Posted in "Equine Photography", equestrian, Equestrian Sports, Horse Photography, Just For Fun, Sporting Life, Sporting Lifestyles, Uncategorized, What's New?, tagged "All Rights Reserved", "Hunter Pace", "Priscilla K. Miller", "Trail ride", Central New Jersey Photographer, countryside, equine photographer, Horses, New Jersey, pet photography, pet portraiture, portrait photographer, Priscilla K. Miller Photography, Senior Photo, Senior Portrait, Somerset County Photographer, Sporting Lifestyle Photographer, SPring on May 8, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Spring has sprung and Hunter Paces abound! There is no excuse not to get out and ride with friends and family.
Essex Fox Hounds will host a pace this Saturday, May 12th at Cedar Lane Farm http://essexfoxhounds.org/
Spring Valley Hounds in New Vernon on Sunday June 3rd http://www.springvalleyhounds.com/Pages/HunterPace.aspx
Amwell Valley Hounds on Sunday, June 10th http://www.amwellvalleyhounds.com/pacesclinic.html
and many other…so ride with your friends!
Posted in equestrian, Equestrian Sports, Horse Photography, News & Links, Sporting Life, Sporting Lifestyles, steeplechase, Uncategorized, tagged "All Rights Reserved", "Amwell Valley Hounds", "FLSS Hunter Pace", "Friends of Lord Stirling", "Hamilton Farm", "Hunter Pace", "Lord Stirling Stables", "Race for Open Space", "Tewksbury Trail Association", "Trail Pace", "USEF Talent Search", ©2011 Priscilla K. Miller, Central New Jersey Photographer, countryside, equine photographer, Essex Fox Hounds Hunter Trials, horse, Horses, hunting, Priscilla K. Miller Photography, Somerset County Photographer, Sporting Lifestyle Photographer on September 23, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
And while Hurricane Irene has played havoc with scheduling here’s a run down of some great events coming up.
This past weekend the Tewksbury Trail Association held their fall hunter pace at the Christie Hoffman Farm in Tewksbury. They designed a lovely course with both short and long options that covered trails mostly outside the park this year. Riders covered some beautiful country with jumps, and go arounds placed along the trails.
Riders of all ages will compete in the beautiful setting of the Essex Hunt Club over a rolling course that simulates the hunt country. The event will begin at 8:30 A.M. and will be held rain or shine. You need not be a foxhunter to participate.
Events will include Over Fences and Under Saddle classes for children and adults, Lead Line, a Costume Class, and team challenges. The prize list is available for download at: http://essexfoxhounds.org/
A concessions stand will offer breakfast, simple grilled foods, snacks and beverages for purchase.
The USEF Show Jumping East Coast Talent Search Finals will be held at the USET Gladstone, NJ facility on October 7, 8th & 9th. Come and watch some amazing young talent compete
In preparation for the Essex Fox Hounds’ NAPPA Point To Point Races, “A Race for Open Space “ which will be held at Cedar Lane Farm in Oldwick , NJ on Oct. 30th, the hounds will be holding a point to point clinic will be held Saturday, October 8th at Cedar Lane Farm, for those interested in racing. Please email info@essexfoxhounds.org for more information.
The pace, which begins at 9 am will be held at Sourland Farm in Ringoes. Riders will cover the scenic and rolling hunt country of the Amwell Valley Hounds, and will have the opportunity to ride over fences or opt out and go around. First riders go out at 9:00, last riders out at 1 pm. Prizes for optimal times in several categories will be awarded, and the winners of the Triple Crown Series will be announced. Link to information: http://www.amwellvalleyhounds.com/pacesclinic.html
A ‘not to be missed’ event, this year’s race meeting promises to be better than ever and will include a vendor village, family area and of course some of the best steeplechasing to be seen in America. Tickets can be purchased both locally and on-line and the race meeting’s website is a wealth of information on the how to’s of attending a steeplechase for those of you who have not made it to Far Hills yet: http://www.farhillsrace.org
The EFH Hunter Trials is the first of several fall events hosted by the Essex Fox Hounds and will be followed by the annual Hunter Pace on Sunday, October 23rd at Cedar Lane Farm in Oldwick. This day out on horseback will cover trails over the scenic hunting countryside of Oldwick and Tewksbury. First riders go out at 8:30, last riders out at 3 pm. Prizes for optimal times in several categories will be awarded.
The hounds will hold their annual Hunt Ball at the historic USET Stables at Gladstone Saturday evening. The dinner dance will begin with cocktails at 6:30 followed by dinner at 7:30. Tickets maybe purchased by contacting Hunt Secretary, Karen Murphy at info@essexfoxhounds.org
Point to Point Racing
Post time for the first race will be 11:20 AM. Races will include something for everyone: pony races, foxhunter races, lead-line races and stick pony races, in addition to several NAPPA races over fences. Finish line tailgate spaces are available for purchase and the day will also include a parade of coaches. Unreserved parking is available, so gather your friends, pack a picnic and come out for a great day in the country. For more information about any of the Essex Fox Hounds events listed above, please email info@essexfoxhounds.org.
To wind up the weekend the USET Foundation is holding a Hamilton Farm Historic Stable Tour on Sunday October 30th at 4:30pm at the USET in Gladstone, NJ. The tour includes cocktails & hors d’ oeuvres, presentations by Bonnie B. Jenkins, Executive Director of the US Equestrian Team Foundation, and local author and historian W. Barry Thomson, and a Special Performance Dressage Grand Prix Musical Freestyle. This is a wonderful way to finish the weekend and support the USET. Contact the USET at: info@uset.org.
The pace which was originally slated for September has been re-scheduled due to the after effects of Hurricane Irene. The trails will be beautiful and perhaps Irene created a new jump or two. Come on out for another great Hunter Pace and enjoy a day with friends and family while supporting the horse of Lord Stirling Stables. A brochure and entry form can be found here: http://www.flssnj.org/Upcoming-events/index.html
I will be out photographing some of these events and being a spectator at others, so stop by and say hello. See you there!
NB be sure to check with each organization as dates may still be changed due to the weather.
Posted in "Equine Photography", equestrian, Equestrian Sports, Everyday Life, Horse Photography, horse portraits, Horses, Just For Fun, Portraits, Sporting Life, Sporting Lifestyles, What's New?, tagged "All Rights Reserved", American Foxhound, ©2011 Priscilla K. Miller, Bryn Mawr, Bryn Mawr Hound Show, busy, countryside, equine photographer, Grand Prix, horse, Horses, Hunter Farms, jumpers, Lensbaby, natural light, natural light portrait, outtake, Portrait, Priscilla K. Miller Photography, silhouette, Sporting Lifestyle Photographer, summer on August 7, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Oh how I wish summer was longer. It has been a busy time, and I miss the long days of May and June. Recently, the cicadas have started the annual wing beating, the days are hotter, the corn is tall and lush and tomatoes hang heavy on the vine, all signs that the end of summer is drawing near.
It was not so long ago I was at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show, or the Princeton Jumpers Grand Prix at Hunter Farms or shooting one of several of the late spring and early summer hunter paces here in New Jersey. I have spent dawns photographing wildlife, and as many evenings watching the sunset in the distance over far hills and fields of freshly mown hay in windrows waiting to be baled. Portraits have been made, new projects planned; life has been rich and full as it should be. Ah summer…..
Here are a few images reflecting what I have been up to this summer……… enjoy.
Bryn Mawr Hound Show - PBGV IN FLIGHT
Bryn Mawr Hound Show - American Foxhound Class
Princeton Jumpers Grand Prix at Hunter Farms through my lensbaby.
Portrait Shoot 'Outtake'
Posted in Everyday Life, Uncategorized, tagged "All Rights Reserved", "armed service", "grateful American", "Memorial Day", "peace time", "Thank You", ©2011 Priscilla K. Miller, Bernardsville, Central New Jersey Photographer, equine photographer, Holiday, New Jersey, Parade, photo, Photographer, Priscilla K. Miller Photography, Somerset County Photographer, wartime on May 31, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Like many towns, we have an annual parade to observe Memorial Day and thank and honor those men and women who have served their country, both in war time and in peace. The ranks are thinning every year as the veterans age; we do not have many young people who serve, a sign of both affluence and possibly apathy, and certainly of changing attitudes towards serving in the military. For my father’s generation it was a question of duty; you served. He chose the army another brother the navy, and so on. My grandmother stoically sent her sons, she had 4, off to war and welcomed them home with huge banners hung across the front of their home and the warm embrace of a mother whose relief at their safe return was, I am, sure quite palpable. I can’t imagine sending either of my sons off to war, I love them too much, and I can’t imagine how mothers feel when their children tell them they have enlisted or applied to Annapolis, West Point, etc. I am just not that brave, but I am extremely thankful and grateful to all of those men and women who do serve and protect our freedoms, and I admire their parents’ quiet resolve and inner strength, while they await the safe return of their sons and daughters.
Posted in "Equine Photography", equestrian, Equestrian Sports, Horse Photography, Sporting Life, Sporting Lifestyles, Uncategorized, What's New?, tagged "All Rights Reserved", "cross country", "Jersey Fresh CCI**/*** CIC**/***", ©2011 Priscilla K. Miller, CCI***, CIC***, countryside, eventers, eventing, Fernhill Fearless, horse, Horses, Jersey fresh, jump, Lisa Marie Ferguson, New Jersey, Nina Ligon, Priscilla K. Miller Photography, Rebecca Howard, Rocquefort, Smart Move, sport, Sporting Lifestyle Photographer, stadium, wter complex, xc on May 16, 2011 | 1 Comment »
Canada's Rebecca Howard & Rocquefort at the Water Complex - 2011 Jersey Fresh CIC**
Lisa Marie Ferguson aboard Smart Move Over the Hay Rack - 2011 Jersey Fresh CCI** Division Winners
I have just spent the last 5 days commuting back and forth to Allentown to photograph the 2011 Jersey Fresh CCI/CIC two and three star events. Jersey Fresh evolved from the old three day event started in my neck of the woods known as the Essex Horse Trials. The first events were held at Hoopstick Farm in Bedminter, the home of Roger Haller, a driving force behind the trials. It was then and still is an event supported by volunteers. I have fond memories of painting lots and lots of white dressage fences with friends, others served as fences judges, runners, etc. We were all put to work and had a lot of fun doing it. The Essex Horse Trials later moved to Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, the home of the USET at the time. The event grew larger and attracted both American and international competitors. Roads and tracks were held on the dirt roads of the surrounding area and the steeplechase phase in a large field, nearby. The event has since moved to Allentown at the horse park, formats have changed, but is still a great competition for riders and spectators alike. If you have never been, mark you calendar for next May. Go eventing!
Nina Ligon & Fernhill Fearless display quiet determination as they clear a jump in the final stadium phase of the CCI*** division.
Posted in Everyday Life, Just For Fun, Sporting Lifestyles, Travel, Uncategorized, tagged "All Rights Reserved", "The Tudors", ©2011 Priscilla K. Miller, court, Court Tennis, Gold Racquets, New York, Priscilla K. Miller Photography, racquet, Real Tennis, Royal Tennis, sport, Sporting Lifestyle Photographer, Sporting lifestyles, Tuxedo Club, US Court Tennis Association on March 21, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Last month I had the pleasure of watching my first Court Tennis Tournament. The Gold Racquets is an annual Court Tennis and Racquets Tournament held at the Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, NY. The invitational tournament drew players from all along the eastern seaboard as well as Montreal, Canada and England.
Played since the 12th century, court tennis or ‘real tennis’ is a sport of royalty. Viewers of the BBC series “the Tudors” may recall seeing Henry VII playing the game in one of the episodes. Court tennis is played indoors on a court which recalls the architecture of a French cloister. The court consists of four concrete walls which incorporate various architectural elements and/or hazards including the penthouse, tambour, grille, winning gallery, hazard, and mainwall. There are more elements to the court, and for a complete description I suggest you read ” A Short History” found on the US Court Tennis Association’s website http://www.uscta.org.
The game is one of strategy akin to chess or bridge and is fascinating to watch. I highly recommend searching out a club nearby and watching this unique game.
Posted in "Equine Photography", equestrian, Everyday Life, Horse Photography, horse portraits, Horses, Just For Fun, Pets, Portraits, Sporting Lifestyles, Uncategorized, What's New?, tagged "All Rights Reserved", "Be Mine", "image making", "Portrait Session Special", "portrait session", "Priscilla K. Miller", "Special Offer", "Valentines Day", ©2011 Priscilla K. Miller, countryside, Discount, dog portraits, equestrian photography, equine photography, equine portraiture, Horses, Love, New Jersey, pet photography, pet portraiture, Portrait, portriature, Priscilla K. Miller Photography, Somerset County Photographer, Sporting Lifestyle Photographer, Valentine on February 14, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Happy Valentines Day!
Love is in the air today, and I want to spread the love!
I love what I do, I really do. Photographing people and their horses makes me happy; and seeing the pleasure that people get from receiving a great image of themselves with their horse can’t be beat. So to thank all of you for your continued support and friendship, I am offering a special portrait session opportunity to you and your friends.
The first ten readers to both subscribe to my blog and send me an email will receive a portrait session for themselves along with their horse, pet or family member at a 40% discount off the usual rate of $300. This offer expires at ten confirmed clients or February 21st whichever happens first.
Of course there is some fine print to consider:
This offer is limited to ten clients, and to sessions within 20 miles of Bernardsville, NJ. Further travel to be billed at current rates.
A fifty percent deposit of $130.00 is required, in advance, to reserve your date.
Dates may be booked now through June 2011.
No print purchases are required, but I will be offering a special discount on certain items for these sessions.
So I look forward to hearing from you, and feel free to pass this along to your friends; spread the love, after all is Valentines Day!
My email: pkmillerphotography@gmail.com
Posted in "Equine Photography", equestrian, Everyday Life, Horse Photography, horse portraits, Horses, Just For Fun, Nature, Sporting Lifestyles, Uncategorized, tagged "All Rights Reserved", "cold weather", ©2011 Priscilla K. Miller, ©2011 Priscilla K. Miller Photography, brown horse, chillin', chilly, cold, forecast, freezing, frost, gelding, green, horse, Horses, hot toddies, muzzle, New Jersey, NOAA, nose, Portrait, Priscilla K. Miller Photography, shed, snow, snow fall, snow flakes, snow storm, Somerset County Photographer, storm, weather, whiskers, winter on January 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Yesterday, when I woke up I say snowflakes pouring down. Wasn’t supposed to be happening, yet. So I hauled on the long underwear and went out to shoot in the snow, a favorite time for me to shoot despite the fact I hate it when it’s this cold. Think metal camera body and bare fingers brrrr; like Flick getting his tongue stuck on the flagpole in a Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd. But I digress.
Got to the barn and the geldings had already been turned out. Bored already, some were galloping around chasing each other, some were biting at each other in play and others were just huddling back-ends to the weather side. The main pasture has no natural shelter nor any manmade run in sheds so the ‘boys’ rough it for a few hours each day while the barn is mucked, bedding freshened, etc. before it’s time to come in for a midday feed and then be readied for afternoon lessons. The mares are being turned out in the lower paddocks, along side the private turnouts for boarders. I found this clever fellow back-end to the weather in the lea of a turn out shed, just chillin’ (excuse the pun .) We hung out for awhile, he snuffling me and my camera and wondering why in the world I was out in the cold, sitting in the snow and clicking away.
As I write more snow is falling, this is the big one, or should I say another Big One, and this is only January; the real snows of February are waiting in the wings. So stay warm my friends, enjoy the snow and all the true wonders of winter.
PS – I just checked the NOAA forecast for my area and there are snowflakes on everyday through Saturday! Battened down the hatches and fire up the hot toddies!
Posted in "Equine Photography", Everyday Life, Just For Fun, Nature, Sporting Lifestyles, Uncategorized, tagged "All Rights Reserved", "Quintessential Fox", ©2011 Priscilla K. Miller, cold, country life, countryside, dog fox, equine photogtapher, fox, hunting, january, male, male fox, New Jersey, omnivore, portrait photographer, Priscilla K. Miller Photography, rabbit, red fox, roadside, snow, Somerset County Photographer, Sporting Lifestyle Photographer, vulpes vulpes, winter, winter scene on January 24, 2011 | 1 Comment »
We are looking at record low temperatures here on the East coast; readings of 5 degrees F and wind chills in the minus numbers….BRRRRR, teeth chattering weather. Snow covered by ice, covered by snow has reduced fox hunting to walking out hounds for exercise, and many fox hunters are choosing to spend the balance of the winter in warmer climes. So all of this is bad for fox hunting, behind hounds, BUT it has made for wonderful fox viewing.
The snow cover has forced the foxes to hunt more in the open and are now more visible to passersby. I have seen plenty hunting in fields and hedgerows just off the roadside. I see their tracks criss-crossing snow covered paths in the woods, and smell their musky scent; I know they are out and about. I think that I have seen more foxes since Christmas, and our first real snow fall, than I have all fall….and I have been looking.
Every fox hunting photographer wants that picture, the fox just staring into the camera, ears pricked, eyes focused in their direction, standing still, but ready to run off at any moment – the quintessential fox photograph. It links us to the hunt, but in a very intimate way; no one else in the field gets this point of view…ever. It is as thought the fox has shared this special moment with us, and no one else; a small reward for following, watching, waiting and appreciating all that mother nature has put before us.
So yesterday I reaped that reward, along a roadside, driving to a photography workshop, secretly wishing I was going hunting instead. Turning a bend in the road, I saw what I first thought was a dog rooting around in the snow, but to my surprise it was a lovely red fox. I pulled over, dug out my camera and switched lenses, thinking all the time that he would just run off before I could snap a few. My car window was frozen closed, so I quietly got out of the car, and stepped knee deep into the snow bank and into position. He just stood there, far more interested in whatever was in the snow than me. Turns out he was enjoying a breakfast in the sunshine, a little bit of rabbit which he must have killed earlier and elsewhere, and then cached in the snow for another time, as the snow was clean and white around him. I spent about 8 minutes photographing him, talking to him, whistling at him to get his attention and watching him. At times we were as close as 3 meters! It was an amazing, probably once in a lifetime experience.
The photo above is almost the quintessential fox shot, but not quite; however I chose this one because even a fox carries a lucky rabbit’s foot with him!
