Kiwi Smog

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Clare Lewis and Sidnificant

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Jeanette Brakewell and Chill Out Bob

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Oliver Townend and Carousel Quest

(photo by Nico Morgan)

What tells me you’re thinking “That’s it?”.  I know, it’s never enough.  If you’re looking to get more running and jumping from Burghley, then pop over for a visit to Nico’s online photo galleries.  While you’re at it have a look-see at these dogs as well.  A personal favorite!

The talented British photographer, Nico Morgan, pounded the pavement (rather, the field) at Burghley to capture the British world-class competition for all of us at Three Days Three Ways. I couldn’t be more grateful and I expect you’d agree! To kick things off enjoy these candid moments from Burghley.  Then we’ll dive into running and jumping.

Smiling eventer Terry Boon inadvertently reflects the face of defending champion Oliver Townend and the beautiful scene at the dressage arena.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Zara Phillips, daughter of American Team Coach Captain Mark Phillips and granddaughter to the Queen of England, looking sporty and smart.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

William Fox-Pitt with the most perfect red-head on his shoulders.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Chef D’Equipe of the British eventing squad, Yogi Bresiner.  Note the glasses.  I have it on good authority (ahem, Samantha Clark from the 2010 WEG Radio Show) that these little numbers are all the rage across the pond. You may see them on a top American event rider or two if you have luck on your side.  Maybe we’ll be talking about them next year at Rolex?

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Last year’s Burghley winner, Oliver Townend, having a laugh.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Eventing legend Mary King who led the field after dressage.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

We’ve discussed how to make your own quarter marks at Rolex, seen clever ones at the USEA American Eventing Championships, and now we’ve seen some up close and personal from Burghley on Chinese eventer Alex Hue Tain‘s Irish Fiddle.  The stars are the same you’ll find on the Chinese flag.  I love the spirit as well as the style.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Eventer Nick Gauntlet.  Wearing, yes, Dubarry’s!

(photo by Nico Morgan)

Your Burghley Horse Trials 2010 winner, New Zealand eventer Caroline Powell.

(photo by Nico Morgan)

When I look at Nico Morgan’s phtographs it feels like I’m standing at his elbow and can hear the pounding hooves, the crackle of the announcer, and the laughter of cheery eventers.  Thank goodness we have more photos still to come from Nico for this look inside Burghley. Do you think we can all fit on one plane together next year so we can be there in person?  Maybe we’ll need two…